Effect of a Shortened FIFA11+ Warm-up Program and Sex-specific Footwear on Cutting in Youth Soccer Players

"The shortened FIFA11+ incorporates 5 exercises from the original FIFA11+ part 2 and 3: Sideways bench, single-leg stance, squats, jumping and plant and cut (refer to FIFA 11+ manual). All exercises, except plant and cut, have three levels of difficulty. Difficulty progression will follow FIFA11+ guideline option C where all players progress to the next level of all exercises after 3 or 4 weeks. This program is done on artificial turf.~Coaches will be trained on FIFA guidelines by the primary investigator and provided with explanatory placards and the FIFA 11+ manual. The primary investigator will conduct checks twice a week with the coaches to address any questions and review the program. Only the shortened FIFA11+ group will receive verbal feedback as per FIFA11+ guidelines."

"The control group engages in a Brazilian warm-up. The warm-up consists of exercises performed in standing and while running including the following:~* Performed in standing: Circular Arms (20-30 sec total), Opening and closing of the hips (20-30 sec total).~* Performed while running back and forth on the field: Jogging (2 times), high kicks (2 times), glute kicks (2 times)~* Performed while running forward (exercise), then small jog back without performing the exercise: hand-to-heel touches (2 times), knee and heel touches (2 times each side), side leg swings (2 times) and progressive sprint 80-90% speed (2 times).~Coaches will supervise the session but will not be allowed to give verbal feedback. This program is done on artificial turf."