Modelling age-related changes in motor competence and physical fitness in high-level youth soccer players: implications for talent identification and development

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Job Fransen ◽  
Kyle J.M Bennett ◽  
Carl T Woods ◽  
Neil French-Collier ◽  
Dieter Deprez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Motor Competence ◽  
Talent Identification ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Age Related ◽  
High Level ◽  
Age Related Changes

scholarly journals A multifactorial comparison of Australian youth soccer players’ performance characteristics

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle JM Bennett ◽  
Andrew R Novak ◽  
Matthew A Pluss ◽  
Aaron J Coutts ◽  
Job Fransen
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Early Adolescence ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Performance Characteristics ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Motor Competence ◽  
Psychological Traits ◽  
Youth Soccer

The current study aimed to investigate the performance characteristics that discriminate Australian youth soccer players according to their academy status. A total of 165 youth soccer players participated in this study and were sub-divided into either an early adolescence ( n =  92, age = 13.0 ± 0.6 years) or mid-adolescence ( n =  73 age = 14.8 ± 0.6 years) group. Players completed multifactorial assessments of anthropometry, motor competence, physical fitness, decision-making and psychological traits. Statistical significance was set at p ≤  0.05. Multivariate analysis of variance identified dynamic balancing ability (both age groups), object manipulation (mid-adolescence), lateral jumping ability (both age groups), linear speed over 5 m (both age groups), change of direction skill (mid-adolescence), intermittent aerobic endurance (mid-adolescence) and total response time on a decision-making assessment (early adolescence) to discriminate academy status. Interestingly, a binomial logistical regression showed that a 0.1 s decrease in sprint time (i.e. running faster) increased the odds of a player belonging to a tier one academy by 19% and 47% for early and mid-adolescent players, respectively. Overall, performance in the motor competence and physical fitness assessments were in favour of the tier one academy players. These findings are indicative of a potential selection bias in the Australian talent pool or a training effect whereby tier one academy programmes emphasise the development of physical attributes. However, future research is required to further substantiate this in a larger sample of youth soccer players from other playing regions within Australia.

scholarly journals Internal, external and repeated-sprint demands in small-sided games: A comparison between bouts and age groups in elite youth soccer players

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249906
Author(s):  
Richard Hauer ◽  
Paul Störchle ◽  
Bettina Karsten ◽  
Harald Tschan ◽  
Arnold Baca
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Internal Load ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Repeated Sprint ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Image Position

This study investigated the activity profile during small-sided games (SSG) in elite youth soccer players. Internal load (IL) including heart rate (HR) and external load (EL) such as distance covered in different speed-zones (SZ) were collected from forty-eight players of three different teams (U15, U16, U18). The investigation included a total of eighteen 5vs.5 SSGs, each consisting of four 2-minute bouts on a 40x32m pitch during spring season. Total group results (n = 48) showed a reduction in total-distance (p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.12), high-intensity-running (p = 0.009; ηp2 = 0.09), and low-intensity-running distance (p = 0.028; ηp2 = 0.07) between bouts. Similarly, a reduction in the number of both acceleration-low (p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.12) and deceleration-high (p = 0.003; ηp2 = 0.11) values was observed. Additionally, time spent in HR-zones 3 and 4 (p≤0.007; ηp2 ≥ 0.10), increased, with a reduction in HR-zone 1 (p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.25). Age group comparison showed less distance covered in SZ 1 (p≤0.000; ηp2 = 0.56) and greater deceleration-high values (p≤0.038; ηp2 = 0.32) in U15 players compared to other age groups. Further, U15 showed lower values in low-intensity-running compared to U18 (p = 0.038; ηp2 = 0.22). No age-related differences were found for IL and repeated sprint ability (RSA) values. The higher EL in younger age groups should be taken into account when implementing soccer specific SSGs. In addition, HRmean values between 80–85% of HRmax and RSA numbers, which are similar to match-play data, indicate SSGs as an effective training tool to prepare youth soccer athletes for the demands of competition.

Technical attributes of Australian youth soccer players: Implications for talent identification

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 819-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad S Keller ◽  
Annette J Raynor ◽  
Lyndell Bruce ◽  
Fiona Iredale
Keyword(s):  
The State ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Receiver Operating Curve ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Talent Identification ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Technical Ability ◽  
State Elite ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Hoc

Objectives To determine whether the technical ability of Australian youth soccer players could distinguish between various playing levels. Design A cross-sectional observational design was used with each player required to complete four technical tests. Methods Sixty-two participants were representatives of three cohorts of youth soccer in Australia: national elite ( n = 18), state elite ( n = 22) and sub-elite ( n = 22). The technical tests used were Loughborough Short Passing Test (LSPT), long passing test (LPT), shooting test and speed dribbling, with all players familiarised with the tests prior to data collection. Differences between cohorts were analysed using a multiple analysis of variance test with follow-up analyses of variance and Tukey Honest Significant Difference post-hoc test, which were subsequently used to inform a sensitivity analysis, more specifically a bootstrapped receiver operating curve to determine cut-off scores for each variable. Results The national elite cohort scored better than state- and sub-elite cohorts on the LSPT, however, the state elite produced the fastest time before penalties. The sub-elite cohort scored less points on the LPT compared to both national- and state-elite cohorts, on both feet. In regards to speed dribbling, national-elite players were faster than both the state- and sub-elite cohorts. Shooting accuracy and velocity were able to discriminate the national- and sub-elite cohorts on the dominant foot, with shooting velocity on the nondominant foot being faster for the national elite compared to both the state- and sub-elite cohorts. Conclusions A number of differences in technical ability were identified between varying levels of Australian youth soccer players. Youth soccer coaches and sports scientists should use the cut-off scores for the technical tests in the talent identification and development process, with aspiring players aiming to reach these levels.

