Futsal matches are characterized by fast passing, shooting, intercepting, dribbling and free for making actions. In particular, to get "free for marking" the players need very complex technical capabilities in choosing the proper timing to anticipate the opponent, and in selecting the appropriate field zone for correctly realizing the skill (Nuccorini, 2002). Rhythmic training proved to improve the locomotor and jumping abilities of children (Derri et al., 2001; Zachopoulou et al., 2004) and the technical abilities of young tennis players (Zachopoulou & Mantis, 2004). Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects a rhythmic training on the "free for marking" capacity of female futsal players following a rhythmic training. Methods Sixteen female futsal players (25±5 yrs) involved in the Italian First League "Serie A" 2006-2007 Women`s Futsal Championship participated in this study. They were equally divided in the experimental and control groups. For 16 weeks the experimental group performed a rhythmic training twice a week during which futsal drills with or without ball were performed according to the music. The exercises and music varied every two weeks. The ratio between the "free for marking" and the total performed actions during three-minute matches was used to evaluate the players` futsal ability. A video-analysis was performed at the beginning and at the end of the 16-week experimental period. ANOVA for repeated measures was applied to evaluate the differences (p<0.05) between pre and post training performances. Results At the end of the 16 experimental weeks, the experimental group significantly (p=0.01) improved the "free for marking" ability (pre=58±21%; post=67±9%), while no significant difference emerged in the control group (pre=58±21%; post=61±5%). Conclusions For a futsal player "free for marking" is one of the most important capabilities, often crucial to positively conclude the attacking actions (Nuccorini, 2002). The present findings showed that futsal players could benefit from a rhythmic training to improve this specific skill, which strongly rely on timing (Zachopoulou & Mantis, 2001).
© Copyright 2009 14th annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, Oslo/Norway, June 24-27, 2009, Book of Abstracts. Veröffentlicht von The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.