Visit Maximum Aerobic Speed (VMA) is a crucial indicator for footballers, as it represents the speed at which an athlete reaches his or her maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max). Not only does this indicator enable us to gauge a player's physical performance, it also enables us to plan appropriate training programs. We'll look at why VMA (maximum aerobic speed) is so important in soccer, and how it can be measured and optimized.
Definition of vma
VMA is defined as the speed at which an athlete reaches his or her maximum oxygen consumption, VO2Max. This speed is influenced by genetic factors and the player's level of training. Below this value, oxygen consumption increases in proportion to the intensity of effort. Above it, oxygen consumption remains stable, and energy comes mainly from anaerobic lactic metabolism.
Footballers' VMA varies between 8 km/h and 24 km/h, depending on their position and level of fitness. Midfielders and full-backs often have higher VMAs as they respond to intense and repeated demands on the pitch.
Why take an interest in vma in soccer?
The importance of VMA in soccer cannot be overestimated. As a scouting center manager, I've often observed that on-field performance is directly linked to a player's aerobic capacity. Here are three main reasons why VMA is essential in soccer:
- Improved stamina: A high MVA (maximum aerobic speed) enables players to maintain high intensities during the match, crucial for demanding roles such as midfielders and full-backs.
- Repetition of effort : Footballers have to repeat sprints and continuous efforts. A good VMA promotes rapid recovery between these "peaks" of effort.
- Physical preparation : VMA enables physical exercises to be precisely calibrated, helping players to improve both endurance and stamina. This contributes to optimal performance throughout a match.
With a clear understanding of their VMA, clubs can create training programs training. Monitoring VMA throughout the season also enables sessions to be adjusted according to players' progress, thus avoiding overtraining.
How do you estimate a footballer's vma?
Estimating a soccer player's VMA requires specific and rigorous testing. Common methods include :
- Cooper's test: It requires you to run as far as possible in 6 minutes. The distance covered is then divided by 100 to obtain the VMA in km/h.
- Half-Cooper test: Similar to the Cooper test, but over 3 minutes.
- VAMEVAL test: It's a progressive race, with markers set up every 20 metres, with the speed increasing by 0.5 km/h at each level.
- Light butcher test: This test involves an increase of 1 km/h every 2 minutes, with beacons placed every 50 metres.
- 6-minute test : Run as far as possible in 6 minutes, similar to the Cooper test.
- Astrand VMA test: Run the longest distance in 3 minutes and 30 seconds to assess VMA.
- Gacon 45-15 test: This test alternates 45 seconds of running at a constant pace with 15 seconds of walking, gradually increasing the speed.
- 30-15 Intermittent Test by Martin Buchheit: Alternating 30 seconds of running and 15 seconds of recovery, ideal for footballers.
These tests not only help to determine VMA, but also to adapt training programs to players' specific needs. For example, a player with a high VMA will have sessions adapted to maintain and improve this performance.
The following table summarizes the different tests for estimating VMA:
| Test | Description |
|---|---|
| Léger-Boucher test | Progressive test with stepwise increase in speed. |
| VAMEVAL test | Increasing speed levels to assess VMA. |
| 6-minute test | Run as far as possible in 6 minutes. |
| Laboratory tests | Oxygen consumption measurement for accurate estimation. |
| 30/30 test | Intensive courses with alternating effort and rest. |
| Triangular or shuttle test | Running back and forth between two points. |
What is the vma for professional players?
Professional footballers generally have a higher VMA than their amateur counterparts. The average VMA of professional players is around 18 km/h, but it can reach 21 km/h or more for exceptional players like N'Golo Kanté. Several factors influence this variation:
1. Training : Players follow intensive training regimes that increase their aerobic capacity. Sessions at 100% of AMP or more are particularly effective.
2. Genetics : Some players naturally have a high VMA thanks to their genetic aptitudes. This enables them to perform at a higher level for longer periods.
3. Practice level : The more time a player spends training and playing, the better he develops his VMA. Professionals, with their rigorous programs, generally achieve this optimization.
It has been shown that the on-field performance of professional footballers is often correlated with a high VMA, enabling them to maintain high intensities throughout a match. We routinely use this measurement to calibrate the physical preparation of young talent in our detection center.
What's the link between vma and vo2max?
VMA is directly linked to VO2Max. VO2Max represents the maximum oxygen capacity an athlete can use during exercise. VMA, on the other hand, is based on this value to measure the speed at which this capacity reaches its ceiling.
To estimate VO2Max from VMA, we use the following formula: VO2Max = VMA x 3.5. This mathematical relationship simplifies training planning. By knowing the VMA, you can adjust your sessions to work at precise percentages of maximum aerobic capacity.
For example:
| Session type | % of VMA |
|---|---|
| Endurance | 60-70% |
| Aerobic threshold | 75-85% |
| Intervals | 90-95% |
| Short fraction | 100-120% |
We can see how VMA and VO2Max complement each other to formulate rigorous and adapted training plans.
VMA in soccer: what's the point?
VMA in soccer is more than just a statistic to display. It is an essential tool for planning and optimizing training sessions, and for understanding the specific requirements of positions on the pitch. For example:
- Midfielders : These players require a high VMA due to the repetition of continuous efforts during a match.
- Side rears : They often have to cover long distances and repeat fast runs. A high VMA enables them to maintain their level of performance.
In addition, knowing the players' VMA allows you to :
- Create homogeneous groups : VMA tests help to organize players into groups of similar physical levels, maximizing the effectiveness of training sessions.
- Avoid injuries: Continuously monitored, VMA helps to avoid overtraining and the risk of injury through precise adjustment of workloads.
In short, VMA is an essential measurement for footballers and technical teams. A thorough understanding of VMA not only improves performance, but also helps prevent injury and maximize the effectiveness of team training. It forms a solid foundation for any soccer physical preparation strategy.