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Analysis of the Load-Velocity Relationship in the Full Squat Exercise in Female Soccer Players of Different Ages.

Serrano-Cañadillas C, Jiménez-Lozano M, Alonso-Escribano M, Sánchez-Medina L, González-Badillo JJ, Rodríguez-Rosell D. · Journal of strength and conditioning research · 2026

Researchers tested 85 female soccer players (senior, U18, U16) doing progressively heavier full squats to see how bar speed relates to the percentage of their one-rep max. Velocity predicted relative load very well (especially mean propulsive velocity and mean velocity, less so peak velocity), and the relationship was essentially the same regardless of age group.
Takeaway: Use mean propulsive or mean bar velocity in the full squat to estimate and monitor your training load instead of retesting your 1RM.
Abstract (source)

Abstract Serrano-Cañadillas, C, Jiménez-Lozano, M, Alonso-Escribano, M, Sánchez-Medina, L, González-Badillo, JJ, and Rodríguez-Rosell, D. Analysis of the load-velocity relationship in the full squat exercise in female soccer players of different ages. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The

Aims: of this study were twofold: to compare the load-velocity relationship in the full squat (FS) exercise in young female soccer players, and to examine the effect of chronological age on this relationship. Eighty-five female soccer players from the same club voluntarily participated in this study. Players were recruited from 3 age categories: Senior, Under-18, and Under-16. All subjects had at least 6 months of resistance training experience, including the FS, performed twice per week. The load-velocity relationship was determined using a progressive loading test up to the one-repetition maximum (1RM). Lifting velocity was measured using a linear velocity transducer. For each repetition, 3 velocity variables were obtained during the concentric phase: mean propulsive velocity (MPV), mean velocity (MV), and peak velocity (PV). Significant relationships (p < 0.001) were found between relative load (%1RM) and MPV (R2 = 0.961; SEE = 0.069), MV (R2 = 0.958; SEE = 0.062), and PV (R2 = 0.795; SEE = 0.132). Importantly, no statistically significant between-group differences were observed in MPV, MV, or PV at any relative load across age categories. In addition, mixed-effects polynomial models revealed no consistent effect of age on the overall level of the load-velocity relationship. These

Findings: provide insights for optimizing resistance training load prescription in female soccer players. Based on our

Results: , MPV and MV seem to be more valid than PV and may be preferable for prescribing and monitoring relative load during the FS exercise in female soccer players.

Primary studyProgramming & Periodization
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