scholarly journals Maturity Has a Greater Association than Relative Age with Physical Performance in English Male Academy Soccer Players

Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 171
Author(s):  
John M. Radnor ◽  
Jacob Staines ◽  
James Bevan ◽  
Sean P. Cumming ◽  
Adam L. Kelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Adult Height ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Sprint Performance ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Sprint Time ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Professional Soccer

This study aimed to: (1) examine differences in physical performance across birth-quartiles and maturity-status, and (2) determine the relationships among relative age, maturation and physical performance in young male soccer players. The sample included 199 males aged between 8.1 and 18.9 years, from two professional soccer academies in the English Football League. Data were collected for height, weight, self-reported biological parent heights, 30 m sprint time and countermovement jump (CMJ) height. Relative age was conveyed as a decimal, while maturity status was determined as the percentage of predicted adult height (PAH). There were no significant differences in any measure between birth quartiles, however early maturers outperformed on-time and later maturers in most performance measures. Pearson-product-moment correlations revealed that maturation was inversely associated with 30 m sprint time in U12 to U16 (r = −0.370–0.738; p < 0.05), but only positively associated with CMJ performance in U12 (r = 0.497; p < 0.05). In contrast, relative age was unrelated to sprint performance and only significantly associated with superior CMJ performance in U16. This study indicates that maturity has a greater association with sprint performance than relative age in English male academy soccer players. Practitioners should monitor and assess biological maturation in young soccer players to attempt to control for the influence on physical performance, and avoid biasing selection on absolute performance rather than identifying the most talented player.

scholarly journals The Main and Interactive Effects of Biological Maturity and Relative Age on Physical Performance in Elite Youth Soccer Players

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
James Parr ◽  
Keith Winwood ◽  
Emma Hodson-Tole ◽  
Frederik J. A. Deconinck ◽  
James P. Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Adolescent Male ◽  
Performance Tests ◽  
Strength Index ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Biological Maturity

The main and interactive effect of biological maturity and relative age upon physical performance in adolescent male soccer players was considered. Consistent with previous research, it was hypothesised that participants of greater maturity or born earlier in the selection year would perform better in terms of physical performance tests. This cross-sectional study consisted of 84 male participants aged between 11.3 and 16.2 years from a professional soccer academy in the English Premier League. Date of birth, height, weight, and parental height were collected. Sprint, change of direction, countermovement jump, and reactive strength index were considered for physical performance. Relative age was based on the birth quarter for the selection year. Maturity status was based upon the percentage of predicted adult height attained. Linear regression models highlighted that maturation was associated with performance on all but one of the physical performance tests, the reactive strength index. In contrast, relative age only served as a significant predictor of performance on the countermovement jump. This study indicated that physical performance (in the tests studied) seems to be related to the biological maturity status of a player but not their relative age. This finding is important because it suggests that early-maturing players perform better in the majority of physical performance tests, and the commonly held belief that relative age effect influences performance may be overstated.

scholarly journals Effects of Short-Term Plyometric Training on Agility, Jump and Repeated Sprint Performance in Female Soccer Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2274
Author(s):  
Marcin Maciejczyk ◽  
Renata Błyszczuk ◽  
Aleksander Drwal ◽  
Beata Nowak ◽  
Marek Strzała
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Sprint Performance ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Plyometric Training ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Squat Jump ◽  
Repeated Sprint ◽  
Before And After

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of short-term (4 weeks, twice a week: 8 sessions) plyometric training on agility, jump, and repeated sprint performance in female soccer players. The study comprised 17 females performing this sports discipline. The players were randomly divided into two groups: with plyometric training (PLY) and the control (CON). All players followed the same training program, but the PLY group also performed plyometric exercises. Tests used to evaluate physical performance were carried out immediately before and after PLY. After implementing the short PLY training, significant improvement in jump performance (squat jump: p = 0.04, ES = 0.48, countermovement jump: p = 0.009, ES = 0.42) and agility (p = 0.003, ES = 0.7) was noted in the PLY group. In the CON group, no significant (p > 0.05) changes in physical performance were observed. In contrast, PLY did not improve repeated sprint performance (p > 0.05) among female soccer players. In our research, it was shown that PLY can also be effective when performed for only 4 weeks instead of the 6–12 weeks typically applied.

