Performance tests that are specific to soccer match
performance were used in the present study. In this regard,
it has been shown that maximal vertical jump is the most
discriminating explosive performance variable for soccer
players (18). A 30-m sprint with 10-m lap time has been
suggested as the standard sprint test for soccer players (37).
Shooting is an important skill in soccer and is one of the
ways to score goals, which could lead to team and individual
success. The YYIRT is a soccer-specific test addressing
both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism of players (4).
Finally, the Vam Eval Test is a continuous maximal incremental
running test that estimates the velocity associated
with maximum aerobic speed (MAS) and has been used to
assess soccer players (10,14). Therefore, in the present study,
we examined players’ lower body strength (back half squat)
and explosive performances (maximal vertical jump, ball
shooting, and 30-m sprint with 10-m lap time), upper
body strength (bench press), intermittent aerobic endurance
(Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test—level one), and continuous
aerobic endurance (Vam Eval Test).