
Conversely, the higher acceleration group demonstrated a higher COD deficit when compared to the lower acceleration group (ES = 0.55). A selective influence of the maximum acceleration ability on speed-power tests was observed, as the higher acceleration group demonstrated likely to almost certain higher performances than the lower acceleration group in all measurements (effect sizes varying from 0.66 to 2.39 ).

Magnitude-based inference was used to compare the differences in the physical test results between “higher” and “lower” acceleration groups. Athletes were divided, using a median split analysis, into two different groups according to their maximum acceleration rates from zero to 5-m (e.g., higher and lower ACC 0-5-m). Soccer players performed the assessments in the following order: 1) squat and countermovement jumps 2) 20-m sprinting speed test 3) Zigzag COD ability test and 4) bar-power outputs in the jump squat exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine the selective influences of the maximum acceleration capability on change of direction (COD) speed, COD deficit, linear sprint speed, sprint momentum, and loaded and unloaded vertical jump performances in forty-nine male professional soccer players (24.3 ± 4.2 years 75.4 ± 5.4 kg 177.9 ± 6.4 cm).
