Repeated Sprint Ability Depending on the Level of Condition among University Soccer Players

The purpose of this study is to investigate the repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance among university soccer players. Twenty-four university representatives were voluntarily recruited as participants of this study and were asked to perform the RSA test that was modified which includes change of direction component in it. Participants were required to perform the RSA test in two conditions, with and without ball. Sprint time, fatigue index (FI) and percentage of decrement score of sprinting (Sdec) were analysed and compared between both protocols. Results showed that the sprint time without ball was significantly faster compared to sprint time with ball. Besides that, the FI and Sdec were shown to be significantly higher in with ball condition compared to without ball condition. Due to the drop of performance seen in the with ball condition, it shown the need for coaches and athletes to enhance the ability to move fast with ball, as this will enhance their team ability to control the ball possession which may affect the outcome of a soccer match.