Soccer Skills Research Articles

Anthropometric and Physiological Predictors of Soccer Skills in Youth Soccer Players

Study purpose. This study aimed at investigating the anthropometric and physiological characteristics that affect soccer skills in advanced-level youth soccer players. Materials and methods. Ninety advanced youth male soccer players from the U-18 division 1 soccer club were enrolled to participate in this study. The participants were classified into three different positions: defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The anthropometric profiles (height, weight, and body fat) and physiological variables (Y-balance test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, running-based anaerobic sprint test, sit-up test, countermovement jump test, drop jump test, arrowhead agility test, and 40-m sprint test) were assessed. Soccer-specific skills were measured using the Loughborough soccer passing and shooting protocol. Results. The multiple regression analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between physical factors and the Loughborough soccer passing ability (R2 = 0.291, F(15, 74) = 2.200, p = 0.015). The results indicated that the relative maximum power displayed the strongest association with passing ability, followed by sit-up, countermovement jump without and with arm swing, and fatigue index. Concerning the shooting performance, the predictors accounted for 21.8% of the variance, with sit-up being the sole significant predictor among other factors. Conclusions. Our findings underscore the significance of relative maximum power, fatigue tolerance, muscular power, and core strength as valuable predictors for enhancing passing ability. In addition, abdominal strength emerged as a crucial indicator of shooting performance. Soccer coaches could use the essential information described in this study for talent identification purposes.

Improvement of Executive Function Through Cognitively Challenging Physical Activity with Nonlinear Pedagogy In Elementary Schools

This study investigated the effects of cognitively challenging with nonlinear pedagogical games on the executive functions and situational interests of students in physical education. Participants were 145 fifth and sixth-grade students (74 boys, 71 girls) from four elementary schools. This acute investigation, which included a physical education session, utilized a quasi-experimental design with four groups, repeated measures, and cross-over. After the post-test, one fifth- and one sixth-grade class from each school was randomly assigned to Group 1 with cognitively challenging nonlinear pedagogy games, Group 2 with a session for teaching soccer skills, Group 3 with a session for teaching track and field skills, and Group 4 control group, all the group with cognitively challenging physical with activity nonlinear pedagogy games. Included were pre- and post-test measures of executive functioning and a post-test assessment of situational interest. Students in Group 1 who engaged in cognitively challenging physical activity with nonlinear pedagogy games increased their executive function scores (t(39) =−19.75, p < 0.001, d=1.82) more than students who participated in sessions with group 2 soccer (t(33) =−3.14, p=0.005), group 3 track and field skills (t(38) =−0.98, p=0.325) and those group 4 the control group (t(32) =−0.68, p=0.523). The positive effects on the executive functions of students were duplicated when the cognitively demanding physical activity with nonlinear pedagogy games session was administered to the control group on the waiting list Students who participated in the soccer skills session showed some improvements in their executive functions. Students who participated in cognitively challenging physical nonlinear games scored higher on novelty than those who participated in soccer or track and field. These findings confirm the efficacy of cognitively challenging physical activity using nonlinear games in stimulating the executive functions of students in physical education. Key words: physical activity, nonlinear pedagogy, situational interest, cognitive engagement, design fluency

Asymmetry in Ball Kicking Speed between Preferred and Non-preferred Leg in Young Soccer Players

Kicking ability is one of the most important skills in soccer. It is very important to have a good kicking ability with both feet. The main goal of this research was to determine a ball kicking asymmetry (KA) between preferred and non-preferred leg in young soccer players for the U-15 and the U-17 age category. The second goal was to determine differences in kicking asymmetry (KA) between players of different playing positions. 183 young players in U-15 category as well as 87 players from U-17 age category were tested with simple soccer specific test to evaluate kicking velocity (km/h) with preferred and non-preferred leg using Pocket radar. Testing took place on the artificial grass during dry and warm weather and ball was kicked while stationary at the 11-m spot. Results obtained with Student’s T-test showed that differences in the maximum kicking velocity with the preferred and non-preferred leg were statistically significant (p≤0.05) in both age groups (90.2±8.8 km/h /78.5±9.8 km/h for U-15) and (102.7±6.4 km/h /89.5±9.4 km/h for U-17) which confirmed KA is present. Additionally, univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there were significant differences in KA between different playing positions in U-17 group (KA=14.57/9.72/14.1 for defenders, midfielders and attackers, respectively). Soccer kicking can be a quality indicator for assessing the soccer kicking ability. By assessing kicking ability, relevant results can be obtained in a fast, and efficient way and can be utilized in the selection process of young talents.

