Field-based physical performance of elite and sub-elite middle-adolescent soccer players. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Trecroci, Athos; Longo, Stefano; Perri, Enrico; Iaia, F. Marcello; Alberti, Giampietro
• Is Part Of: Research in sports medicine. Volume 27:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Change of direction speed -- skill assessment -- team sports -- agility -- talent identification; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine du sport -- Périodiques; 617.102705
• DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2018.1504217
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1543-8627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of the current study was to evaluate field-based physical performance of under 16 years (U16) elite and sub-elite soccer players. Forty elite (n = 20) and sub-elite (n = 20) soccer players were enrolled and tested for countermovement jump (CMJ), 10-m sprint and agility, in terms of sprint with 90° turns (S90), S90 with ball, Slalom, Slalom with ball, and reactive agility (RAT). Statistical and practical significant differences were observed in CMJ, S90 and RAT between elite and sub-elite. Elite players exhibited a likely better performance in Slalom, Slalom with ball and S90 with ball despite a non-significant difference by level of play. Concerning sprint ability, both groups showed similar performance in the 10-m sprint. Countermovement jump and agility tests are field-based physical assessments recommended to better distinguish between U16 elite and sub-elite soccer players.