Half-Time Re-Warm-Up Strategies and Second-Half Performance Outcomes in Soccer: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18158127Keywords:
re-warm-up, half-time, soccer, football, systematic reviewAbstract
Background: Passive rest during the half-time interval in soccer is associated with reductions in muscle temperature and transient impairments in high-intensity performance at the start of the second half. Half-time re-warm-up (RWU) strategies have been proposed to counteract these effects; however, evidence regarding their effectiveness remains scattered. Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the effects of half-time re-warm-up strategies on second-half performance outcomes in soccer. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies examining physiological, perceptual, or performance-related outcomes following half-time RWU interventions were included. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers.Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Passive half-time rest consistently resulted in reductions in muscle temperature and decrements in sprint, jump, and explosive performance. In contrast, active and combined RWU strategies—including aerobic, agility-based, resistance, and short-duration protocols—attenuated these declines and, in some cases, enhanced acute performance. Benefits were most evident during the early phase of the second half across different competitive levels. Conclusions: Half-time re-warm-up strategies are effective in preserving physiological readiness and optimizing second-half performance in soccer. Time-efficient RWU protocols represent a practical alternative to passive rest in competitive settings.
References
Abade, E., Sampaio, J., Gonçalves, B., Baptista, J., Alves, A., & Viana, J. (2017). Effects of different re-warm up activities in football players' performance. PloS one, 12(6), e0180152.
Bangsbo, J., Mohr, M., & Krustrup, P. (2006). Physical and metabolic demands of training and match-play in the elite football player. Journal of sports sciences, 24(07), 665-674.
Christaras, M., Michailidis, Y., Mandroukas, A., Vardakis, L., Christoulas, K., & Metaxas, T. (2023). Effects of a short half-time re-warm-up program on matches running performance and fitness test performance of male elite youth soccer players. Applied Sciences, 13(4), 2602.
Christaras, M., Michailidis, Y., Mandroukas, A., Vardakis, L., Christoulas, K., & Metaxas, T. (2023). Effects of a short half-time re-warm-up program on matches running performance and fitness test performance of male elite youth soccer players. Applied Sciences, 13(4), 2602. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042602
Edholm, P., Krustrup, P., & Randers, M. B. (2015). Half‐time re‐warm up increases performance capacity in male elite soccer players. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 25(1), e40-e49.
Egger, M., Higgins, J. P., & Smith, G. D. (2022). Systematic Reviews in Health Research. Wiley.
Fashioni, E., Langley, B., & Page, R. M. (2020). The effectiveness of a practical half-time re-warm-up strategy on performance and the physical response to soccer-specific activity. Journal of sports sciences, 38(2), 140-149.
Greenhalgh, T., & Peacock, R. (2005). Effectiveness and efficiency of search methods in systematic reviews of complex evidence: audit of primary sources. Bmj, 331(7524), 1064-1065.
Gusenbauer, M., & Haddaway, N. R. (2020). Which academic search systems are suitable for systematic reviews or meta‐analyses? Evaluating retrieval qualities of Google Scholar, PubMed, and 26 other resources. Research synthesis methods, 11(2), 181-217.
Higgins, J. P. T., & Green, S. (2011). Internet. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions version, 5(0).
Kaya, S., Cug, M., & Behm, D. G. (2021). Foam rolling during a simulated half-time attenuates subsequent soccer-specific performance decrements. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 26, 193-200.
Liberati, A., Altman, D. G., Tetzlaff, J., Mulrow, C., Gøtzsche, P. C., Ioannidis, J. P., ... & Moher, D. (2009). The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate healthcare interventions: explanation and elaboration. Bmj, 339.
Lovell, R. J., Kirke, I., Siegler, J., McNaughton, L. R., & Greig, M. P. (2007). Soccer half-time strategy influences thermoregulation and endurance performance. Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 47(3), 263.
Lovell, R., Midgley, A., Barrett, S., Carter, D., & Small, K. (2013). Effects of different half‐time strategies on second half soccer‐specific speed, power and dynamic strength. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 23(1), 105-113.
Methley, A. M., Campbell, S., Chew-Graham, C., McNally, R., & Cheraghi-Sohi, S. (2014). PICO, PICOS and SPIDER: a comparison study of specificity and sensitivity in three search tools for qualitative systematic reviews. BMC health services research, 14(1), 579.
Mohr, M., Krustrup, P., & Bangsbo, J. (2003). Match performance of high-standard soccer players with special reference to development of fatigue. Journal of sports sciences, 21(7), 519-528.
Neves, P. P., Marques, D., Neiva, H. P., Nunes, C., Faíl, L., Ferraz, R., ... & Alves, A. R. (2025). Warm-up and Re-warm-up Insights into Resistance Training: Usual Practices among Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Athletes. The Open Sports Sciences Journal, 18(1).
Nourshahi, M., Ezadan, H., Haji, S., Farahmand, F., & Haghparast, A. (2024). Effect of re-warm-up practices on brain networks and physical performance in soccer players. Science & Sports, 39(5-6), 453-462.
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., ... & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. bmj, 372.
Russell, M., West, D. J., Briggs, M. A., Bracken, R. M., Cook, C. J., Giroud, T., ... & Kilduff, L. P. (2015). A passive heat maintenance strategy implemented during a simulated half-time improves lower body power output and repeated sprint ability in professional rugby union players. PloS one, 10(3), e0119374.
Sanchez-Sanchez, J., Clemente, F. M., Ramirez-Campillo, R., & Rodríguez-Fernández, A. (2024). Elastic Bands During Half-Squats as A Re-Warm-Up Strategy for Youth Soccer Players' Performance. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 23(4), 843.
Zois, J., Bishop, D., & Aughey, R. (2015). High-intensity warm-ups: effects during subsequent intermittent exercise. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 10(4), 498-503.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Emre Silan, Recep Fatih Kayhan, Türker Bıyıklı
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