Importance of fundamental movement skills to predict technical skills in youth grassroots soccer: A machine learning approach

This study determined the contributors to soccer technical skills in grassroots youth soccer players using a machine learning approach. One hundred and sixty-two boys aged 7 to 14 (mean ± SD = 10.5 ± 2.1) years, who were regularly engaged in grassroots soccer undertook assessments of anthropometry and maturity offset (the time from age at peak height velocity (APHV)), fundamental movement skills (FMS), perceived physical competence, and physical fitness and technical soccer skill using the University of Ghent dribbling test. Coaches rated player's overall soccer skills for their age. Statistical analysis was undertaken, using machine learning models to predict technical skills from the other variables. A stepwise recursive feature elimination with a 5-fold cross-validation method was used to eliminate the worst-performing features and both L1 and L2 regularisation were evaluated during the process. Five models (linear, ridge, lasso, random forest, and boosted trees) were then used in a heuristic approach using a small subset of suitable algorithms to achieve a reasonable level of accuracy within a reasonable time frame to make predictions and compare them to a test set to understand the predictive capabilities of the models. Results from the machine learning analysis indicated that the total FMS score (0 to 50) was the most important feature in predicting technical soccer skills followed by coach rating of child skills for their age, years of playing experience and APHV. Using a random forest, technical skills could be predicted with 99% accuracy in boys who play grassroots soccer, with FMS being the most important contributor.

Training model of basic football techniques for early age: systematic review

Study Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe the training model of basic football techniques for the early-age group. Materials and Methods. The primary method used in this study was a literature review. A literature review is a research design utilized to gather data sources related to a specific topic to depict the core content based on the retrieved information. As part of the data collection for the literature review, databases were employed to search for relevant literature. The data was aggregated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method. This research entailed analyzing journal articles and formulating a summary concerning the research questions and objectives. The journal search and review procedures were executed via the PICOT method. Each question addressed P = problem/population, with this study zeroing in on the pertinent problem. The research analyzed the model of basic soccer technique training segmented by age groups, as represented by the I/E = implementation/intervention/exposure component of PICOT. The subsequent component, C = control/comparative intervention, was not incorporated in this study. Finally, T = time was delimited by narrowing the review to journals published within the last decade. Journal articles evaluated in this study were sourced from both national and international publications via numerous scientific journal platforms. Results. The study determined that the training model for basic football techniques can be categorized by age group, which includes (1) 6–7 years old, (2) 7–8 years old, and (3) 10–11 years old. The training methodology encompasses (1) ball mastery and juggling, (2) dribbling and running with the ball, (3) passing and receiving, (4) heading, (5) throw-ins, and (6) small-sided games. Essential equipment for training includes (a) portable goalposts of varying sizes, (b) a kicking board or rebound goal, (c) a mobile free-kick wall, (d) cones of different dimensions, (e) basic physical exercise equipment, (f) balls of diverse sizes and colors, (g) areas designated for soccer tennis and soccer volleyball drills, (h) a video camera, and (i) a storage section for equipment. Conclusion. Mastering the fundamental techniques of football is paramount in cultivating children's soccer skills. Consequently, the instruction for basic football techniques is sequentially administered based on the unique attributes of each age group. The rudimentary football technique training model, stratified by age, includes (1) ball mastery and juggling, (2) dribbling and running with the ball, (3) passing and receiving, (4) heading, (5) throw-ins, and (6) small-sided games, each tailored according to the learners' requirements and progress. By grasping the traits affiliated with soccer, trainers and educators can proffer suitable training materials during sessions. Solo and small-group exercises, primarily in duos, are vital for refining ball control and facilitating paced learning. Training exercises are often executed in pairs to bolster communication, foster collaboration, and deepen the understanding of soccer tenets.

