soccer

The most important risk factors for knee injuries include weakness in core stability, poor postural stability, and excessive dynamic valgus of the knee. One of the most successful protocols for preventing knee injuries in female athletes is specialized sportsmetrics soccer training. It seems that the effect of this protocol on core stability of female soccer player with knee valgus has not been studied

In the present study, 24 footballers with knee valgus in the two training (12 people) and the control group (12 people) participated in specialized sportsmetrics soccer training and regular pre-season exercises for six weeks, respectively. The tests consisted of core stability test (Trunk flexor, Trunk extensor, right side bridge, and left side bridge) and postural stability (Y balance).

ANKOVA test (P≤0.05) and SPSS version 25 were used to analyze the data. The results showed a significant improvement (P = 0.01) in postural stability (from 105.2 to 116.7), core stability (from 38.2 to 41.1) and knee valgus (from 25.3 to 12.4).

According to the results of the study, the present protocol, which is designed to prevent knee injuries in female soccer players, modifies all three risk factors for knee injuries (weakness in core stability, poor postural stability, and knee valgus). Therefore, performing this protocol is recommended to all female soccer players with dynamic knee valgus.

Researches show that in every sport, elite athletes have special physiological, neurocognitive and motor characteristics (4-6). Therefore, knowing these characteristics, especially in elite athletes, helps trainers and experts in sports science to identify the right people in line with scientific talent and to optimally design training programs necessary to achieve sports success. (7). soccer is a team sport where players face complex movements such as running with a quick change of direction, with or without the ball, and its people have different characteristics and according to the nature of this sport and the environment in which the game is played, both From the size of the field, playing environment, playing time, playing systems and skills and conflicts in this sport, many factors play a role (8). Therefore, it is natural that it also has special motor needs, knowing them will help researchers to prepare the necessary programs according to the special needs of this sport.In this regard, the results of some studies support the opinion that the difference in the performance of elite soccer athletes is related to their motor characteristics more than any other factor (10, 11). Hoyt et al. (2014) in a study evaluated the motor profile of elite female soccer players in international competitions and the effect of team ranking on the physical demands of the game. A decrease in high-intensity running was reported in the 60- to 75-min and 90-75 min intensity periods compared to the 0- to 15-min period of 22.4% and 26.1%, although maximum game speed distances remained unchanged (12). In another research, it was found that the soccer pass test and soccer shot test are valid and reliable protocols for evaluating the differences in the performance of motor skills of soccer players (15).Identifying and developing effective talent for elite players is a major challenge for National Olympic Committees, youth academies, coaches and budget allocations. However, no research has been done in the field of identifying the special motor characteristics of young elite football players in the country. Therefore, the current research aims to investigate the question of what are the special the motor skills in the elite players of soccer national team in the Iranian men under 23-year?

The statistical population of this descriptive research in the three levels of description, explanation and discovery was formed by 200 elite male soccer players under the age of 23 in Iran. The sampling method was counting and the number of samples was (control, passing in motion, shooting, dribbling and heading) and group motor skills (creating space, combination play, transition from attack to defense, transition from defense to attack and group press) in the elite soccer players was evaluated using standard tests.

the results showed that the status of dimensions of control, passing in motion, shooting, dribbling, heading, creating space, combination play, transition from attack to defense, transition from defense to attack were evaluated as favorable and group press was evaluated as unfavorable. The combination play dimension was ranked first with an average of (5.642) and other dimensions with an average value, respectively, control (5.543), shooting (5/388), passing in motion (4.850), transition from attack to defense (4.746), transition from defense to attack (4/659), dribbling (4/571), passing (4/553), group press (4/494) and creating space (4/437).

