Effects of Different Post Warm-Up Strategies for Non-Starter Players in Futsal.

Abstract

Futsal warm-ups are crucial pre-match routines designed to enhance players' readiness. However, non-starter players inevitably face longer periods of inactivity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various post warm-up strategies on physical performance of non-starter players in futsal. Thirteen highly trained male futsal players participated in this study during the in-season period. All players performed three distinct post warm-up strategies over consecutive days: REST, dynamic stretching (DYS), and a combination of plyometrics with change of direction drills (PLY-COD). After performing a standard warm-up, players remained inactive for 10 min, mirroring the traditional time window leading up to the start of the match. Subsequently, post warm-up strategies were implemented. Testing included a countermovement-jump, a reactive strength index, 5- and 10-m sprints, and a 505 COD test. Players were tested 10 min after the conclusion of the warm-up and immediately after the post warm-up strategy. The PLY-COD strategy yielded positive effects across all variables. Running performance improved with small to moderate effect in both sprint (-2.2 ± 1.9%), (-1.6 ± 1.7%), and COD (-2.9 ± 3.5%) tests. Conversely, both DYS and REST strategies had a detrimental impact on running and jumping performances, with this impairment being more pronounced in running following REST strategy, particularly in the 10-m linear sprint (1.4 ± 1.7%). These results suggest that remaining inactive or exerting limited effort after a warm-up may be detrimental to physical performance of futsal non-starter players. On the other hand, PLY-COD drills could be effective strategies to maintain or even enhance physical performance following the warm-up.