Characteristics of high-level youth soccer players: variation by playing position

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Deprez ◽  
Job Fransen ◽  
Jan Boone ◽  
Matthieu Lenoir ◽  
Renaat Philippaerts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soccer Players ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
High Level

scholarly journals Relative Age Effect in the Sport Environment. Role of Physical Fitness and Cognitive Function in Youth Soccer Players

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (16) ◽  
pp. 2837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florentino Huertas ◽  
Rafael Ballester ◽  
Honorato José Gines ◽  
Abdel Karim Hamidi ◽  
Consuelo Moratal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Relative Age Effect ◽  
Attentional Functioning ◽  
Age Related

The need to achieve short-term competitive outcomes in sports may influence the emergence of talent selection strategies, which could bias individuals’ opportunities. The present study aimed to further explore the relative age effect (RAE), a phenomenon that strongly influences youth sport development. The RAE refers to a disproportionately high percentage in sport teams of athletes born early in the selection year. Our primary focus was to explore whether the RAE is supported by behavioral evidence in favor of better fitness—and especially cognitive-attentional functioning—of early as compared to late-born players. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 105 young athletes (u10, n = 52; 9.8 ± 0.3 years old, and u12, n = 53; 11.8 ± 0.2 years old) attending two youth elite soccer academies. Attentional functioning, anthropometrics, physical fitness, and game intelligence were compared across two Age Groups (u10 vs. u12) and four Birth Quarters (BQ1–BQ4). The RAE was statistically significant (p < 0.001), showing that about 50% of participants were born in the first quarter and 75% were born in the first half of the year. More importantly, U12 players outperformed u10 players in measures that were related to sustained attention (with faster and less variable responses; p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), and in all anthropometric measures (p < 0.001), physical-fitness capacities (p < 0.05). Crucially, neither the attentional measures, game intelligence, anthropometrics, nor physical fitness were affected by BQ (all ps > 0.1 and BF10 between 0.08 and 0.6, showing strong evidence for the null hypothesis). The present findings suggest that the early selection process that occurs during scouting in youth soccer academies offsets the age-related differences that could be anticipated in cognitive skills, anthropometrics, and physical abilities, due to growth and maturation. These birth asymmetries could lead teams to disregard later maturation athletes and athletes born later in the year inducing a larger dropout of those players with the consequent reduction in the talent pool.

scholarly journals Effects of Maturation on Physical Fitness Adaptations to Plyometric Drop Jump Training in Male Youth Soccer Players

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 2760-2768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Vera-Assaoka ◽  
Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo ◽  
Cristian Alvarez ◽  
Felipe Garcia-Pinillos ◽  
Jason Moran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Male Youth ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Jump Training

scholarly journals Relative Age Effect in Anthropometrical Characteristics and Physical Fitness Among Youth Soccer Players of Amateur Clubs

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (0) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Yiannis Michailidis ◽  
Charalambos Zelenitsas ◽  
Dimitrios Mikikis ◽  
Kosmas Christoulas ◽  
Thomas Metaxas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Relative Age Effect

scholarly journals Analysis of Injury Incidences in Male Professional Adult and Elite Youth Soccer Players: A Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 410-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Pfirrmann ◽  
Mark Herbst ◽  
Patrick Ingelfinger ◽  
Perikles Simon ◽  
Suzan Tug
Keyword(s):  
Data Extraction ◽  
Injury Rate ◽  
American Football ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Injury Rates ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Important Concern ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
High Level

Context: The incidence of injury for elite youth and professional adult soccer players is an important concern, but the risk factors for these groups are different. Objective: To summarize and compare the injury incidences and injury characteristics of male professional adult and elite youth soccer players. Data Sources: We searched MEDLINE and Web of Science using the search terms elite, international, European, soccer, football, injury, injuries, epidemiology, incidence, prevalence, not female, not American football, and not rugby. We also used the search terms professional for studies on professional adult soccer players and high-level, soccer academy, youth, adolescent, and young for studies on elite youth soccer players. Study Selection: Eligible studies were published in English, had a prospective cohort design, and had a minimum study period of 6 months. To ensure that injury data were assessed in relationship to the athlete's individual exposure, we included only studies that reported on injuries and documented exposure volume. Data Extraction: Two independent reviewers applied the selection criteria and assessed the quality of the studies. Data Synthesis: A total of 676 studies were retrieved from the literature search. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria: 6 for elite youth and 12 for professional adult soccer players. Conclusions: Injury rates were higher for matches than for training for both youth and adult players. Youth players had a higher incidence of training injuries than professionals. Efforts must be made to reduce the overall injury rate in matches. Therefore, preventive interventions, such as adequately enforcing rules and focusing on fair play, must be analyzed and developed to reduce match-related injury incidences. Reducing training injuries should be a particular focus for youth soccer players.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document