The results of this research showed that the status of dimensions of control, passing in motion, shooting, dribbling, heading, creating space, combined play, transfer from attack to defense, transfer from defense to attack were evaluated as favorable and the situation of group press was evaluated as unfavorable. Technical-tactical skills have been repeatedly investigated and identified as key factors that determine the game performance of young players, these factors are considered the difference between elite and non-elite young players (25-27). The results of the present study provide the possibility of causal interpretations, these data show a possible explanation for the high level of individual motor skills in young elite soccer players. group motor skills have also been examined in some studies. In this regard, transition from defense to attack and transition from attack to defense is increasingly important due to numerous works (29-31). Some studies that have studied attacking mechanisms in soccer confirm that quick attacks or counter-attacks have a higher chance of success (goals scored, shots on goal or reaching the area) than other attacking styles (30,31). In the current study, the elite players obtained the highest scores in the shortest possible time according to previous studies and with the least number of passes in transfers, which shows that the elite players of Omid Iran have high group motor skills. Also, the number of players involved in the transfers was also investigated, and the favorable condition of this group skill was observed among the elite players of the Iranian men's national soccer team under the age of 23. The unfavorable pressing situation of the Omid team players shows that the players are less able to read and react accordingly to the situations of tackling for the ball, blocking and crossing the lines or ensuring the proper marking of the opponents. These strategies can provide the team with more opportunities to regain possession and get the ball back (39). The favorable combined play of Omid team players also shows the training and repetition of this tactic in training. These findings show that the Omid team players have the necessary technique and skill to receive and pass (quality and selection), speed when moving with the ball (dribble), forward pass and motor after sending the pass. The pressure and conditions of the competition are considered as the needs of the combined game. The results of our study show that the dimension of the combined game is in the first place, and the other dimensions are, in order, control, shooting, passing in motion, transfer from attack to defense, transfer from defense to attack, dribbling, passing, group press and creating space are located. One of the limitations of the present study is the small number of samples. Due to the limited sample size of the research, it is recommended to carry out more extensive studies with a larger sample size in order to identify mental skills in athletes of different fields. The results of the current research indicated the high motor performance of the elite players of the Iranian men's national soccer team under the age of 23, so it is recommended that soccer coaches take into consideration the motor skills of young Iranian elite soccer players in this research.

Sprain is one of the most common sports injuries of the ankle. The aim of this research was to compare the effect of 8 weeks of training in water and dry environment on pain and range of motion of athletes with acute ankle sprain.

The present study is a quasi-experimental study, in which 30 soccer players with acute ankle sprain were selected as subjects and then randomly divided in two groups, water and land training groups. They were compared before and after 8 weeks of training intervention. To measure pain, the VAS (Visual Analog Scale) was used, and the range of motion of the ankle was measured using a universal goniometer in four directions. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measure ANOVA. 

Both protocols reduced the pain in the injured players' ankles (p<0.001). The results showed that the interaction between group and time was significant, and in the water group, pain reduction was greater (p<0.001). The ankle range of motion significantly increased in both groups (p<0.001). The improvement rate of pain variable in the water exercise group (62%) was higher than the dry group (50%).

Considering the effect of water and land exercises and the significance of time and group interaction, it is recommended to use water exercise or a combination of water and land exercise to rehabilitate acute ankle sprains.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports that is played by men and women, children and adults at different competitive levels. Metabolism and high energy demand in soccer training and matches, accumulation of lactic acid due to long-term play and short time between two halves of the match, do not allow the player to fully recover and rebuild his energy sources. This, in turn, can lead to the weakness of the body's immune system and, as a result, cause muscle fatigue. Some studies revealed that the pressure caused by playing soccer increases creatinine, urea and derivatives of white blood cells (leukocytes, monocytes and granulocytes), red blood cells and nitrates, and as a result, it causes disturbances in performance. The increase in urea production during sports activity indicates an increase in protein catabolism. An increase in serum values and a decrease in urinary values after sports activity indicate a decrease in kidney function in the elimination of waste products caused by heavy sports activity. According to the results of some studies, energy drinks consumption increases the metabolic rate, increases sports performance, or both. Hype energy drink (HED) is one of energy drinks that contains large amounts of taurine and caffeine. Taurine, which is the most abundant amino acid in type 2 muscle fibers, increases the strength of athletes and muscle hypertrophy and helps protein synthesis and muscle contraction ability. Also, caffeine has a lot of energy and many physiological effects, such as increase in plasma epinephrine concentration, release and reabsorption of calcium by the sarcoplasmic reticulum, as well as increase in muscle contraction. However, there is little information about the effects of energy drinks on markers of kidney damage caused by exercise. The results of limited studies showed that the consumption of energy drinks during exercise caused a significant change in the serum levels of urea and creatinine. White and red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit did not increase compared to resting state, but the results of other research showed a significant increase in urea and creatinine levels. Considering the contradiction of previous research results and the lack of research on the effectiveness of energy drinks on kidney damage markers and hematological indicators in football, the main goal of the current research is to "investigate the effect of HED consumption on hematological and kidney damage indicators of soccer players after match.

