The popularity of soccer throughout the world has led to the demand for a scientific approach to the preparation of players for competitive matches. Although previous researchers have attempted to understand the training demands undertaken by soccer players, limited information is known regarding the structure of training in soccer. At present research has focused on the frequency and duration of soccer training without using both objective and subjective measures of training load to systematically evaluate training practices in elite teams. Little is also known regarding the periodisation strategies employed by elite soccer teams across a competitive season and whether they follow traditional models of periodisation. With this in mind, the primary aim of this thesis is to therefore characterise the current training periodisation practices that exist in elite soccer using applied methods of training load assessment. The aim of the first study (Chapter 3) was to evaluate the use of Global Positioning Devices (GPS) for the measurement of soccer-specific activities to provide objective data for training load assessment. Findings from this study were applied to study 3 (Chapter 5) of the thesis. Firstly, a soccer-specific movement course was designed based on the movements exhibited by an elite soccer player during a competitive match using a multi-camera tracking system (ProZone®). Two moderately trained males performed 10 bouts of the soccer-specific track following familiarisation and a 10 minute standardised warm up. Both subjects wore two 10Hz GPS units inside a custom-made vest during all bouts of the track to determine both reliability and inter-unit reliability of the GPS devices. Data analysis revealed the reliability of the GPS devices was good for distance covered at lower velocities (0 – 4 m/s; CV% = 0.6 – 3.6%). However when the velocity of movement increased (> 4 m/s), the reliability of the units decreased (mean change from 13.8 to 33.6 CV%). Both total distance (mean CV% = 1.1%) and max speed (mean CV% = 2.7%) were both found to be highly reliable variables. However the devices demonstrated high levels of inter-unit reliability error due to an increase in systematic error with random distribution of data points between both devices for all variables measured. The data suggested that 10Hz GPS devices are reliable for the measurement of lower velocity (0 – 4 m/s) running. However, care must be taken when analysing data in higher velocity bands (> 4 m/s) due to the high ii error rates observed. The high inter-unit reliability error also suggests that 10Hz GPS devices cannot be used interchangeably between players in order to minimise the associated error. The aim of the second study (Chapter 4) was to quantify the reliability and validity of a portable vertical jump assessment tool (Optojump®) for use in the applied setting. Vertical jump assessment was utilised as a measurement tool to analyse the effect of training load on the neuromuscular system that was evaluated in study 4 (Chapter 6) of the thesis. Eleven healthy male subjects were familiarised to perform four separate common types of vertical jump test: countermovement with arm swing (CMJ-W), countermovement without arm swing (CMJ-WO), squat jump (SJ) and drop jump (DJ). Contact time, flight time and jump height were selected as variables for the study. For reliability assessment, all subjects performed 3 efforts of each jump type across 5 identical testing sessions (separated by minimum of 2 days). For validity assessment, subjects were asked to perform the same jump modalities as the previous investigation on one occasion while data was simultaneously collected from both a force plate (criterion instrument) and the Optojump photocells. The data revealed the Optojump device was highly reliable for the assessment of jump flight and height for CMJ-W, CMJ-WO, SJ and DJ (all CV% = 3.2 and 5.6%). However reliability of the device was reduced for the measurement of contact time with the DJ (CV% = 13.9%). Validity data revealed that all jump types and variables were highly valid in comparison to the force plate criterion measure (SEE% = < 1%, Pearsons correlation = r > 0.99). This study revealed that the Optojump device is highly reliable and valid for all jump types and variables, with the exception of contact time for DJ. Therefore the Optojump system may be used with confidence to detect within-group changes in applied assessments of vertical jump performance. Due to the high cost and lack of portability of laboratory-based force plates, the Optojump system is a viable alternative for accurate jump measurement and neuromuscular assessment. The CMJ-WO jump assessment was chosen for study 4 for comparison with previous research. The aim of the third study (Chapter 5) was to quantify the periodisation strategies employed by an elite professional soccer team throughout a competitive season. Training load data was collected from 37 elite outfield soccer players at one professional English soccer team over a 45 week period during the 2011-2012 domestic season. All players wore iii global positioning system (GPS) devices, heart rate (HR) belts and were asked to provide a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for each training session to generate training load data. Players were assigned to one of 5 positional groups: central defender (CD), wide defender (WD), central midfielder (CM), wide midfielder (WM) and attacker (AT). The data was separated into the pre-season (6 weeks duration) and in-season (39 weeks duration) phases in order to