Effects of Plyometric Versus Optimum Power Load Training on Components of Physical Fitness in Young Male Soccer Players

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Ribeiro ◽  
Luís Teixeira ◽  
Rui Lemos ◽  
Anderson S. Teixeira ◽  
Vitor Moreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Squat Jump ◽  
Sprint Speed ◽  
Power Load ◽  
High Level ◽  
Training Exercises

Purpose: The current study aimed to compare the effects of plyometric (PT) versus optimum power load (OPL) training on physical performance of young high-level soccer players. Methods: Athletes were randomly divided into PT (horizontal and vertical drills) and OPL (squat + hip thrust exercises at the load of maximum power output) interventions, applied over 7 weeks during the in-season period. Squat and countermovement jumps, maximal sprint (10 and 30 m), and change of direction (COD; agility t test) were the pretraining and posttraining measured performance variables. Magnitude-based inference was used for within- and between-group comparisons. Results: OPL training induced moderate improvements in vertical squat jump (effect size [ES]: 0.97; 90% confidence interval [CI], 0.32–1.61) and countermovement jump (ES: 1.02; 90% CI, 0.46–1.57), 30-m sprint speed (ES: 1.02; 90% CI, 0.09–1.95), and COD performance (ES: 0.93; 90% CI, 0.50–1.36). After PT training method, vertical squat jump (ES: 1.08; 90% CI, 0.66–1.51) and countermovement jump (ES: 0.62; 90% CI, 0.18–1.06) were moderately increased, while small enhancements were noticed for 30-m sprint speed (ES: 0.21; 90% CI, −0.02 to 0.45) and COD performance (ES: 0.53; 90% CI, 0.24–0.81). The 10-m sprint speed possibly increased after PT intervention (small ES: 0.25; 90% CI, −0.05 to 0.54), but no substantial change (small ES: 0.36; 90% CI, −0.40 to 1.13) was noticed in OPL. For between-group analyses, the COD ability and 30-m sprint performances were possibly (small ES: 0.30; 90% CI, −0.20 to 0.81; Δ = +1.88%) and likely (moderate ES: 0.81; 90% CI, −0.16 to 1.78; Δ = +2.38%) more improved in the OPL than in the PT intervention, respectively. Conclusions: The 2 different training programs improved physical performance outcomes during the in-season period. However, the combination of vertically and horizontally based training exercises (squat + hip thrust) at optimum power zone led to superior gains in COD and 30-m linear sprint performances.

scholarly journals Relationship Between Jumping Ability, Agility and Sprint Performance of Elite Young Basketball Players: A Field-Test Approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbas Asadi
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Sprint Performance ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Strong Correlations ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Sprint Time ◽  
Long Jump

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n2p177 The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between sprint, agility and jump performance of elite young basketball players. Sixteen elite national level young male basketball players participated in this study. The jumping ability of each player was determined using countermovement jump (CMJ), and broad long jump (BLJ). The agility T test (TT) and Illinois agility test (IAT) were assessed to determine the agility, and 20-m sprint time was also measured to determine sprint performance. The results of Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis indicated moderate correlation between training age and IAT (r = -0.57; p = 0.021). Strong correlations were found between CMJ and BLJ (r = 0.71; p = 0.002), and between TT and IAT (r = 0.70; p = 0.002). Similarly, 20-m sprint time was strong correlated with CMJ (r = -0.61; p = 0.011), BLJ (r = -0.76; p = 0.001), TT (r = 0.77; p = 0.001), and IAT (r = 0.68; p = 0.003). In addition, CMJ was strongly correlated with TT (r = -0.60; p = 0.013), and IAT (r = -0.64; p = 0.007), and also strong correlation between BLJ with TT (r = -0.85; p = 0.001) and IAT (r = -0.76; p = 0.001). The findings of the present study indicated significant correlation between sprint and agility, jumping ability and sprint performance and between jumping ability and agility performance in basketball players. Therefore, the results suggest that sprint, agility and jumping ability share common physiological and biomechanical determinants. 

scholarly journals Análisis de los componentes físicos y antropométricos de jóvenes futbolistas chilenos desde la categoría Sub-13 a Sub-19 (Analysis of the physical and anthropometric components of young Chilean footballers from category Sub-13 to Sub-19)

Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 547-555
Author(s):  
Joel Barrera ◽  
Luis Valenzuela Contreras ◽  
Fernando Maureira ◽  
Hugo Sarmento
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Lower Margin ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Margin Of Error ◽  
Objective Tests

