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

Sports ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Bilateral Deficit and Bilateral Performance: Relationship with Sprinting and Change of Direction in Elite Youth Soccer Players

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Giampiero Ascenzi ◽  
Bruno Ruscello ◽  
Cristoforo Filetti ◽  
Daniele Bonanno ◽  
Valter Di Salvo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Average Power ◽  
Motor Task ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Male Youth ◽  
Squat Jump ◽  
Bilateral Deficit ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Contraction Type ◽  
Statistical Relationships

The purpose of the study was to examine the differences in bilateral deficit (BLD) at different loadings during the half-squat jump (SJ) and horizontal countermovement jump (HCMJ) to determine if there is a relationship with linear sprint or change of direction (COD). The second goal was to check if fast players were more powerful in SJ and HCMJ than slow players in bilateral performance (BP). Twenty-seven male youth soccer players participated in the study. Players were divided in two groups, faster and slower, according to their sprint performance (10 and 40 m). BLD average power with body weight (BW) and 25%BW were significantly higher than 50%BW (p < 0.01). BLD during HCMJ was significantly higher than BLD during SJ with BW, 25%BW and 50%BW (p < 0.01). There were no statistical relationships between BLD and sprint or COD performance (p > 0.05). Fast players showed significantly higher SJ power with all the different loads and HCMJ than slow players (p < 0.01), and fast players lost more time executing COD-90° than slow players (p < 0.01). There were no statistical differences between fast and slow players in BLD. BLD seems to be dependent on motor task, contraction type and load and could not be a proper measure to estimate sprint and COD performance. Faster players are confirmed to be more powerful players than slow players, and decrements in COD could be a key benchmark to identify deficit between linear and COD performance.

scholarly journals Factors Associated With Knee Pain and Heel Pain in Youth Soccer Players Aged 8 to 12 Years

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596711988337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiyuki Iwame ◽  
Tetsuya Matsuura ◽  
Naoto Suzue ◽  
Joji Iwase ◽  
Hirokazu Uemura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Pain ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Heel Pain ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Clinical Factors ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Soccer is played by many children younger than 12 years. Despite its health benefits, soccer has also been linked to a high number of sport-related injuries. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between clinical factors and knee or heel pain in youth soccer players. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Study participants included 602 soccer players aged 8 to 12 years who were asked whether they had experienced episodes of knee or heel pain. Data were collected on age, body mass index, years of playing soccer, playing position, and training hours per week. Associations of clinical factors with the prevalence of knee or heel pain were examined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Episodes of knee and heel pain were reported by 29.4% and 31.1% of players, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that older age and more years of playing soccer were significantly and positively associated with the prevalence of knee pain ( P = .037 and P = .015 for trend, respectively) but did not identify any significant associations for heel pain. Conclusion: In this study of youth soccer players, knee pain was associated with older age and more years of play, but heel pain was not significantly associated with any factor.

scholarly journals Coaches’ Evaluations of Match Performance in Academy Soccer Players in Relation to the Adolescent Growth Spurt

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Hill ◽  
Sam Scott ◽  
Darragh McGee ◽  
Sean Cumming
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Growth Spurt ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Impact Performance ◽  
Rate Of Growth ◽  
Talent Selection ◽  
Selection Decisions ◽  
Player Performance

AbstractIndividual differences in biological maturation present challenges for coaches involved with youth soccer players. Youth in the same chronological age group vary in terms of stage of maturity (pre, circum- and post-pubescent) and rate of growth, but how this affects coaches’ evaluations of player performance is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare youth soccer coaches’ evaluations of players match performances before, during and post growth spurt in a professional English soccer academy across four seasons. Two hundred and seventy-eight male soccer players in the under-9 to under-16 age-groups had their performances evaluated by their coach on a 4-point Likert scale. For each game, players were categorised by their maturity status estimated using percentage of predicted adult height at the time of observation. A one-way ANCOVA controlling for the level of opposition and game outcome revealed that coaches’ evaluations declined from the pre- to during growth spurt stages, however, this was only significant in the under 12 age-group. Further, coaches’ evaluations increased again in the post-growth spurt stage, although only significant in the under 15 age-group. Coaches evaluations of player performance appear to vary in accordance with stage of maturity and rate of growth. Practitioners in youth soccer should understand the extent to which maturity status may adversely impact performance and consider this when making talent selection decisions.

scholarly journals The Influence of the Coach’s Autonomy Support and Controlling Behaviours on Motivation and Sport Commitment of Youth Soccer Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8699
Author(s):  
Javier Sevil-Serrano ◽  
Ángel Abós ◽  
Sergio Diloy-Peña ◽  
Pedro L. Egea ◽  
Luis García-González
Keyword(s):  
Autonomy Support ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sport Commitment ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Support Autonomy

The coach is one of the most influential agents in the sport commitment of youth players. Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), numerous studies have examined the influence of the coach’s autonomy-supportive behaviours on athletes’ motivation. However, fewer studies have examined the influence of the coach’s controlling behaviours. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the influence of young soccer players’ perception of their coach’s autonomy-supportive and controlling behaviours on the satisfaction and frustration of their basic psychological needs (BPN) and sport commitment. A total of 203 soccer players (86% boys), aged 10–19 years (M = 14.88; SD = 1.54) participated. Coach autonomy support positively predicted BPN satisfaction which, in turn, positively explained sport commitment. Coach intimidation behaviours positively predicted BPN frustration, which, in turn, negatively explained sport commitment. In cross-relationships, autonomy support negatively explained BPN frustration, while intimidation behaviours and the controlling use of rewards negatively predicted BPN satisfaction. To conclude, these results suggest that it is important for the coach not only to support autonomy, but also to avoid the use of controlling behaviours, especially intimidation and controlling use of rewards, because of their influence on the motivational processes and sport commitment of youth soccer players.

scholarly journals Hopping and Landing Performance in Male Youth Soccer Players: Effects of Age and Maturation

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 902-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Read ◽  
Jon Oliver ◽  
Mark De Ste Croix ◽  
Gregory Myer ◽  
Rhodri Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Height Velocity ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Peak Height Velocity ◽  
Temporary Reduction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Male Youth ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractQuantifying hopping and landing performances can assist coaches in identifying young male soccer players who may be at increased risk of injury. The influence of chronological age and maturation on these measures in this population is unknown. Single leg hop for distance (SLHD) and 75% horizontal hop and stick landing force (75%Hop) were examined in a cross-sectional sample (N=400) of elite male youth soccer players. Between-group differences for both chronological age (U11–U18) and stage of maturation (pre-, circa- or post-peak height velocity (PHV)) were analyzed. Absolute 75%Hop increased with both age and maturation. Apart from the U18s, pre-PHV and U11–U12 players displayed the greatest relative landing forces compared to all other groups (p<0.001; d=0.56–0.93). Absolute and relative SLHD were greatest in the U18s and post-PHV players (p<0.001; d=0.35–2.04). A trend showed increased SLHD with each consecutive age group although a reduction in performance was identified in the U13s (d=0.50–0.59). High volumes of accumulated soccer participation in the U18s may lead to altered landing strategies indicative of high injury risk. A temporary reduction in hop performance in the U13s may also be linked to a period of adolescent awkwardness.

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

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Heilmann ◽  
Peter Weigel ◽  
Rainer Wollny
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Male Youth ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Block Test

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 596-612 ◽  
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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