investigate specific training periods recognised within the annual plan. The pre-season phase was further separated into weekly blocks for analysis of the structure employed in each specific microcycle. The in-season phase was divided into 6 x 6 week blocks for analysis of mesocycle structure. Within the in-season data, three separate microcycles (weeks 7, 24 and 39) were selected consisting of the same weekly training schedules to determine whether differences in microcycle training load pattern existed. In addition, the training data within a given microcycle was analysed to investigate the loading patterns in relation to number of days away from the competitive match fixture. Linear mixed modelling analysis revealed significant differences for total distance and average HR (P < 0.05) between period 1 with periods 3 and 6 during training mesocycles. However no differences were found for the remaining training variables during both pre-season and in-season microcycles (P > 0.05). Training load variables were significantly reduced on match day (MD) -1 (P < 0.05) but remained similar across MD-2, MD-3 and MD-5 (P > 0.05) during in-season microcycles. CM players generally covered the most total distance compared to other positions. Defenders reported higher internal load values (average HR and RPE) compared to attackers during in-season training phases but such differences were not evident during pre-season. This study revealed that training load doesn’t appear to be systematically periodised across a competitive season in an elite soccer team. This may have practical implications for training planning, as monotonous training load prescription may lead to maladaptation in soccer players during a competitive season. This was the first study to systematically evaluate periodisation strategies in an elite soccer team, but further work is required to determine such practices at different soccer teams. The aim of the fourth study (Chapter 6) was to determine the neuromuscular response to a microcycle of soccer training in elite soccer players using vertical jump assessment via the Optojump device. Nine elite level youth soccer players from an U18 soccer academy team were recruited for the study. The players underwent four separate on-field soccer training sessions following familiarisation of all testing procedures.

Orientador: João Paulo Borin / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Educação Física / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-24T08:39:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Pascoal_EduardoHenriqueFrazilli_M.pdf: 1004451 bytes, checksum: 4cc7d5117e5a112067866ed33e55c0c2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: No âmbito do futebol o volume e a intensidade do trabalho são determinantes no entendimento da carga de treinamento. Para garantir uma adaptação adequada é imprescindível que a relação entre estímulo e recuperação seja suficiente. Cargas elevadas podem ocasionar decréscimos no desempenho, diminuições na resposta imune, aumentos de infecções de vias aéreas superiores (IVAS) e aumento de indicadores de dano muscular, como a creatina quinase (CK). Neste sentido é fundamental entender a organização do conteúdo de treinamento e sua relação com indicadores imunológicos e de dano muscular. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a influência do conteúdo de treinamento nas concentrações de CK, leucócitos e subséries, relatos de IVAS e desempenho da potência de atletas de futebol juniores durante 10 semanas correspondentes ao período preparatório para a Copa São Paulo Júnior. Participaram do estudo 14 atletas de futebol pertencentes à categoria Sub-19 (18,40 ± 0,88 anos, 179,52 ± 6,96 cm, 73,70 ± 7,22 kg). As coletas ocorreram em dois momentos: M1, período antecedente ao início da pré-temporada; M2, na 11ª semana, final da pré-temporada. Em ambos os momentos foram realizadas coletas e análises sanguíneas de leucócitos, neutrófilos, monócitos, linfócitos, plaquetas e CK. Semanalmente, os atletas respondiam ao questionário de acometimento por IVAS e todo conteúdo de treinamento era registrado e repassado ao pesquisador. Para verificar a potência de membros inferiores foi utilizado o teste de salto vertical com contramovimento (CMJ). Diariamente foi coletado o valor da percepção subjetiva de esforço de cada jogador bem como os minutos das sessões para cálculos da carga interna. Utilizou-se o teste-t de Student para amostras pareadas para as variáveis imunológicas; o teste de Wilcoxon foi utilizado para amostra não-paramétrica de CK e o índice de significância adotado foi ? ? 0,05. Os principais resultados apontam para predominância dos conteúdos de resistência específica (28 sessões; 2075 min), seguido de força geral e específica (26 sessões; 1480 min). Quanto aos indicadores imunológicos e de dano muscular, verificou-se decréscimos significantes na concentração de linfócitos e aumentos significantes nas plaquetas e na CK. A partir dos resultados, os dados apontam que o conteúdo de treinamento aplicado aos atletas no período preparatório diminuiu a resposta imune, aumentou o dano muscular, além de manter a potência muscular. / Abstract: Within the soccer the training¿s volume and intensity are determinants of the training load. To ensure an adequate adaptation it is imperative that the relationship between stimulus and recovery be sufficcient. Highly loads can lead to performance and immune decreases, increases of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and muscle damage indicators like creatina kinase (CK). In this sense is critical to