  Objetivo: describir el perfil antropométrico y condicional de jóvenes futbolistas chilenos desde la categoría Sub-13 a Sub-19, proponiendo una batería de pruebas objetivas, que permita proporcionar una serie de indicadores validos de medición. Metodología: se aplicaron pruebas de campo de agilidad 20 m zigzag, aceleración 10 m, velocidad 30 m, Running based anaerobic sprint test (RAST), Yo-Yo IR1 y salto contramovimiento (CMJ), sumado a las medidas antropométricas de altura y masa corporal. Resultados: Los resultados demostraron que los atletas de las categorías más jóvenes (Sub-13, Sub-14 y Sub-15) son más altos que los informados en otras publicaciones científicas. Además, el 73,2% de los atletas nació en los dos primeros trimestres del año de selección, dejando en evidencia el efecto de edad relativa. Las categorías Sub-13 y Sub-14 presentaron el mayor número de diferencias al comparar sus medias en las diferentes variantes. Conclusión: La mayor presencia de pruebas objetivas permiten determinar el rendimiento físico de los jóvenes futbolista, esto a su vez consiente en crear un estándar de selección más objetivo y con un menor margen de error para los entrenadores.  Abstract. Objective: to describe the anthropometric and fitness profile of young Chilean soccer players from the Sub-13 to Sub-19 category, proposing a battery of objective tests, which allows providing a series of valid measurement indicators. Methodology: field tests of agility 20 m zigzag, acceleration 10 m, speed 30 m, running based anaerobic sprint test (RAST), Yo-Yo IR1 and countermovement jump (CMJ) were applied, added to anthropometric measurements of height and body mass. Results: The results showed that the athletes in the youngest categories (Sub-13, Sub-14 and Sub-15) are higher than those reported in other scientific publications. In addition, 73.2% of athletes were born in the first two quarters of the selection year, revealing the effect of relative age. Categories Sub-13 and Sub-14 presented the greatest number of differences when comparing their means in the different variants. Conclusion: The greater presence of objective tests allows us to determine the physical performance of young soccer players, this in turn allows us to create a more objective selection standard and with a lower margin of error for coaches.

scholarly journals Associations between Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Jump and Change of Direction Speed Tests and Physical Performance in Adolescent Female Soccer Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3474
Author(s):  
Elena Pardos-Mainer ◽  
Chris Bishop ◽  
Oliver Gonzalo-Skok ◽  
Hadi Nobari ◽  
Jorge Pérez-Gómez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Adolescent Female ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Percentage Difference ◽  
Hop Test ◽  
Physical Tests

The association between asymmetries in jump and change of direction (COD) with physical performance in several sports show inconclusive results. The purposes of this study were to: (1) measure inter-limb asymmetries in three distinct groups in adolescent female soccer players and, (2) to determine the association between inter-limb asymmetries and physical performance in different age groups. Fifty-four players were distributed in three age groups: U-18, U-16 and U-14. All of them performed a series of jumps, sprints and change of direction speed tests. Asymmetries were assessed as the percentage difference between limbs, with the equation: 100/Max value (right and left) * in value (right and left) * −1 + 100. Mean inter-limb asymmetries were 2.91%, 4.82% and 11.6% for 180° COD, single leg hop and single leg countermovement jump tests respectively, but higher percentages of asymmetries were observed in many players individually. U-18 and U-16 showed significant differences on 180° left COD compared to U-14. Effect size (ES): 0.80 and 0.74, respectively; U-18 presented differences on single left leg hop test compared to U-14, ES: −0.72; U-16 also showed differences on 40 m speed compared to U-14, ES 0.87 (All p < 0.05). Jumping and COD physical tests show asymmetries in adolescent female soccer players, but these asymmetries do not interfere with physical performance. The largest asymmetry was observed in the single leg countermovement jump, and no asymmetries between groups were found. Due to the high variability in the direction of asymmetries, it is recommended to consider players’ individual asymmetries for designing specific training programs.

scholarly journals Relationship between Repeated Sprint Ability and Aerobic Capacity in Professional Soccer Players