Basic Technique Skill Practice Model Filanesia-Based Football

Purpose: This research aims to develop a Filanesia-based basic football technique training model for the soccer skill development phase aged 10-13 years with learning media in the form of interactive multimedia. Theoretical Framework: This choice is not just a subjective choice but a choice that is also based on valid theoretical arguments. The perchloric form of exercise must be abandoned to be able to produce intelligent players. Method: This study uses the Research and Development approach from Borg and Gall, which aims to find answers to the problem of basic football technical skill models based on Filanesia. After going through the entire series, the basic physio-based football technique training model effectively improves players' passing, dribbling, and shooting skills. This is based on the results of effectiveness tests on the new model with the old model. Result and Conclusion: The results of the effectiveness test data were obtained after treating the research sample for 16 meetings. Based on the results of needs analysis, expert validation, field trials, effectiveness tests and discussion of research and development results on the product development of the filanesia-based basic football technique training model for ages 10-13 years. Research Implications: This developed skill training model is effective for improving the essential technical skills of football aged 10-13 years. Originality/Value: The following conclusions can be drawn. The filanesia-based basic football technique skill training model in the skill development phase aged 10-13 years can be developed and applied in football training.

Pengaruh Latihan Intensitas Sedang Selama Pandemic Covid – 19 Terhadap Keterampilan Sepakbola Dan Kebugaran Jasmani

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of moderate intensity training during the Covid-19 pandemic on basic soccer technical skills and physical fitness in SSB Saswco Bandung students. In this study, researchers used a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The respondent received moderate-intensity exercise three times a week for six weeks. The population for this study consisted of 25 of his SSB Saswco Bandung U-16 students and the sample used consisted of 18 of his selected based on a targeted sampling technique. rice field. The soccer skill measurement tool is a soccer ability test of passing, heading, dribbling and shooting, and the fitness measurement tool is a physical fitness test for her 16-19 year olds in Indonesia. The hypothesis testing analysis technique used is the paired-samples t-test. The test results for passing technique received significance values of 0.001 > 0.05, heading significance values 0.001 > 0.05, dribbling significance values 0.001 > 0.05, shooting significance values 0.001 > 0.05, and fitness achieved significance values a. A value of 0.001 > 0.05 was obtained physically. The conclusion of this study is that moderate intensity training during the Covid-19 pandemic can improve the basic soccer technical skills of SSB Saswco Bandung students and that moderate intensity training during the Covid-19 pandemic Strength training can improve the physical fitness of SSB Saswco students. Bandung can improve

The decision-making in dribbling: a video analysis study of U10 soccer players' skills and coaches' quality evaluation.

Dribbling is an important soccer skill that, when effective, allows players to overcome opponents. It can provide a strong tactical advantage; for this reason, all of its components (sprint, speed, and ball control) are fundamental to the development of young players. Dribbling can also be considered a decision-making process, and due to its characteristics, it is not always easy to study ecologically. Using a video analysis study, this research aimed to determine whether dribbling skills, specifically dribbling choice (i.e., decision-making), were related to U10 soccer players' quality. Several outcomes measures, divided into three categories, were taken during video analyses: (i) measures related to the efficacy of dribbling skill; (ii) measures related to the ability of players without the ball to support the player in possession; and (iii) measures related to ball circulation. These data were retrospectively assessed to whether the coaches had formed the teams in training through an implicit knowledge of the players' dribbling skills. The percentage of accurate dribbling (that is, the ability to perform correct passes after a successful dribble) was found to be the variable that coaches may have implicitly used in creating the three groups differentiated by technical skills (p < 0.05). In fact, this percentage was 12.9%, 24.0%, and 48.1% for the groups with lower, average, and higher technical skills, respectively. Overall, the results demonstrate that dribbling accuracy has an important weight in the coach's evaluation of the technical skills level of young soccer players.

