Newton, R. U., Hoffman, J. R., Robertson, M., Maresh, C. M., Kang, J., & Kraemer, W. J. (2002). Changes in maximal power and force over the course of a competitive college football game. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 707.

Changes in force and power production in leg-extensors were measured over the course of a college football game. Players (N = 10) and game non-players ("red-shirted" players; N = 9) performed jumps (squat jump and countermovement jump), which were measured immediately before the game and after each quarter.

Force and power output were significantly higher in players than non-players. Both groups decreased significantly (~20%) in power by the end of the second quarter.

Implication. Force and power output declined over the course of a collegiate football game. Game strategies should take this into account.

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