Muhammad Hamdan, Raihana Sharir, Wee Kian Yeo, Zulkifli Mohamed, Sapto Adi, Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin
The Ball-Oriented Soccer Simulation (BOSS) is an innovation from soccer match-play simulations previously used in scientific studies that aim to replicate soccer match-play demands. Several shortcomings from the previous simulations may include the utility of unidirectional treadmill running, large spatial requirement, or lack of individual ball-handling actions. With the utility of the multidirectional overground running, compact, BOSS in soccer studies, much of these shortcomings may be easily overcome in a safe, controlled, laboratory setting. The ball-handling activities in the BOSS were designed to closely follow match-play frequencies and distances to create an ecologically valid soccer match-play simulation. Mean heart rate and rating of perceived exertion during the BOSS was found to be similar to previous overground soccer match simulations (HR: 155±6 bpm; RPE: 14±1). Practical applications of the BOSS include its utility in multiple research disciplines such as exercise physiology, nutrition, sports psychology, sports biomechanics as well as skills and motor control. The BOSS may also be used in real-world settings such as using the protocol on injury risk screening during pre-season or as a return-to-play biomechanical assessment protocol for players following post-injury or post-surgical rehabilitation. In the future, perhaps the BOSS may be used as a blueprint for the development of different sport-specific simulation protocol for the betterment of sports research as well as sports equipment production. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, UiTM, Shah Alam, Malaysia; National Sports Institute of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; College of Engineering, UiTM, Shah Alam, Malaysia; Sports Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Center, UiTM, Shah Alam, Malaysia; Department of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Malang, Jawa Timur, Indonesia; Selangor Football Club, Shah Alam, Malaysia