Effects of Situated Game Teaching Through Set Plays on Middle School Students’ Soccer Skills and Game Performance

Purpose: To examine the effects of the Situated Game Teaching through Set Plays (SGTSP) curricular model on secondary school students’ soccer skills and game performance during a 10-lesson unit. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with/without a repeated measure was used to examine the effectiveness of the SGTSP model in comparison with a technique-focused approach. A convenient sample of 27 sixth graders from two classes participated in this study. Classes were randomly assigned to conditions. Data were collected from soccer skill tests and game performance coding instrument. Analysis of variance with or without a repeated measure was conducted to analyze the data. Results: Participants’ ball controlling skill significantly improved for both groups over time. Their shooting and dribbling skills did not improve for both groups over time. No statistical differences were found in participants’ changes in ball controlling, shooting, and dribbling skills over time between the two conditions. Participants in the SGTSP condition had better offensive off the ball, offensive with the ball, overall offensive decision making, and overall decision making than those in the comparison condition. Conclusions: The findings provided initial evidence supporting the effectiveness of the SGTSP model on developing students’ decision making in the game plays. Participants taught by SGTSP had similar skill performance as those taught by a technique-focused approach.

Basic Concepts of Plyometric Training in Soccer Players

Exercises that involve plyometrics are typically broken up into a stretch-shortening cycle with three phases: an eccentric phase (rapid muscle lengthening), an amortization phase (short resting interval), and a concentric phase (explosive muscle shortening). How quickly an athlete transitions from the eccentric to the concentric phase is a measure of his power. Plyometric training (PT) affects the neuromuscular components of the body for maximum contraction of muscle in minimum time. Soccer is a multidimensional sport and requires various strength training, endurance training, power and agility training, and soccer tactical training. Considering all facts, PT has got a strong tendency to develop cardiovascular and neuromuscular fitness. PT improves VO2 max, explosive strength, linear sprint speed, effective kicking, endurance, agility, soccer skills, and vertical jump ability in athletes of any age. PT improves tendon strengthening and increases muscle elasticity, which results in avoiding injuries.

The effect of cognitive modelling strategy supported by hypermedia in learning some soccer skills for second grade students

The effect of cognitive modelling strategy supported by hypermedia in learning some soccer skills for second grade students

The Level of Physical Fitness and Its Relationship to the Level of Skillful Performance of Some Basic Soccer Skills Among Youth Female Players in Palestine

The study sought to identify the level of physical fitness and its relationship to the level of skill performance of some soccer skills among emerging young female players in Palestinian clubs. The study used the descriptive correlational (semi-experimental) approach to achieve its objectives, the study tool consisted of physical tests (speed, flexibility, endurance, agility, muscle strength) and skill tests (running with the ball, passing, controlling the ball, shooting, hitting the ball with the head). The tests were applied to a random stratified sample of (89) emerging young female soccer players from the Palestinian club players and the study reached several results, including: The level of physical fitness of young female soccer players in Palestinian clubs was good, in terms of the arithmetic average of the elements of physical fitness, respectively: speed (8.9) m/s, flexibility (6.05) cm, endurance (2.39) m/min, and agility (14.7) m/s, muscular power (1.45) meters. In addition, the level of skill performance of some of the basic soccer skills of the young female players in the Palestinian clubs was between average and good, in terms of the arithmetic mean of skill performance tests, where the average results of the ball running test were (17.01) seconds, passing skill (11.6) times, controlling the ball (14.87) times, shooting skill (14.43) times, and hitting the ball with the head (4.04) times. The results of the study indicated that there is a statistically significant correlation between the level of physical fitness and skillful performance of young female soccer players in Palestinian clubs and the study reached several results, the most prominent of which is: the need to work on improving and developing the level of physical and skill performance of young female soccer players in Palestinian clubs, increasing interest in women's sports, especially for young women in soccer, by encouraging the Federation of clubs to pay attention to this category, because it forms the core and basis for the following groups, such as the Olympic teams, the approval of coaches for physical and skill tests in the process of selection and evaluation of soccer players.

