Analysis of cognitive abilities measured in a laboratory-controlled 360° simulation in soccer

AbstractSoccer, which is characterized by a very high pace and a short possession time, requires players who are well trained in cognitive abilities. The aim of the study was to quantify cognitive abilities and the improvements in cognitive measures in a laboratory-controlled 360° simulation setting. In all, 82 male youth soccer players (4 age groups) were examined with a pre-/posttest design with an e‑training intervention in a unique 360° simulation tool (SoccerBot360 [Umbrella Software Development GmbH, Leipzig, Germany]). The cognitive abilities, especially executive functions, were measured using cognitive tests (Stroop number test, Corsi Block test, Anticipation tests, Choice Reaction test) modified for the 360° simulation to evaluate executive functions and anticipation. The analyzed soccer players showed significant positive changes in cognitive tests from pre- to posttest and significant group effects. The changes in the cognitive test values are not exclusively due to the additional training in the simulation. Nevertheless, the results show significant differences between the four age groups in cognitive abilities and their development.

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Differences in Squat Jump, Linear Sprint, and Change-of-Direction Performance among Youth Soccer Players According to Competitive Level

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports9110149 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 149

Author(s):

Michael Keiner ◽

Andreas Kapsecker ◽

Tobias Stefer ◽

Björn Kadlubowski ◽

Klaus Wirth

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Male Youth ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Talent Selection ◽

Selection Test

The aim of this investigation was to analyze significant differences in performance depending on the level of play (elite vs. amateur) in youth soccer players (under 17 years. old (U17) and U19). A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 45 elite and amateur male youth soccer players (16.56 ± 0.9 years old) were evaluated in their performances in squat jump (SJ), 10 m linear sprint (LS), 20 m LS, 505 agility test (505) and Illinois agility test (IAT). Differences in performances were analyzed with a 2 × 2 MANOVA, post-hoc ANOVAs, and Hedges’ g (g) for pairwise comparisons of subgroups (level of play and age group). This investigation showed that the elite player performance was significantly (p < 0.05) better in all performance tests than amateur players in both age groups. Interestingly, this investigation showed that the more complex the target exercise, the larger the effect sizes for group differences (SJ: g = 0.64–1.18, LS: g = 0.05–2.23, change-of-direction (COD): g = 3.01–6.84). The SJ, LS, 505, and IAT may prove useful in talent selection test batteries to separate between competitive levels in youth soccer players.

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Are Soccer and Futsal Affected by the Relative Age Effect? The Portuguese Football Association Case

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.679476 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Pedro Figueiredo ◽

André Seabra ◽

Marta Brito ◽

Marta Galvão ◽

João Brito

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Young Male ◽

Age Effect ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Training Institution ◽

Chi Square ◽

Male Youth ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Relative Age ◽

Relative Age Effect

A better understanding of the relative age effect (RAE) in youth will increase the awareness of the need for reducing the bias of (de)selection. Thus, we investigated the RAE in youth female and male soccer and futsal players in Portugal, using nationwide data. Birthdates of 5,306 female and 126,285 male soccer players, and 2,437 female and 23,988 male futsal players (U7–U19), registered in Portugal during the season 2019–2020, and Portuguese National teams (from U15 to AA soccer teams and from U17 to AA futsal teams) were analyzed. Data were categorized into age groups and certification levels [no certification, basic football training center, football school, and training institution] of the respective clubs/academies. Birthdates were stratified from the start of the selection year using quartiles (Q) and semesters (S). Differences between the observed and expected birthdate distributions were analyzed using chi-square statistics, and RAEs were calculated using odds ratios (OR). In both soccer and futsal, female players, in the age category U9, RAEs were found (Q1 vs. Q4, OR: 1.49 and 1.84, respectively). In male soccer, differences in the birthdate distribution were observed in all age categories (U7–U19) with significant OR between all comparisons (Q and S). In contrast, an over-representation of young male futsal players (Q1 vs. Q4) was observed only in the age categories U7 and U9 (OR: 1.54 and 1.34, respectively). The stratification by certification level showed a significant RAE for all certification levels in male soccer players. In contrast, in male futsal players, the RAE was significant only in clubs and academies with the highest level. For National teams, the RAE was more pronounced in male soccer, particularly in the U16 and U17 (OR: 9.84 and 12.36, respectively). Data showed a RAE in female and male youth soccer and futsal, particularly in male, younger age categories, and in clubs and academies having a higher certification level, which could be accompanied by a loss of valuable elite players during the youth phase of their careers. Thus, adjustments in the systems and structure of talent identification are recommended to prevent RAE-related discrimination in youth soccer and futsal.