understand the organization of the content training and its relationship with immune function and muscle damage indicators. Therefore, the aims of this study were to verify the influence of training content on the CK concentrations, leucocytes and subsets, URTIs reports and lower limb power performance of junior soccer athletes during a 10-week corresponding to the preparatory period for the Junior São Paulo Soccer Cup. Participated of this study fourteen U19 soccer players (18,40 ± 0,88 years, 179,52 ± 6,96 cm, 73,70 ± 7,22 kg). The collections happened in two moments: M1, the precede preseason period; M2, on the 11th week, end of the preseason period. In both moments were performed collections and blood analyses to evaluate the leucocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, platelet and CK. Weekly the subjects answer the URTIs questionnaire and all training content was registered and transferred to the researcher. It was performed the countermovement jump (CMJ) test to measure the lower limbs power. Daily it was collected the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of each player for load calculations. The paired Student t-test was used for the immune variables, as well as the Wilcoxon non-parametric test was used to the CK sample and the significance level selected was ? ? 0,05. The main results show the specific endurance predominance (28 sessions; 2075 min), followed by general and specific strength (26 sessions; 1480 min). Regarding to the immune and muscle damage indicators, we verified significant lymphocytes concentration decreases and significant platelet and CK increases. From the results the data indicate that the content training applied to the athletes on the preseason decreased the immune response, increase de muscle damage and maintain the muscle power. / Mestrado / Biodinamica do Movimento e Esporte / Mestre em Educação Física

The purpose of this project was to review anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) literature and develop a performance evaluation and injury risk assessment (PIER) for female soccer players. A strategy guide for decreasing injury risk and enhancing performance was developed in hopes to bring awareness to the athletic community about ACL injury for female soccer players.

In recent times, the performances of the South African senior national team (“Bafana Bafana”) have not matched the impressive off-field advancements in South African professional soccer. At the historic 2010 FIFA World CupTM held in South Africa, Bafana Bafana became the first host nation to be eliminated in the first round of the competition. Such disappointments have compelled stakeholders in South African soccer to call for a re-assessment of all structures and programmes which have an impact on the playing abilities of South African players. Of prime importance is the need to obtain a better understanding of talent development in South African soccer. The aim of this research study was to determine the relevance of selected factors associated with successful talent development in South African male professional soccer players competing in the 2008-2009 ABSA PSL season. In order to accomplish the research aims, the literature relating to talent development concepts and models was examined. The literature review identified seven factors which are relevant to talent development in soccer. The empirical study was exploratory, and it utilized a descriptive, non-experimental approach. Data were collected via a 53-item questionnaire, which was designed to evaluate the identified seven factors. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 56 South African professional soccer players who played for clubs participating in the 2008-2009 season of the ABSA Premier Soccer League. The results obtained from the sample were analysed in terms of their descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The following six factors were statistically confirmed as being associated with the successful talent development of the sample: Training Environment, Motivation and Ambitions, Personal Development, Family Support, Cultural Factors and Coaching. These six factors accounted for 58 percent of the overall variance. The questionnaire had a reliability of 0.84, as measured by the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The study concludes that talent development in South African soccer is a multifactorial and complex process. Although the sample size was not suitable for discriminant analysis, theories such as the relative age effect and the „10-year rule‟ may be applicable to South African soccer. This study also adds to the limited body of knowledge on South African soccer, by identifying and scientifically analysing those factors which are associated with successful talent development. As success on the international stage becomes a priority in South African soccer, the identified factors serve as a sound scientific basis in the formulation of improved structures and strategies for perfecting the abilities of young soccer players, and increasing the competitiveness of Bafana Bafana.