Short-term effect of Kinesiotape™-application on running speed, agility and plyometric performance in amateur soccer players

Soccer is a physically demanding team sport requiring players to run fast, perform multiple changes in direction and jump, among other skills. Soccer players with optimal running speed, agility and plyometric abilities are more likely to be selected for team participation, as they will have enhanced on-the-field performance. Various exercise and rehabilitation protocols exist to ensure optimal player performance, but none focus on the immediate effect of Kinesio tape (Kinesio Holding Corporation, Albuquerque, NM, USA) on the stabilising muscles of the lower limb to influence important basic soccer skills. A one-group pre-test–post-test quasi-experimental design was used. Thirty-three male university-level soccer players aged 18–35 years with no history of lower limb surgery were included. Baseline testing was performed using the vertical jump test, Modified Illinois Change of Direction test and a timed 50-metre sprint. After a rest period of 1–4 days, the participants were strapped with Kinesio tape and the post-test, using the same objective measures, was conducted. Pre- and post-test analysis was performed using paired student t-test. Improvement was observed for running speed (p≤0.001, SD: 0.685), agility (p≤0.001; SD: 2.312) and plyometrics (p≤0.001; SD: 2.451). The application of Kinesio tape on the stabiliser muscles of the lower limbs significantly improved running speed, agility and plyometrics in amateur soccer players immediately after application.

The effects of a soccer season on anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness, and soccer skills in North African elite female youth soccer players

The effects of a soccer season on anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness, and soccer skills in North African elite female youth soccer players

Survei Pengelolaan Klub Sepak Bola SSB GP PLANDI Jombang yang Berdampak Pada Prestasi Atlet

The background of this research is the results of the author's observations of the activities of a soccer club in Plandi Village called SSB GP Plandi. This club's training seems the same as other clubs, but this club often wins matches inside and outside the city. Therefore the author wants to examine what management or management is carried out by the coaches and administrators of the SSB GP Plandi club in maintaining the achievements of their athletes. This research approach uses a survey approach with a type of qualitative research by seeking information from related parties in the cluster such as coaches, administrators, and athletes. Data is collected by the type of data from the results of interviews, documentation, and observation. In the results of the study, the coach stated that with advanced planning and short, medium, and long-term management management was able to guide children to improve their soccer skills. Trainers always instill discipline and appropriate training methods. This is expected to maximize the potential of each individual. Training and evaluation program, SSB GP Plandi's coach provides an intensive training program which is 4 times a week with some core training such as passing, ball control, heading, free kicks, and penalty kicks. In the facilities and infrastructure section, the trainer stated that the facilities and infrastructure at SSB PG Plandi were still good and complete for regular training, and the trainer was more pleased because there were already lights from the provision of facilities so they could be used at night. Based on the research conclusions, the authors stated (1) the training was very intensive, based on the acknowledgments of coaches, athletes, and administrators said that the training was carried out intensively four times a week, namely Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday which focused on passing, control, heading, free kicks and penalty kicks and other physical exercises. (2) developing planning for advanced training and short, medium, and long-term management in management that is able to guide children to improve their abilities and instilling a disciplined attitude supported by appropriate training is expected to maximize the potential in each individual.

The effect of a counseling program to develop learning motives for some soccer skills for students

This paper aims to prepare a counselling program to develop learning motives and increase students’ eagerness to raise their self-confidence while entering the football field. The researchers used the descriptive method in the survey method and the experimental method in the two equal group methods. The research community included the students of the first stage of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences - Babylon University for the academic year (2020-2021), numbering (110) students. The research sample was divided into the exploratory sample, numbering (10) students, and the sample applying for the extension program, numbering (40) students, which was divided into (20) students from an experimental group and (20) students from a control group. Several conclusions were reached, including a low level of learning motivation among first-year students in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences towards the performance of some skills on the football field, and the counselling program had a positive impact in developing learning motivation among first-year students in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Babylon.

Using Social Network Analysis to Study Relationships Between Young Soccer Players' Bone Age, Body Size, and the Centrality of Their Pass Interactions.

