Abstract
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.
Highlights
For match-play demands in soccer, players have to perform several high-intensity tasks during a game [1]
Elite player performance was significantly better in squat jump (SJ), linear sprints (LS), and COD than amateur players
The results show 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, COD: g = 3.01–6.84)
Summary
For match-play demands in soccer, players have to perform several high-intensity tasks during a game [1]. Because of changes in technical, tactical, and physical requirements, soccer matches have become more dynamic and fast paced [2,3]. It is becoming increasingly essential to consider physiological factors, such as the capacity of soccer players to produce various forceful and explosive actions, for players to exhibit optimal performance [4]. The capacity to perform change-of-direction (COD, excluding the decision-making process) is an essential physical fitness factor needed to perform effective and efficient COD maneuvers in multiple sports [6]. In modern soccer, which is speed-oriented, dynamic, and fundamentally more demanding, the physical demands of speed, especially
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