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Maturity-Associated Differences in Match Running Performance in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2020-0950 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

James Parr ◽

Keith Winwood ◽

Emma Hodson-Tole ◽

Frederik J.A. Deconinck ◽

James P. Hill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Global Positioning System ◽

High Speed ◽

Age Groups ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Positioning System ◽

Male Youth ◽

Running Performance ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Global Positioning ◽

Biological Maturity

Purpose: To investigate the influence of maturation on match running performance in elite male youth soccer players. Methods: A total of 37 elite male youth soccer participants from an English professional soccer academy from the U14s, U15s, and U16s age groups were assessed over the course of 1 competitive playing season (2018–2019). Relative biological maturity was assessed using percentage of predicted adult height. A global positioning system device was used between 2 and 30 (mean = 8 [5]) times on each outfield player. The position of each player in each game was defined as defender, midfielder, or attacker and spine or lateral. A total of 5 match-running metrics were collected total distance covered, high-speed running distance, very high-speed running distance, maximum speed attained, and number of accelerations. Results: Relative biological maturity was positively associated with all global positioning system running metrics for U14s. The U15/16s showed variation in the associations among the global positioning system running metrics against maturity status. A multilevel model which allowed slopes to vary was the best model for all parameters for both age groups. In the U14 age group, advanced maturation was associated with greater high-speed running distance. However, maturation did not contribute toward variance in any of the indices of running performance in the U15/16s. In the U15/16 age group, significance was observed in the spine/lateral playing positions when undertaking actions that required covering distance at high speeds. Conclusions: Maturation appeared to have an impact on match-running metrics within the U14s cohort. However, within the U15/16s, the influence of maturation on match-running metrics appeared to have less of an impact.

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“He’s Just a Wee Laddie”: The Relative Age Effect in Male Scottish Soccer

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.633469 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

James H. Dugdale ◽

Allistair P. McRobert ◽

Viswanath B. Unnithan

Keyword(s):

Financial Constraints ◽

Age Groups ◽

Age Effect ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Age Group ◽

Male Youth ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Relative Age ◽

Relative Age Effect ◽

And Performance

Significant structural, developmental, and financial constraints exist in Scottish soccer that may predicate a different approach to talent identification and development. To our knowledge, no published reports exist evaluating the prevalence of the relative age effect (RAE) in Scottish soccer players. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the RAE among varied playing levels and ages of male Scottish youth soccer players. Birthdates of male youth players (n = 1,230) from U10 to U17 age groups and from playing levels: “Amateur” (n = 482), “Development” (n = 214), and “Performance” (n = 534), alongside a group of male Scottish senior professional players (n = 261) were recorded and categorized into quartiles (Q1 = January–March; Q2 = April–June; Q3 = July–September; and Q4 = October–December) and semesters (S1 = January–June and S2 = July–December) from the start of the selection year. Birthdates were analyzed for: (a) each playing level and (b) each age group irrespective of playing level. For the varied playing levels examined, an RAE was evident in “Development” and “Performance” playing levels only at youth level. When examining each age group, an RAE was observed in U12–U17 players only. While there was a slight asymmetry favoring Q1 born senior professional players, the RAE was not present within this group of our sample. Results from our study suggest that a bias in selecting individuals born earlier in the selection year may exist within male soccer academy structures, but not at amateur level. The asymmetry favoring chronologically older players at youth but not professional level questions the efficacy of this (un)conscious bias within male Scottish soccer players.

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Size and Maturity Mismatch in Youth Soccer Players 11- to 14-Years-Old

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.22.4.596 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 596-612 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

António J. Figueiredo ◽

Manuel J. Coelho e Silva ◽

Sean P. Cumming ◽

Robert M. Malina

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Maturity ◽

Age Groups ◽

Goal Orientations ◽

Pubic Hair ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Chronological Age ◽

Age Group ◽

Male Youth ◽

Pubertal Status ◽

Youth Soccer

The purpose of the study was to compare the anthropometric, functional and sport-specific skill characteristics and goal orientations of male youth soccer players at the extremes of height and skeletal maturity in two competitive age groups, 11–12 and 13–14 years. The shortest and tallest players, and least and most skeletally mature players (n = 8 per group) within each age group were compared on chronological age; skeletal age (Fels method); pubertal status (pubic hair); size, proportions and adiposity; four functional capacities; four soccer-specific skills; and task and ego orientation. The tallest players were older chronologically, advanced in maturity (skeletal, pubertal) and heavier, and had relatively longer legs than the shortest players in each age group. At 11–12 years, the most mature players were chronologically younger but advanced in pubertal status, taller and heavier with more adiposity. At 13–14 years, the most mature players were taller, heavier and advanced in pubertal status but did not differ in chronological age compared with the least mature players. Players at the extremes of height and skeletal maturity differed in speed and power (tallest > shortest; most mature > lest mature), but did not differ consistently in aerobic endurance and in soccer-specific skills. Results suggested that size and strength discrepancies among youth players were not a major advantage or disadvantage to performance. By inference, coaches and sport administrators may need to provide opportunities for or perhaps protect smaller, skilled players during the adolescent years.

