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Pablo Luna-Villouta
University of Concepción, Chile
Chile
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2825-0303
Carlos Matus-Castillo
Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Chile.
Chile
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8019-6442
Cesar Faúndez- Casanova
Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile
Chile
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4501-4169
Claudio Hernández-Mosqueira
Universidad del Bio-Bio, chile
Chile
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9392-2319
Carol Flores-Rivera
Andrés Bello University, Chile
Chile
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8888-6819
Miguel Alarcón-Rivera
Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile
Chile
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8341-5567
Cristian Martínez Salazar
Universidad de la Frontera, Chile
Chile
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9216-1826
Gustavo Pavez-Adasme
Universidad Adventista de Chile
Chile
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4377-384X
Rodrigo Vargas Vitoria
Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile
Chile
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7554-9589
Vol. 11 No. 4 (2025), Original papers, pages 1-21

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2025.11.4.12179
Submitted: 2025-05-29 Published: 2025-10-29
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Abstract

In soccer, the preseason is typically a short period where training loads are intensified to improve the physical abilities that determine athletic performance. The objective of this study was to analyze changes in physical performance and body composition after a seven-week preseason in young Chilean soccer players. Sixty young male soccer players (16.2±1.7 years) participated, assessed before and after a seven-week preseason. In anthropometry and body composition, height, weight, circumference, and skinfold thickness were measured. Body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass were calculated, along with peak growth velocity acceleration (APVC). Physical performance was examined with, 10m, 20m and 30m sprints, 505 test, horizontal and countermovement jump (CMJ), and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) with 30-15IFT intermittent endurance test. The results show that, in body composition, there are significant reductions (p<0.01) in ∑ 6 skinfolds (d=1.08; “large”) and body fat (d=1.25; “large”). Physical performance presents significant improvements (p<0.01) in 10m sprint (d=4.02; “very large”), 20m (d=3.53; “very large”), 30m (d=2.32; “very large”), VO2max (d=1.02; “large”) and 505 test (p<0.05; d=0.34; “small”). In addition to the above improvements, U-19 soccer players showed significant improvements (p<0.01) in horizontal jump (d=1.19; "large"). We conclude that a seven-week preseason period induces significant improvements in indicators of adipose tissue, 10-30m sprint, VO2max, and 505 test in young Chilean soccer players.

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