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhys M. Jones ◽  
Christian C. Cook ◽  
Liam P. Kilduff ◽  
Zoran Milanović ◽  
Nic James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Active Recovery ◽  
Maximal Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Sprint Time ◽  
Repeated Sprint Ability ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Repeated Sprint ◽  
Sprint Ability

Aim. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between maximal aerobic capacity () and repeated sprint ability (RSA) in a group of professional soccer players.Methods. Forty-one professional soccer players (age  yrs, height  cm, weight  kg) were required to perform tests to assess RSA and on two separate days with at least 48 hr rest between testing sessions. Each player performed a treadmill test to determine their and a test for RSA involving the players completing  m sprints (turn after 20 m) with 20 s active recovery between each sprint.Results. There was a significant negative correlation between body mass normalised and mean sprint time () (; ) and total sprint time () (, ).Conclusion. Results of the current study indicate that is one important factor aiding soccer players in the recovery from repeated sprint type activities.

scholarly journals Does Relative Age Effect Exist among Norwegian Professional Soccer Players?

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Wiium ◽  
Yngrar Ommundsen ◽  
Hege R. Enksen ◽  
Stein Atle Lie
Keyword(s):  
Age Effect ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Relative Age Effect ◽  
Professional Soccer

Acute and Short-Term Response to Different Loading Conditions During Resisted Sprint Training

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 997-1004
Author(s):  
Beatriz Bachero-Mena ◽  
Miguel Sánchez-Moreno ◽  
Fernando Pareja-Blanco ◽  
Borja Sañudo
Keyword(s):  
Creatine Kinase ◽  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Metabolic Response ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Sprint Performance ◽  
Loading Conditions ◽  
Sprint Training ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Short Term

Purpose: To analyze the acute and short-term physical and metabolic responses to resisted sprint training with 5 different loading conditions (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% body mass). Methods: Fifteen male participants performed 8 × 20-m sprints with 2-minute rests between sprints with 5 different loading conditions. Subjects performed a battery of tests (creatine kinase and lactate concentrations, countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and isokinetic knee extension and flexion contractions) at 3 different time points (preexercise [PRE], postexercise [POST], and 24-h postexercise [POST24H]). Results: Results revealed significant increases in blood lactate for all loading conditions; however, as sled loadings increased, higher blood lactate concentrations and increments in sprint times during the training session were observed. Significant increases in creatine kinase concentration were observed from PRE to POST24H for all loading conditions. Concerning physical performance, significant decreases in countermovement-jump height from PRE to POST were found for all loading conditions. In addition, significant decreases in 20-m sprint performance from PRE to POST were observed for 0% (P = .05) and 80% (P = .02). No significant differences with PRE were observed for the physical-performance variables at POST24H, except for 20% load, which induced a significant decrease in mean power during knee flexion (P = .03). Conclusions: These results suggest that the higher the load used during resisted sprint training, the higher the physical-performance impairments and metabolic response produced, although all loading conditions led to a complete recovery of sprint performance at POST24H.

scholarly journals Relative age, maturation, anthropometry and physical performance characteristics of players within an Elite Youth Football Academy

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 714-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rickesh Patel ◽  
Alan Nevill ◽  
Ross Cloak ◽  
Tina Smith ◽  
Matthew Wyon
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Multilevel Modelling ◽  
Age Effects ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Youth Football ◽  
Physical Performances ◽  
Novel Approaches ◽  
Level 1

A professional English football club with Category 1 academy status was investigated to determine the magnitude of relative age effects (RAE) within the club and explore between-quartile differences for somatic maturity, anthropometry and physical performances. Birth dates of 426 players from Under 9 to First Team were categorised into four birth quartiles (Q) and examined for relative age effects. Additionally, data on 382 players (Under 11 to First Team) were obtained for somatic maturity, anthropometry, countermovement jump, sprint (10 and 30 m), agility T-test and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 or 2 performance to determine between-quartile differences. Odds ratios revealed Q1 players were 6.0 times more likely to be represented than Q4 players. Multilevel modelling demonstrated between birth quartile similarities for each variable across all age groups, though there was a tendency for Q4 players to outperform Q1 players between Under 11 and Under 18 groups. Strong relative age effects exist within this club as well as a tendency to select players demonstrating advanced growth and/or maturity, with some indication that higher categorised academies in England may be at risk of amplified selection biases. Talent identification strategies in elite youth football should actively seek to adopt novel approaches to reduce selection biases and avoid wasted potential.

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