Twenty-two male soccer players competing in Division 2 league with mean age of 91.36+1.20, weight of 70.50+8.01, and body mass index of 22.58+0.93 voluntarily participated in the study. All participants had at least 5 years of soccer experience and during the past year, they practiced 2 hours a day, at least 3 days a week. They were informed about the nature of experimental procedures, including potential risks and benefits and then, received written consent. The experimental protocols were approved by the Ethical Committee of Islamic Azad University of Rasht Branch, Iran, according to Helsinki Declaration Guidelines. All participants were subjected to two different conditions (HED and placebo consumption), under similar conditions (ambient temperature 20±1 °C and relative humidity 70±5). The two different conditions of the research were separated by 14 days to allow enough time for recovery between the tests and ensure the absence of caffeine's effect. In order to avoid diurnal effects, both experimental sessions were held in the early evening hours. Once, the participants consumed HED (2 servings of 250 ml per day) for 5 days before the soccer match, the day of the match and one day after the match. HED contains 99.1 kcal, carbohydrates, protein and fat, taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, vitamins, inositol, B6, B12, flavor and color. Participants were instructed to drink one serving with breakfast and one serving with dinner. Blood samples were collected before the race, immediately after the race, and 1 day after the race. All tests were performed at the same time of day to minimize the effect of circadian variation. In the second condition, a placebo drink was administered by an expert. Food industries without caffeine and taurine were prepared, which contained 50 mg/liter of sodium saccharin and 2.5 mg/liter of vitamin C powder supplement. It should be noted that both energy drinks and placebo were iso-calories. On test days, players were asked to eat lunch at 1:00 p.m., consume the cooled drinks in opaque and pressed plastic water bottles during (0.5 + 1 minute) under the supervision of the researchers at 4 p.m. At 5:00 p.m., the participants first warmed up for 15 minutes to increase the body temperature and improve the efficiency of the nervous and muscular system, then they were divided into two teams and played a soccer match in two halves. They played one minute with a 15-minute break between the two halves. During each trial, they were allowed to drink water to prevent dehydration. The measurements were done in 4 stages. Collected data using analysis of variance with repeated measurement of intersection at the level of significance of α=0.05 was analyzed.

The results showed that immediately after the football game, there was a significant difference in the levels of serum creatinine, hematocrit and white blood cells between the two conditions of HED and placebo (P = 0.001). Also, compared to placebo, consumption of HED 24 hours after the game caused a significant decrease in red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, urea and creatinine (p=0.001).

According to the results of the present study, it seems that the consumption of Hype energy drink causes a decrease in the levels of some enzymes of kidney function such as urea and creatinine and a decrease in the levels of some hematological parameters such as white and red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin, and improves the performance of soccer players 24 hours after the match through accelerating the return to the initial state. Of course, due to the lack of scientific evidence in this field, it is not possible to make a definitive statement and the need to conduct more research in this field seems necessary.

 Considering the negative consequences that sports injuries can bring to the athlete, team, and healthcare system, strategies should be sought to prevent them from occurring. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the total quality of recovery and training load with sports injuries in adolescent soccer players.

 The present study is prospective. Our study sample consisted of 100 male soccer players with an age range of 16 to 21 years, who were selected in Sanandaj city after receiving the ethics code during 2018-2019. One hundred young soccer players aged 16 to 21 years old who participated in the study that was recruited from three clubs. The total quality of recovery scale was used to assess the soccer players' quality of recovery. Training intensity was also recorded immediately (approximately 30 minutes) after the competition or training session using the ratings of the perceived exertion scale. To calculate the total training load, the training time was multiplied by the ratings of perceived exertion per minute. Independent t-test, GEE, and ROC curve were used to analyze the data.

 The results of the study showed that there is a significant relationship between the total quality of recovery and training load with sports injuries in adolescent soccer players (P<0.05). The findings of the present study showed that for every unit decrease in the overall quality of recovery, the risk of sports injuries increases by 10%, and for every 100 units increase in the total training load, the risk of sports injuries increases by 3%.

 The results of the present study indicate the importance of frequent monitoring of the recovery process and training load to minimize the risk of injury to young soccer players.

Landing mechanics, lower limb muscle strength and central stability are risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injuries in young football players. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the knee control injury prevention program on landing mechanics, strength of selected lower limb muscles and central stability in adolescent male soccer players. 

