Cluster sets (CS) are effective in maintaining performance and reducing perceived effort compared to traditional sets (TRD). However, little is known about these effects on adolescent athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of CS on the performance of mechanical and perceptual variables in young athletes. Eleven subjects [4 boys (age = 15.5 ± 0.8 years; body mass = 54.3 ± 7.0 kg; body height = 1.67 ± 0.04 m; Back Squat 1RM/body mass: 1.62 ± 0.19 kg; years from peak height velocity [PHV]: 0.94 ± 0.50) and 7 girls (age = 17.2 ± 1.4 years; body mass = 54.7 ± 6.3 kg; body height = 1.63 ± 0.08 m; Back Squat 1RM/body mass: 1.22 ± 0.16 kg; years from PHV: 3.33 ± 1.00)] participated in a randomized crossover design with one traditional (TRD: 3 × 8, no intra-set and 225 s interest rest) and two clusters (CS1: 3 × 2 × 4, one 30 s intra-set and 180 s inter-set rest; and CS2: 3 × 4 × 2, three 30 s intra-set and 90 s inter-set rest) protocols. The subjects were assessed for a Back Squat 1RM for the first meet, then performed the three protocols on three different days, with at least 48 h between them. During experimental sessions, a back squat exercise was performed, and mean propulsive velocity (MPV), power (MPP), and force (MPF) were collected to analyze performance between protocols, together with measures of countermovement jump (CMJ) and perceptual responses through Rating of Perceived Exertion for each set (RPE-Set) and the overall session (S-RPE), and Muscle Soreness (DOMS). The results showed that velocity and power decline (MVD and MPD) were favorable for CS2 (MVD: −5.61 ± 14.84%; MPD: −5.63 ± 14.91%) against TRD (MVD: −21.10 ± 11.88%; MPD: −20.98 ± 11.85%) (p < 0.01) and CS1 (MVD: −21.44 ± 12.13%; MPD: −21.50 ± 12.20%) (p < 0.05). For RPE-Set, the scores were smaller for CS2 (RPE8: 3.23 ± 0.61; RPE16: 4.32 ± 1.42; RPE24: 4.46 ± 1.51) compared to TRD (RPE8: 4.73 ± 1.33; RPE16: 5.46 ± 1.62; RPE24: 6.23 ± 1.97) (p = 0.008), as well as for Session RPE (CS2: 4.32 ± 1.59; TRD: 5.68 ± 1.75) (p = 0.015). There were no changes for jump height (CMJ: p = 0.985), and the difference between time points in CMJ (ΔCMJ: p = 0.213) and muscle soreness (DOMS: p = 0.437) were identified. Our findings suggest that using CS with a greater number of intra-set rests is more efficient even with the total rest interval equalized, presenting lower decreases in mechanical performance and lower perceptual effort responses.

Periodization has been used for years in the sports domain as a method of controlling and planning training to reach the highest performance and decrease injury risk. Several periodization models have been developed, such as traditional, block, and undulating. Those models are theoretical training structures designed to facilitate understanding, study, and organization of training. Based on studies, certain models have shown to be superior to others. For instance, block periodization seemed to be more efficient for advanced athletes than traditional and undulating models. While for novice athletes, the chosen model has not seemed to affect their development. Although periodization has been largely studied, the experiments have several limitations, such as considering only training variation as periodization, using short-term investigations, and disregarding the technical and tactical components. Therefore, this critical review aimed to describe and discuss the contents related to traditional, block, and undulating periodization models and to provide coaches with a practical application of each of those models to develop strength, power, and endurance for novice and advanced athletes.