Prior research has suggested relevance to anthropometric variance of youth athletes at various stages of their maturation, and prior studies of youth players' soccer skills have failed to consider their interdependent interactions during play. Accordingly, to address both of these separate research omissions, we aimed in this study to analyze the relationships between young (U-13 and U-15 groups) soccer players' bone age and body size indicators and centrality measures of their pass interactions during small sided games. We included young 81 athletes (M age = 14.4, SD = 1.1years) from whom we took anthropometric measurements of body mass, height, and trunk-cephalic height and obtained their bone age using the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 classification method. We also filmed small-sided games in the goal keeper/three player (GK3-3GK) format to analyze the centrality of their passing actions on the following measures: degree of centrality, closeness of centrality, degree of prestige, and proximity of prestige. There were no group differences in the prominence of passing actions across these three measures (tmean = -3.13; p > .05). Canonical correlations of these relationships were significant only in the U-13 group, in which centrality in passing actions was related to body size (r = 0.71; R2 = 0.21; ʌ = 0.28; p = .03). U-13 players who were physically larger and who presented higher bone age showed centralized main passing actions.

Validation of a New Soccer Shooting Test Based on Speed Radar Measurement and Shooting Accuracy.

Due to poor results, the German talent identification and development of the German soccer association DFB no longer performs a shooting test since a few years. The aim of this study was to create and validate a new soccer shooting test that allows valid conclusions to be drawn from the shooting quality of youth soccer players about their overall soccer skills. The shooting test was performed with a total of 57 male club players (age: 15.24 ± 0.864 years) from four different teams from the first, second, fifth, and the seventh division of the respective age group (under 15-year-olds until under 17-year-olds). Each subject took one shot at maximum shot speed and eight target shots, measuring accuracy and the shot speed. A multivariable linear regression analysis with forward selection revealed significant values for the variables average shot speed nondominant leg (p < 0.001) and total score (p = 0.004; accuracy × speed of every target shot). Based on these two variables, the soccer skills could be derived from the shooting skills of the adolescents in 57.4% of the cases. The study shows the importance of a good technique with the nondominant leg and of the ability to shoot accurately as well as fast simultaneously.

Reliability of the Coimbra Reactive Agility Soccer Test (CRAST).

Agility is a fitness-skill-related component that should be a part of the standard physiological testing for soccer players and one of the key performance indicators in soccer. The present study aimed to assess the reliability of the CRAST as a research tool in the study of soccer skills. Twenty-one university soccer players (chronological age: 19.3 ± 1.4 years; body mass: 69.6 ± 8.2 kg; stature: 173.5 ± 6.5 cm; federated training experience: 9.7 ± 3.6 years) volunteered for the testing protocol. The CRAST requires players to complete random courses six times as quickly as possible. In addition, the CRAST requires players to control and dribble the markers (four different colors: green, yellow, blue, and red). The soccer players completed three trials, each separated by one week. The first trial accounted for familiarization; the second and third were considered for analysis. The correlation for overall performance was very strong. The reliability of the CRAST was slightly better for total time than that for the penalty score (0.95 vs. 0.93). The TEM and the associated CV range of 7.04%-7.54% were for the penalty score and the total time, respectively. For both measurements, the ICC values also represent excellent reliability, as both values were over 0.900. The CRAST is a reliable protocol for assessing agility in soccer players.

Gaze behaviour differentiates elite from non-elite female soccer players: a 2D video projections exploratory study

The present study explored visual strategies employed by female soccer players of high, medium, and low levels of expertise. We used eye-tracking technology to examine how skill-based differences related to gaze behavior in 30 participants (10 in each group) who were required to respond physically to film images projected on a screen using soccer skills (penalty kick, dribbling, pass reception, and defensive cover). Data were collected from search rate (visual fixations duration and number, and number of fixated areas), percentage of viewing time, and variability of pupil diameter. Analyses revealed that female elite players engaged in more visual fixations, directed gaze toward more relevant areas of the scene, and showed less variability of pupil diameter, compared to their non-elite counterparts. Our findings seem to corroborate prior research which compared participants with different levels of expertise while performing soccer skills.