The statistical population of this semi-experimental research included teenage soccer players with poor landing mechanics, 50 of whom were purposefully selected as a statistical sample and then randomly divided into two groups of experiment (number = 25 people, age = 62/ 12.70 ± 0 years, height = 1.52 ± 0.07 meters, weight = 48.87 ± 6.6 kg) and control (number = 25 people, age = 12.58 ± 0.65 years, height = 08 1.52 ± 0.0 m, weight = 50.45 ± 6.79 kg). In this study, landing mechanics were evaluated with the landing error test, thigh abduction and external rotation strength with MMT, and central stability with McGill tests at the beginning and end of the study. The subjects of the experimental group used the knee control program in the warm-up section for 8 weeks. While the control group did their usual warm-up during this time. Yeoman-Whitney and ANOVA tests were used to compare the differences between the two groups.

The results showed that the experimental group compared to the control group after the test had a significant decrease in the landing error test scores (Z = -5.62; P = 0.001) and a significant improvement in thigh abduction strength ( F = 14.26; P = 0.001), thigh external rotation strength (F = 10.74; P = 0.002) and central stability tests (F = 26.39; P = 0.001).

This study showed that the implementation of the knee control injury prevention program can improve the landing mechanics, abduction and external rotation strength of the thigh, and central stability in teenage soccer players. Therefore, it seems that the knee control program can be effective in preventing the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in young male football players.

Background and Aims :

Considering the importance of balance and the prevalence of genu varum in soccer, this study evaluated the role of lower extremity corrective exercises on dynamic balance improvement and knee deformity in teenage football players (youth footballers). 

Methods :

This semi-experimental study was performed on 24 male soccer players aged 15-17 years with genu varum deformity (more than 5 cm knee distance), who were divided into two groups randomly. Collis for measuring the knee distances and the star balance test for dynamic balance were used in both groups. After six weeks of corrective exercise with traband (three times a week) in the training group and sport-specific activities in the control group, all measurements mentioned above were repeated in both groups. Analysis of covariance for balance and Mann-Whitney U test for knee position were used with a level of significance less than 0.05.

Results :

The results showed the significant positive effects of the exercise program on the knee position (P=0.002) and dynamic balance variables (ant: P=0.002, med: P=0.004, post: P=0.005, posterolateral: P=0.006, and other directions: P˂0.001) and balance improvement and knee distance decreasing were found in the training group.

Conclusion:

 It seems that six weeks of traband training exercises can improve dynamic balance in soccer players by reducing the knee genu varum deformity.

Soccer is a very dynamic and fast team game with a richness of movement, which is in the group of multi-structured sports games; Soccer is a sport characterized by numerous, complex, and dynamic kinematics activities with rotational or non-rotational movements (1). In this sport, a high level of points can be achieved only in planned training conditions (2). Sports scientists have focused on approximate explanations for excellent athletic performance; or they are looking for factors that affect the athlete's interaction with their environment (for example, diet, and exercise). By understanding these factors, environmental conditions can be manipulated to optimize athletic performance (4). Nutrition strategies are one of the most popular and accessible ways to improve performance, recovery and improve physiological changes in certain sports such as Soccer (5, 7). Despite a correct understanding of the physiological demands of Soccer, and the relationship between preparation and nutritional performance, the eating habits of soccer players are often associated with a lack of training and a lack of knowledge of the scientific methods of sports nutrition (8). The characteristics of contemporary professional Soccer increase the physical demands during the game as well as more matches per season. Now more than ever, aspects of optimizing athletic performance have received much attention from Soccer players and coaches. In this, nutrition plays a special role; because most elite teams try to provide adequate nutrition to ensure maximum performance while ensuring faster recovery from competitions and training. In addition to regular nutrition based on nutritional recommendations, sensible use of dietary supplements may also play a role in optimizing Soccer performance (9). Nutrition of Soccer players is an important issue and its knowledge can help increase the quality of this popular game and prevent possible health problems and injuries in players (10); which shows the importance of applied research on the effect of nutrition on the level of health and athletic performance of soccer players. In view of the above, the purpose of this study was to review the role of sports nutrition in the sports performance of soccer players with emphasis on the role of carbohydrates as one of the macronutrients applied to the sports performance of soccer players.

In the present systematic review study by searching the information obtained from the databases of Google Scholar, Pabmad, etc. from 2000 to 2022, studies that examined the effect of carbohydrates on the physical performance and physical fitness of footba soccer players. Were searched with the keywords Soccer, sports nutrition, macronutrients, carbohydrates and sports performance. The selected studies were reviewed by 3 authors and out of 124 selected articles, 35 articles that met the entry requirements were selected and used.