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal changes that occur in the anthropometric, physical and motor characteristics of elite junior soccer players over the course of a training year. The participants targeted were elite soccer players from the NMMU-FCK Soccer School of Excellence and a total of 18 players between the ages of 15 to 18 years were recruited to comprise the sample for the study. The participants in the sample were assessed on four separate occasions. Each testing period was separated by a three month interval with the first testing period taking place in June 2005, at the start of their pre-season period, and the last testing session taking place in March of the following year, at the end of their playing season. In order to determine which specific characteristics of soccer were to be tested, the relevant literature was reviewed to establish the requirements, attributes and indicators of success in elite soccer. Therefore the test battery used was compiled in an attempt to address each of the identified physical attributes that contributes to successful soccer play. The battery included the following tests: weight, height and percentage body fat to represent the anthropometric characteristics. The physical characteristics were assessed by testing flexibility, anaerobic speed endurance, aerobic endurance, and muscular strength tests (1 RM bench and leg press, grip strength, and isokinetic knee strength). The motor assessments comprised of tests for speed (10-m, 20-m, and 40-m), explosive leg power (vertical jump), agility, and soccer-specific tests (dribbling and shooting at goal). In addition maturity status during the study was assessed using grip strength and height scores. All of the participants within the study sample were assessed on each day of the testing period, in alphabetical order, and this order was maintained during each testing period. Each of the four testing sessions lasted three days. On entering the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University-Biokinetics and Sport Science Centre (NMMU-BSSC) laboratory on day 1, the participants completed the test battery in the following order: anthropometric measurements (weight, height, skinfolds), flexibility test (sit and reach), leg power test (vertical jump), muscular strength tests (1RM bench press, 1RM leg press, grip strength), and an aerobic endurance test (Multi-Stage Shuttle Run). The tests conducted on day 2 of the test battery were conducted as field tests at the NMMU-FCK soccer playing fields and the participants completed the tests in the same alphabetical order as day 1. The testing battery was conducted in the following order: speed tests (10m, 20m, and 40m sprinting), agility test (Illinois agility run), soccer-specific tests (dribbling and accuracy tests), speed endurance test (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test). Testing on day 3 consisted of Isokinetic dynamometry strength testing and was conducted at the NMMU-BSSC. Each participant completed the testing protocol according to the same alphabetical order as was used on days 1 and 2. In order to achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives were set: to determine the anthropometric, physical and motor characteristics of the participants at the pre-season, start of season, mid-season and end of season stages of the training year and to identify the peak scores achieved for each variable tested; to compare the variables tested at each of the four testing sessions to determine the progression of each variable tested and to identify at which testing session peak performance related fitness was achieved; to compare the results obtained with relevant data from other research literature; and to monitor the maturation status of the participants. Based on the results achieved it can be concluded that the participants achieved peak physical fitness at the mid-season period (testing session 3). It would appear that the attainment of these results was determined by the participants being exposed to both a pre-season and an in-season training period. It seems that both the completion of the specific types of training that occurred during these two periods, as well as the competitive matches played, elevated the participants physical fitness to the levels required for success at the elite level.

Medicine balls have traditionally been used to develop upper body strength through catching and throwing exercises. Medicine ball training is also designed to enhance power, strength, flexibility and agility. In addition, they are used for abdominal strength gains and rehabilitation exercises for various injuries to the upper torso.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:07:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 VFINAL 19-10-07 Verde.pdf: 380018 bytes, checksum: fcfd4869e7cb2b6d2419a05fe10f3d81 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-08-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Competition athletes are subjected to muscular lesions that could be avoided or minimized if a biochemical, metabolic and emotional indicators follow-up were made during practices as a routine, resulting on an increase of the athlete s sport life. The objective of this study was to measure the serum concentration of muscle-skeletal lesions biochemical markers and the psychological state of professional athletes from a soccer team playing at first division. 