New work shows major sporting clubs may be tiring their players by warming up for too long. Studies by Victorian researchers compared performance after various warm-up routines including one conducted by a first class (Serie A) Italian soccer club.
The study showed a specific six-minute warm-up routine produced better results than the club’s all-encompassing 23-minute routine, which included run-throughs, stretching and change-of-direction tasks. The players’ speed, agility and jumping performance were all better after the short warm-up – by as much as 7 per cent – while athletes in the longer warm-up showed signs of fatigue.
James Zois, Institute of Sport Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University
Journal of Science and Sport Medicine; http://www.vu.edu.au/media/media-releases/long-warm-ups-fatiguing-players