The importance of carbohydrates increases with increasing intensity of exercise, but due to the limited carbohydrate reserves in the body, the reduction of liver and muscle glycogen with intense exercise for a long time is a determining factor (24) in the performance of team sports such as Soccer. . Proper glycogen content plays a major role in athletic performance. As shown by physiological measurements performed in a Soccer match, the bioenergy of this particular sport is quite comprehensive and includes high oxidative capacity, high glycolytic capacity as well as high dependence on the degradation and re-synthesis pathway of ATP and phosphocreatine. Is (25). Due to the high glycolytic component, the content of muscle glycogen is important in Soccer. Proper carbohydrate intake is a key element in dealing with a lot of exercise among professional athletes. Consumed carbohydrates, which are stored as glycogen, are the source of muscle energy during exercise. Carbohydrates stored as glycogen in the liver and skeletal muscle are an important source of energy, both in competition and in training, where carbohydrate availability is a limiting factor during long-term physical activity. Can be effective in athletic performance. Based on the analysis of Soccer matches, the intensity of players' activity is at the level of 70-80 VO2max. Long-term effort at this level is mostly based on glycogen as a substrate for energy metabolism. Adequate carbohydrate intake before, during and after exercise helps maintain and restore glycogen stores, which can affect muscle fatigue and exercise performance (9). During a Soccer season, athletes tend to play intense and light competitions such as crucial and qualifying games. Muscle glycogen stores are a determinant of performance during exercise, and manipulating carbohydrates during the Soccer season to increase muscle glycogen stores can improve the performance of top Soccer players (26). Consumption of carbohydrate courses, depending on the intensity of training and competitions, should include more carbohydrates when competitions or workouts need more intensity and less carbohydrates when they need less intensity. The day before the game (MD-1) is one of the most important times to load up on carbs. Assuming that players have properly loaded muscle glycogen on the day of the match, the role of the pre-game meal should primarily be to promote pre-game hepatic glycogen storage, a goal that is more important for late morning or lunch. In fact, hepatic glycogen may be reduced by up to 50% after one night of fasting and may not fully recover by early evening depending on the frequency and dose of CHO (41). It is wise to allow players to consume the carbohydrate sources they enjoy during MD-1, as long as there are sufficient amounts to reach 6 g/kg (44). From a practical point of view, it is recommended to consume water during and after food before the game until reaching the competition site. Consumption of carbohydrate drinks should be prohibited after meals and re-consumed only after reheating and 5 to 10 minutes before the start of the race. This strategy is to reduce the likelihood of recurrent hypoglycemia in the first 10-15 minutes of the race (44). Carbohydrate nutrition during exercise is likely to improve the performance elements of the race day if fed at 30 to 60 grams per hour (45). Such feeding rates improve the physical aspects of performance such as total running distance, sprinting distance as well as technical performance such as passing, dribbling and shooting (46-49). Taking into account the warm-up time (for example, 20 to 30 minutes) and the game itself (for example, 90 to 95 minutes), this amount corresponds to the absolute dose of CHO equal to 60 to 120 grams per game. Due to the practical problems of refueling during the game and the extent of CHO exogenous oxidation depends on the CHO feeding pattern (50). In this regard, Anderson et al. Suggested that players may consume CHO at the beginning (20-30 g) and end of the warm-up period (20-30 g), between breaks in two halves (20-40 g) as an opportunity to consume Higher doses of CHO will benefit due to the increase in steady-state consumption time and, if possible, the second half (20-30 g) (39). However, such a diet (and indeed the CHO strategy of the optimal race day) has not been experimentally tested. Regarding muscle glycogen re-synthesis, the general consensus is that consumption of 1.2 g / kg / h CHO with a high glycemic index for 3 to 4 hours is optimal to facilitate short-term glycogen re-synthesis (64). The important point is that post-match feeding should start immediately after the game (ie in the locker room) because this is when muscle is most receptive to glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis (39). Due to the time required to complete muscle glycogen (24 to 72 hours), there is also a need to consume enough CHO in the day (s) after the race, often referred to MD + 1.

