Seasonal Variations in Biomechanical Performance Among Female Varsity Soccer Players

This study examined phase-related changes in biomechanical and field-based performance across a competitive season in female varsity soccer players. Twenty-five players (age = 20.40 ± 1.98 years) were evaluated at pre-, mid-, and post-season using countermovement jump, broad jump, Y-balance, T-balance, L-hop, reaction time, and bilateral squat tasks in the laboratory, and sprint performance on-field. Sprint times increased significantly mid-season at 10 m (χ² = 15.56, p  < 0.001), 20 m (χ² = 31.21, p  < 0.001), and 40 m (χ² = 7.59, p  = 0.023), with partial recovery post-season. Bilateral and left-leg countermovement jump heights declined (χ² = 18.89, p  < 0.001; χ² = 8.78, p  = 0.012), while broad jump and L-hop metrics remained stable. Lower-limb complex reaction time worsened (χ² = 10.45, p  = 0.005), whereas upper-limb simple reaction time improved (χ² = 10.57, p  = 0.005). Y-balance performance increased post-season, particularly in medial-posterior reach (χ² = 9.05, p  = 0.011), and knee–ankle coordination variability rose mid-season (χ² = 8.09, p  = 0.018). Statistical significance was set at p  ≤ 0.05.These findings demonstrate that neuromuscular readiness and movement quality fluctuate across the competitive cycle. Mid-season decrements in sprint and jump performance likely reflect accumulated fatigue, while late-season balance improvements may indicate adaptive recovery. Coaches and strength professionals should implement phase-specific monitoring and individualized load management to preserve power output, sustain coordination control, and mitigate injury risk throughout the season.