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Peak Match Speed and Maximal Sprinting Speed in Young Soccer Players: Effect of Age and Playing Position

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2014-0539 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 888-896 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Hani Al Haddad ◽

Ben M. Simpson ◽

Martin Buchheit ◽

Valter Di Salvo ◽

Alberto Mendez-Villanueva

Keyword(s):

Global Positioning System ◽

Age Groups ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Male Youth ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Peak Match ◽

Global Positioning ◽

Sprinting Speed ◽

The Relationship ◽

Effect Of Age

This study assessed the relationship between peak match speed (PMS) and maximal sprinting speed (MSS) in regard to age and playing positions. MSS and absolute PMS (PMSAbs) were collected from 180 male youth soccer players (U13–U17, 15.0 ± 1.2 y, 161.5 ± 9.2 cm, and 48.3 ± 8.7 kg). The fastest 10-m split over a 40-m sprint was used to determine MSS. PMSAbs was recorded using a global positioning system and was also expressed as a percentage of MSS (PMSRel). Sprint data were compared between age groups and between playing positions. Results showed that regardless of age and playing positions, faster players were likely to reach higher PMSAbs and possibly lower PMSRel. Despite a lower PMSAbs than in older groups (eg, 23.4 ± 1.8 vs 26.8 ± 1.9 km/h for U13 and U17, respectively, ES = 1.9 90%, confidence limits [1.6;2.1]), younger players reached a greater PMSRel (92.0% ± 6.3% vs. 87.2% ± 5.7% for U13 and U17, respectively, ES = –0.8 90% CL [–1.0;–0.5]). Playing position also affected PMSAbs and PMSRel, as strikers were likely to reach higher PMSAbs (eg, 27.0 ± 2.7 vs 23.6 ± 2.2 km/h for strikers and central midfielders, respectively, ES = 2.0 [1.7;2.2]) and PMSRel (eg, 93.6% ± 5.2% vs 85.3% ± 6.5% for strikers and central midfielders, respectively, ES = 1.0 [0.7;1.3]) than all other positions. The findings confirm that age and playing position affect the absolute and relative intensity of speed-related actions during matches.

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Injuries in Portuguese Youth Soccer Players During Training and Match Play

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-47.2.191 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

pp. 191-197 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

João Brito ◽

Robert M. Malina ◽

André Seabra ◽

José L. Massada ◽

José M. Soares ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Traumatic Injury ◽

Age Groups ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Match Play ◽

Male Youth ◽

Coach Education ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Risk Of Injury ◽

Soccer Teams ◽

Age Range

Context: Epidemiologic information on the incidence of youth soccer injuries in southern Europe is limited. Objective: To compare the incidence, type, location, and severity of injuries sustained by male subelite youth soccer players over the 2008–2009 season. Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting: Twenty-eight Portuguese male youth soccer teams. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 674 youth male subelite soccer players in 4 age groups: 179 U-13 (age range, 11–12 years), 169 U-15 (age range, 13–14 years), 165 U-17 (age range, 15–16 years), and 161 U-19 (age range, 17–18 years). Main Outcome Measure(s): Injuries that led to participation time missed from training and match play prospectively reported by medical or coaching staff of the clubs. Results: In total, 199 injuries reported in 191 players accounted for 14.6 ± 13.0 days of absence from practice. The incidence was 1.2 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure to soccer (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.8, 1.6), with a 4.2-fold higher incidence during match play (4.7 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure; 95% CI = 3.0, 6.5) than during training (0.9 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure; 95% CI = 0.6, 1.3) (F1,673 = 17.592, P < .001). The overall incidence of injury did not increase with age (F1,673 = 1.299, P = .30), and the incidence of injury during matches (F1,673 = 2.037, P = .14) and training (F1,673 = 0.927, P = .44) did not differ among age groups. Collisions accounted for 57% (n = 113) of all injuries, but participation time missed due to traumatic injury did not differ among age groups (F3,110 = 1.044, P = .38). Most injuries (86%, n = 172) involved the lower extremity. The thigh was the most affected region (30%, n = 60) in all age groups. Muscle strains were the most common injuries among the U-19 (34%, n = 26), U-17 (30%, n = 17), and U-15 (34%, n = 14) age groups, whereas contusions and tendon injuries were the most common injuries in U-13 players (both 32%, n = 8). The relative risk of injury slightly increased with the age of the competitors. Conclusions: The higher incidence of injury during matches than training highlights the need for education and prevention programs in youth soccer. These programs should focus on coach education aimed at improving skills, techniques, and fair play during competitions with the goal of reducing injuries.