11 male athletes were evaluated with ages of 26,5 ± 7,5 years, high of 1,73 meters (± 0,5 cm) and weight of 77,1 (± 3,8 kilograms). The gathering of data was made during the annual cycle of practices and games, always before practice in the morning, on six distinct periods of training: pre-season (PT), competitive period one (C1), competitive period two (C2), competitive period with a 72 hours interval after the last activity (recovering period) (C72), competitive period three (C3) and competitive period four (C4). Every day, before the blood sample collect to the biochemical evaluations, a questionnaire of attendance to the psychological variables was applied using the BRUMS scale. On biochemical blood evaluation, were applied serum doses of: creatine kinase (CK), lactato dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferases (AST) and alanine aminotransferases (ALT), magnesium (Mg2+) and calcium (Ca2+). The enzymatic and mineral values found for the analyzed period indicate significant variations when compared to PT. The concentration of CK, LDH and AST demonstrated a great sensibility to detect the risk of lesion when presents progressives and simultaneous increases for the analyzed period, while the ALT, Ca2+ and Mg2+ are not good markers to the risk control of a soccer lesion. The BRUMS scale showed a good reprodutibility to the evaluation of the psychological state of athletes under training, the most significant variables to the detection of lesions risk are fatigue and energy and they present significant correlation with the biochemical markers. 15 lesions were observed through the study, distributed on 11 athletes. The periods of major numbers of lesion for group 1 was C4 (3 lesions 75%) and for group 2 was C1 (3 lesions 60%). When the frequency and distribution of lesions on the observed periods are visualized, we can affirm that there are a tendency to occur a greater number of lesions in periods where we find greater increases of biochemical concentration, especially of CK, LDH and AST, also an increase of stress and fatigue, followed by a progressive decrease on energy. The results of this study indicate a very important relation between the physical wear caused by excessive training and emotional stress that appear in response to the organism aggression by the routine of practices and games of the professional soccer athlete. The need of biochemical and psychological control in training is evidenced by the identification of physical and mental wear, as well as to the practice of preventive actions seeking the preservation and increase of the athlete s sport life. / Atletas de competição estão sujeitos às lesões musculares que poderiam ser evitadas ou minimizadas, se o acompanhamento de indicadores bioquímicos, metabólicos e emocionais, durante os treinamentos, fosse realizado como rotina, o que aumentaria o tempo de vida útil do atleta no esporte. O objetivo deste estudo foi mensurar as concentrações séricas de marcadores bioquímicos de lesão músculo-esquelética e o estado psicológico de atletas profissionais de futebol de equipe da primeira divisão. Foram avaliados 11 atletas do sexo masculino com 26,5 (± 7,5) anos de idade, com altura de 1,73 metros (± 0,5 cm) e peso 77,1 (± 3,8 kg). As coletas de dados ocorreram ao longo de todo o macrociclo anual de treinos e jogos, sempre antes dos treinos, no período matutino, em seis períodos distintos do treinamento: pré-temporada (PT), período competitivo um (C1) período competitivo dois (C2), período competitivo com intervalo de 72 horas após a última atividade (período de recuperação) (C72), período competitivo três (C3) e período competitivo quatro (C4). Diariamente, antes da coleta de sangue para as avaliações bioquímicas, aplicou-se um questionário de acompanhamento das variáveis psicológicas através da escala de BRUMS. Na avaliação bioquímica do sangue, foram realizadas dosagens séricas de: creatina cinase (CK), lactato desidrogenase (LDH), aspartato aminotransferases (AST) e alanina aminotransferase (ALT), magnésio (Mg²+) e cálcio (Ca²+). Na análise dos dados os atletas foram divididos em dois grupos; o grupo 1 era composto por atletas que apresentaram na avaliação PT resultados nas concentrações enzimáticas dentro dos valores de normalidade; o grupo 2 era composto por atletas que apresentaram valores das concentrações enzimáticas acima dos valores de normalidade. Os valores enzimáticos e minerais encontrados para os períodos analisados demonstram variações significativas quando comparados a PT para os dois grupos. As concentrações de CK a LDH e AST demonstraram uma grande sensibilidade ao aumento de risco para a lesão, tanto para o grupo 1 quanto para o grupo 2 apresentando aumentos progressivos e simultâneos para os períodos analisados. A ALT, Ca²+ e Mg²+ não são bons marcadores para o controle de risco para a lesão no futebol em ambos os grupos. A escala de BRUMS apresentou boa reprodutibilidade para avaliação do estado psicológico dos atletas sob treinamento, as variáveis de maior importância para a detecção do risco de lesões são fadiga e vigor e apresentam correlação significativa com os marcadores bioquímicos. Foi observado um total de 15 lesões ao longo do estudo, distribuídas em 11 atletas. Os períodos de maior incidência de lesões para o grupo 1 foi em C4 (3 lesões 75%) e para o grupo 2 foi em C1 (3 lesões 60%). Quando visualizamos a freqüência e distribuição de lesões nos períodos observados, podemos afirmar que existe uma tendência a ocorrer um maior número de lesões nos períodos onde encontramos os maiores aumentos das concentrações bioquímicas, principalmente de CK, LDH e AST, juntamente com o aumento da tensão e fadiga, seguido por uma diminuição progressiva do vigor. Os resultados deste estudo demonstram uma relação muito importante entre o desgaste causado pelo treinamento excessivo e o estresse emocional provocado em resposta à agressão do organismo pela rotina de treinos e jogos do atleta profissional de futebol. Evidencia-se a necessidade do controle bioquímico e psicológico do treinamento tanto para a identificação do desgaste físico e mental, quanto para a prática de ações preventivas visando à preservação e o aumento da vida útil do atleta.