Given the role of CHO as an important substrate for glycolytic and aerobic systems in Soccer, the aim of this study was to provide an overview and theoretical framework of CHO consumption strategies in Soccer. According to research, CHO consumption plays an important role in the quality of training and also the performance of soccer players on the day of the match, which varies according to the physical condition of the athlete, the athlete's position and also the level of competition. CHO intake should be adjusted according to the athlete's training schedule and season. Also, for optimal muscle and liver glycogen stores for athletes' performance, it is necessary to observe nutrition before, during and after competitions and training according to the intervals between competitions and training of athletes. However, nutritional recommendations for athletes of the opposite gender and lower age groups, such as adolescents with developmental needs, may require nutritional revisions, which require further research due to limited information. . Given that Soccer competitions are different according to the level of competition and also the metabolic needs of Soccer according to the conditions of Soccer players (gender, age and position of the player), it shows different physiological needs of these athletes; which indicates the need for further research in this regard.

 Soccer is one of the most popular sports and it is necessary to use preventive exercises in this sport. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the exercise programs obtained from the functional movement screening tests on hip muscle strength and dynamic postural stability to prevent anterior cruciate ligament injury in healthy male soccer players.

 The statistical population of the present study consisted of healthy male football players aged 18-27 years and with a history of playing in provincial league teams who were eligible to enter the study. Thirty football players (age: 22 ± 2.98, height: 185.93 ± 6.5, and weight: 83.06 ± 6.27) were selected as a sample and randomly divided into two equal experimental and control groups. Kincam isokinetic dynamometer and Biodex balance device were used to evaluate the strength of hip muscles and dynamic postural stability, respectively. An exercise program as the warm-up was performed for 20-25 minutes per session, three sessions per week, and for eight weeks, by the experimental group. The Control group continued to perform their daily program. It should be noted that informed consent and voluntary consent were obtained from all subjects. Correlated t-tests and analysis of variance with repeated measures were used for statistical analysis at the significant level of P≤0.05.  

 Significant differences were observed in the strength of the hip extensors, external rotators, and abductors muscles in both legs (P<0.05) as well as total deviation index, anterior-posterior deviation index, and a medial-lateral deviation index (P <0.05) between experimental and control groups.

 It could be concluded that training programs obtained from functional movement screening tests effects hip muscle strength and dynamic posture stability in healthy male soccer players. Therefore, it may prevent Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries.

This study aimed to investigate the comparison of isokinetic parameters of hip and knee joint muscles in professional soccer players with athletic groin pain (AGP) and healthy ones.

32 soccer players (control group (n=16) and AGP group (n=16)) who take part in the first and second division league participated in this study. The isokinetic dynamometer with a speed of 90 degrees per second was used to evaluate the selected isokinetic parameters.

The independent sample T-test showed that the mean power and rate of torque development in concentric contraction except in knee flexors muscles was significantly higher in the control group. The relative peak of torque in the adductor muscles group in concentric contraction and the hip and knee flexor-extensor groups in concentric and eccentric contraction was also significantly higher in the control group than the AGP ones. In the control group, the hip extensor muscle torque in concentric contraction occurred significantly at a higher flexion range of motion. The acceleration time of the knee extensor muscle group in concentric and eccentric contraction and the adductor group in concentric contraction was significantly shorter than the APG group.

The present study's findings showed that athletic groin pain could affect the isokinetic profile of the hip and knee joint muscles, which were more pronounced in concentric contraction. It is suggested that coaches pay special attention to concentric contractions in the final stages of an athlete's back to the sport.

 The mental skills of athletes are the factors that cause differences in the optimal level of performance of athletes during the competition season. The purpose of this research was to compile an educational program for training mental skills and assess its effectiveness on the psychological and cognitive characteristics of teenage football players in the competition season.

 For this purpose, 21 male adolescent athletes with an age range of 11 to 13 years from a specialized football academy who participated in the Isfahan City premier league were selected as participants in this study. The study method used was action research and the data collection method was qualitative. For this purpose, data were collected by monitoring verbal and non-verbal behaviors of the players, and semi-structured interviews with the coaches and parents of the athletes to understand the thoughts, feelings, and attitudes of the participants. The collected data were carefully implemented and analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method.

 Research findings consisted of the 8 global themes of team cohesion, positive self-talk, self-care, low self-confidence, acceptance of football rules, concentration and recovery of concentration, performance under pressure (routine), and prevention of distractions.

 Mental skills training differs based on the needs of athletes in the competition season. Since paying attention to identified needs and mental skill programs during the competition season is important for athletes, it is necessary that coaches, psychologists, and sports managers pay attention to environmental and individual factors to develop an effective mental skills program.