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Landing Kinematics in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players of Different Chronologic Ages and Stages of Maturation

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-493-16 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 53 (4) ◽

pp. 372-378 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Paul J. Read ◽

Jon L. Oliver ◽

Mark B. A. De Ste Croix ◽

Gregory D. Myer ◽

Rhodri S. Lloyd

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Height Velocity ◽

Growth Spurt ◽

Knee Valgus ◽

Peak Height Velocity ◽

Male Youth ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Left Limb ◽

The Right

Context: Despite the high frequency of knee injuries in athletes, few researchers have studied the effects of chronologic age and stage of maturation on knee-joint kinematics in male youth soccer players. Objective: To use a coach-friendly screening tool to examine knee-valgus scores for players of different ages and at different stages of maturation. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Academy soccer clubs. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 400 elite male youth soccer players aged 10 to 18 years categorized by chronologic age and stage of maturation based on their years from peak height velocity (PHV). Main Outcome Measure(s): Knee valgus was evaluated during the tuck-jump assessment via 2-dimensional analysis. Frontal-plane projection angles were subjectively classified as minor (<10°), moderate (10°–20°), or severe (>20°), and using these classifications, we scored knee valgus in the tuck jump as 0 (no valgus), 1 (minor), 2 (moderate), or 3 (severe). Results: A trend toward higher valgus scores was observed in the younger age groups and the pre-PHV group. The lowest frequency of no valgus occurred in the U18 and post-PHV groups. The highest percentages of severe scores were in the U13 and pre-PHV groups for the right limb. Knee-valgus scores were lower for both lower extremities in the U18 group than in all other age groups (P < .001) except the U16 group. Scores were lower for the post-PHV than the pre-PHV group for the right limb (P < .001) and both pre-PHV and circa-PHV groups for the left limb (P < .001). Noteworthy interlimb asymmetries were evident in the U14, U15, and circa-PHV groups. Conclusions: Reductions in knee valgus with incremental age and during the later stages of maturation indicated that this risk factor was more prevalent in younger players. Interlimb asymmetry may also emerge around the time of the peak growth spurt and early adolescence, potentially increasing the risk of traumatic injury.

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Effects of 14-weeks betaine supplementation on pro-inflammatory cytokines and hematology status in professional youth soccer players during a competition season: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition ◽

10.1186/s12970-021-00441-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hadi Nobari ◽

Jason M. Cholewa ◽

Jorge Pérez-Gómez ◽

Alfonso Castillo-Rodríguez

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Blood Cells ◽

Well Being ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin ◽

Significant Group ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Betaine Supplementation ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Objective Systemic elevations in pro-inflammatory cytokines are a marker of non-functional over reaching, and betaine has been shown to reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of betaine supplementation on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins-1 beta (IL-1β), − 6 (IL-6) and the complete blood cell (CBC) count in professional youth soccer players during a competitive season. Methods Twenty-nine soccer players (age, 15.5 ± 0.3 years) were randomly divided into two groups based on playing position: betaine group (BG, n = 14, 2 g/day) or placebo group (PG, n = 15). During the 14-week period, training load was matched and well-being indicators were monitored daily. The aforementioned cytokines and CBC were assessed at pre- (P1), mid- (P2), and post- (P3) season. Results Significant (p < 0.05) group x time interactions were found for TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. These variables were lower in the BG at P2 and P3 compared to P1, while IL-1β was greater in the PG at P3 compared to P1 (p = 0.033). The CBC count analysis showed there was significant group by time interactions for white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). WBC demonstrated increases at P3 compared to P2 in PG (p = 0.034); RBC was less at P3 compared to P1 in BG (p = 0.020); Hb was greater at P2 compared to P1, whilst it was less at P3 compared to P3 for both groups. MCHC was greater at P3 and P2 compared to P1 in BG, whereas MCHC was significantly lower at P3 compared to P2 in the PG (p = 0.003). Conclusion The results confirmed that 14 weeks of betaine supplementation prevented an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and WBC counts. It seems that betaine supplementation may be a useful nutritional strategy to regulate the immune response during a fatiguing soccer season.

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