Orientador: Pedro José Winterstein / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Educação Física / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-16T13:33:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Mattos_BrunoJosede_M.pdf: 836831 bytes, checksum: 49bd482fd9b15fb65cbd8d96642b9c69 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram compreender e refletir sobre o serviço de atenção psicológica prestado por um psicólogo, que se orientou pelos pressupostos da Abordagem Centrada na Pessoa, numa equipe de futebol durante os períodos de preparação e disputa da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. O referencial teórico utilizado foi o da Psicologia Humanista de Carl Ransom Rogers, a Abordagem Centrada na Pessoa. O presente estudo aplicou-se num Clube de Futebol do Estado de São Paulo, que disputou uma das edições da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. Participaram da pesquisa os jogadores e a comissão técnica da equipe. A pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa e o seu caminhar metodológico se deu pela abordagem fenomenológica. Utilizou-se a técnica da Narrativa para relatar as vivências psicológicas dos participantes. O proponente inseriu-se na condição de Observador Participante, uma vez que foi o psicólogo do time de futebol e também pesquisador. Justifica-se a importância deste estudo pela possibilidade que os leitores terão de conhecer o que é vivenciado dentro de um ambiente esportivo de alto rendimento, tão fechado e peculiar; dessa forma poderão discutir com mais propriedade sobre o papel da atenção psicológica no Esporte. Nos resultados foram apresentados os relatos dos atendimentos psicológicos prestados, a compreensão e reflexão do pesquisador por cada um deles, as suas percepções e os seus sentimentos diante dos fenômenos que surgiam. Foi salutar refletir na discussão dos resultados que o encontro da Abordagem Centrada na Pessoa e o Esporte exigem um novo paradigma ao olhar o atleta. A pessoa atleta não é um ser acabado; determinado pelo meio; ou passível de rótulo, fruto de perfis psicológicos. A melhor forma de ajudar a pessoa atleta é promover o seu desenvolvimento global. A pessoa atleta é autodeterminada, tem potencial para se autocompreender, é consciente e livre. Sua opinião deve ser valorizada na periodização da equipe / Abstract: The objectives of this research were to understand and reflect on the psychological care service provided by a psychologist, who was guided by the assumptions of the Person Centered Approach, a soccer team during the periods of preparation and the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. This theoretical framework was the humanistic psychology of Carl Ransom Rogers, the Person Centered Approach. This study applied a Football Club of São Paulo, who played one of the editions of the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. Study participants included the players and technical team. The research is a qualitative methodology and its walk was because of the phenomenological approach. We used the technique of narrative to relate the psychological experiences of the participants. The bidder was part of the status of observer participant, since the psychologist was on the football team and also a researcher. Justifies the importance of studying the possibility that readers need to know what is experienced within a sports environment for high yield, so close and peculiar, so they can discuss in more property on the role of psychological attention in Sports. Results were presented in the reports of psychological care provided, the researcher's understanding and reflection by each of them, their perceptions and their feelings about the phenomena that arose. It was salutary to reflect the discussion results of the meeting of the Person Centered Approach and Sport require a new paradigm to look at the athlete. The person being an athlete is not finished; determined by using, or likely to label the result of psychological profiles. The best way to help the individual athlete is promoting its global development. The athlete is self-determined person, has the potential to they understand themselves, is conscious and free. His opinion should be valued in the strategic planning of the team / Mestrado / Educação Fisica e Sociedade / Mestre em Educação Física