Half‐time re‐warm up increases performance capacity in male elite soccer players

This study investigated the acute effects of a half‐time re‐warm up on performance and movement patterns in soccer match play. Using a crossover design, 22 professional male players performed traditional passive rest ( CON ) or a low‐intensity re‐warm up ( RW ) during the half‐time period of two soccer matches. Before and after the first half and before the second half, maximal sprint and jump performance were evaluated. Time–motion analysis of the first 15 min of each half was conducted. Sprint and jump performance were reduced ( P < 0.05) by 2.6% and 7.6%, respectively, during the half‐time period in CON , whereas sprint performance was maintained and the decrement in jump performance (3.1%; P < 0.05) was lower after RW . No significant interaction for high‐intensity running was observed, but less defensive high‐intensity running was observed after RW than CON (0.14 ± 0.06 vs 0.22 ± 0.07 km; P < 0.01). Moreover, RW had more possession of the ball in the beginning of the second half. In conclusion, traditional passive half‐time rest leads to impaired sprint and jump performance during the initial phase of the second half in professional soccer players whereas a re‐warm up effectively attenuates such deteriorations. Less defensive high‐intensity running and more ball possession were observed after RW , indicating a game advantage at the onset of the second half.