Background: The methodological approach to plyometric training can influence the magnitude of adaptations by accumulating acute responses that result in long-term adaptations. However, there is a lack of studies comparing cluster methods and traditional models of plyometric training organization regarding the magnitude of medium-term adaptations. Objective: This study aimed to compare cluster and traditional repetition methods on the resulting adaptations in jump performance, speed, and change of direction in young soccer players through plyometric training. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted over 6 weeks. In total, thirty male youth soccer players participated in the study, with nine allocated to the traditional training method group (TRD) (age = 14.83 ± 0.52 years) where they performed 3 × 10:225 s, ten players assigned to the cluster training group (CS) (age = 14.50 ± 0.52 years) where they performed 3 × 5 × 2:30s:45 s, and 11 athletes allocated to the control group (CON) (age = 14.73 ± 0.46 years). Players were evaluated pre-and post the 6 weeks of training in the 30-meter sprint (T30), change of direction (COD 505), countermovement jump (CMJ), and standing long jump (SLJ) tests. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the T30 (p < 0.001), COD 505 (p = 0.039), and CMJ (p < 0.01) for the time factor (pre vs. post) but not for SLJ (p = 0.49). Between-subject effects showed significant differences in T30 (p < 0.01) and COD 505 (p < 0.01), favoring the CON group over both training groups. The interaction between time and training method revealed significant differences for COD 505 (p < 0.01) and CMJ (p = 0.01), with the CON group showing better performance in COD 505 compared to both CS (p < 0.01) and TRD (p = 0.01) groups. No significant improvements were noted in SLJ across groups (p = 0.06). Conclusion: Plyometric training through both traditional and cluster set methods did not outperform the control condition in most measures, with the control group even showing a greater COD 505 performance compared to CS and TRD groups. Given that, regular soccer training might be sufficient for improving the assessed physical tests in young athletes, or the plyometric interventions might need adjustments in volume or intensity to yield more significant improvements.

OBJETIVO: Identificar a taxa de lesão de LCA em jovens atletas de futebol. MÉTODOS: A metodologia contou com a busca sistemática dos artigos em 4 bases de dados: “Pubmed/Medline”, “Science Direct”, “Web of Science” e “Lilacs” através dos seguintes descritores combinados: “Anterior Cruciate Ligament”, “Injury”, “Adolescents”, “Soccer Players” e “Athletes”. Foram selecionados para a revisão os estudos de 2016 a 2021 com dados referentes a lesões de LCA em atletas com idades dos 13 aos 18 anos de ambos os sexos. A revisão seguiu as diretrizes PRISMA, e avaliação da qualidade metodológica foi realizada através da lista de verificação STROBE. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 544 estudos, sendo selecionados os publicados no período de 2016 a 2021 (144). Através das etapas de leitura dos títulos (89), dos resumos (66), e dos artigos na íntegra (13), foram selecionados 4 estudos que atenderam o critério de inclusão apresentando desfecho sobre a taxa de lesões, onde se constatou maior incidência de lesões do LCA para meninas. Apesar disso, apenas dois dos estudos averiguou a incidência em relação a outras características (atividade, mecanismo, evento) de forma específica. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que a taxa de lesões de LCA é significativamente maior em meninas do que em meninos durante adolescência, tendo características de lesões sem contato e ocorrendo principalmente em competições, porém ainda são escassos os dados a respeito da natureza destas lesões.

Futsal practice could influence soccer skills due to adoption of constraints enhancing adaptation and leading to a better performance. However, little is known about early futsal practice on later soccer tactical knowledge. A cross-sectional study was conducted to verify the association between early futsal experience and tactical knowledge in soccer. Seventy-one soccer players were assessed regarding soccer and futsal experience, starting age, player ranking and position. A sports history questionnaire was applied, along with assessment of declarative tactical (DTK) and procedural (PTK) knowledge in match. Official matches were selected for PTK analysis, subdivided into actions performed (PAM) and not performed (NPAM) per minute and offensive tactical principles. No differences were found for any independent variable regarding futsal experience or competition level with the DTK and PTK in soccer, without correlation between both. There was a significant difference for “Club Rank” (p<0.05) favoring Rank A in PTK and PAM, however, for DTK in the overall sample (71), Rank C presented higher scores, which differences were no longer found in the subsample (29) (p=0.078). We suggest that earlier futsal experience does not mediate a better soccer tactical performance later on. Future studies should assess tactical performance concerning player perceived competence.