Young Football Research Articles

Integrated Training Plan for Youth Soccer Players: Focus on SABC

Structured and effective physical training is the primary key to unlocking their full potential on the field. SABC can help young football players improve their reaction speed to on-field situations, enhance ball control with greater accuracy and effectiveness, and make more precise and timely passing decisions. Furthermore, it helps improve the ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and enhance high-speed running and dribbling skills, enabling them to attack the opponent's defense more effectively. This research aimed to design an integrated training program focused on Speed, Agility, Balance, and Coordination. The study's respondents consisted of 30 young football players aged 15.5 ± 0.5 years. The experimental training program was conducted twice a week for 12 weeks, with initial and final measurements taken. This training included various exercises focused on Speed, Agility, Balance, and Coordination. The data analysis results indicated that the SABC training had a significantly positive impact on player skill improvement. The discussion concludes that a holistic approach to football training, considering Speed, Agility, Balance, and Coordination, is an effective approach to enhancing the quality of young football players. This training program helps develop more comprehensive and high-quality players in various aspects of the game. The findings of this research have important practical implications for coaches, football organizations, and young players looking to improve their SABC skills. In future research, there may be room to further understand the role of each aspect of SABC in improving the performance of young football players. Keywords: Performance improvement; Speed; Agility; Balance; Coordination.

ECG Characteristics of Black and Mixed-Race Young Brazilian Football Players: Addressing the "African/Afro-Caribbean Pattern".

ECG Characteristics of Black and Mixed-Race Young Brazilian Football Players: Addressing the "African/Afro-Caribbean Pattern".

Comparison of force variables and dynamic strength index between age groups in elite young Brazilian football goalkeepers.

The application of muscle force is a determinant of football success as it is inherent to the motor control and sport. The aims of this study are: (1) to describe force variables Isometric Maximal Force (IMF), Concentric Peak Force (CPPF), and Dynamic Strength Index (DSI) in football goalkeepers from different age groups; (2) to compare these variables' behavior between those groups. The sample was formed by 19 youth players (15.97 ± 1.55 years old) from a first-division Brazilian football team. The CPPF and IMF variables were obtained through the Countermovement jump and isometric squat tests, respectively. For data collection, a force plate (Cefise, Brazil) was used with an acquisition frequency of 600 Hz and mono-axial. The DSI was calculated using the ratio between CPPF and IMF. For data analysis, the sample was separated into clusters by age. After the grouping, a descriptive analysis of the data and a comparison between the groups with p < 0.05. The sample was grouped into three groups (GA, GB, and GC) and one of the individuals did not enter the group, totaling 18 individuals in the analyzed sample. The comparison between the ages of the groups showed a significant difference and small and moderate effect size (ES), validating the cluster strategy. The CPPF and IMF variables showed increased values according to chronological age. CPPF showed a significant difference between GA-GB, (ES = very large) GA-GC (ES = very large), and GB-GC (ES = moderate). The IMF variable had significant differences between GA-GB (ES = moderate) and GA-GC (ES = very large). However, DSI showed significant differences only between GA GB (ES = small) and GB-GC (ES = very large). The CPPF and IMF variables had constant increases and distinct values with an increase according to age, and this did not occur for DSI. The difference between CPPF and IMF compared to DSI bring to light the variability in dynamics and proportionality between muscular force in the concentric phase and maximal force in the isometric regime during the developmental process over chronological age in soccer goalkeepers.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES OF YOUNG FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN CORRELATION WITH THEIR PLAYING POSITIONS

The aim of this study is to examine the differences in height, weight, and body mass index values among young amateur football players according to their positions and try to put forth the significance of these differences in talent selection and in establishing a general anthropometric profile of a football team. A total of 121 youth football players from the Nevşehir U17 amateur league in Türkiye participated in the research, during which their body height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were measured. When the study results were examined, goalkeepers obtained better values in the height variable compared to defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The lowest height values were found among midfield players, while defenders and forwards had similar values. In terms of weight variable, goalkeepers were found to have higher weight compared to players in other positions. Midfielders had the lowest weight among the groups. As for the body mass index variable, goalkeepers again reached the highest values, while midfielders had the lowest values. These findings indicate that the anthropometric characteristics of players at the U17 level vary depending on their playing positions. This observation suggests that the anthropometric features of players may differ based on the tactical aspects of the game. Football practitioners can leverage these study findings to gain a comprehensive understanding and interpretation of anthropometric characteristics and their implications for player positions. Furthermore, this knowledge can aid in providing tailored training programs aimed at evaluating and enhancing soccer-specific skills in relation to these factors. Awareness of these observed differences could also contribute to the early selection of promising players.

Follow-Up Weekly Training Distribution and Accumulated Internal Load Effects on Young Football Players' Well-Being, Physical Fitness, and Technical Performance.

This study aimed to quantify the relationships among internal training load, wellness, physiological, isokinetic profile, and technical performance and assessed changes before and after a six-week pre-season structured combining physical fitness, small-sided-game and skill-based training program in young soccer players. Forty-five national-level young male soccer players (16.8 ± 0.9 years) were evaluated. There were no significant correlations between the wellness index and the physiological, isokinetic, or specific soccer skill parameters. Moderate correlations were observed between fatigue and stress (r = 0.47, moderate, p < 0.01), fatigue and average muscle soreness (r = 0.38, moderate, p = 0.01), and a large correlation between average stress and muscle soreness (r = 0.53, large, p < 0.01) were presented. All physiological, isokinetic, and technical parameters improved after a six-week pre-season training program (0.1 to -61.0%). Significant alterations in the physiological domain were observed after a six-week period, particularly in the fatigue index of the Bangsbo sprint test, YO-YO IR1 performance, and YO-YO peak La- (p < 0.01; -61.0%, 25.3%, and -19.8%, respectively). As such, the implementation of structured training and the monitoring of stress responses can lead to appropriate adaptation and balancing in the psychological and physical well-being of young national-level soccer players, particularly in the pre-season period.

Analysis of the Sports Psychological Profile, Competitive Anxiety, Self-Confidence and Flow State in Young Football Players.

The objective of this study was to analyse the correlations among the sports psychological profile, competitive anxiety, self-confidence and the flow state of young football players. Additionally, potential distinctions based on age category, competitive level and field position were explored. This study included 328 participants divided into two groups: Group 1, 14-15 year olds, and Group 2, 16-18 year olds (M = 15.85; SD = 1.44). Data were collected by using the Psychological Inventory of Sports Execution (IPED), the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R) and the Flow State Scale (FSS). The findings revealed positive associations between the sports psychological profile and self-confidence, as well as with the flow state. Conversely, competitive anxiety demonstrated negative relationships with the sports psychological profile, self-confidence and the state of flow. Moreover, superior scores were observed in the analysed variables for the older age category and higher competitive level, with no notable disparities based on field positions. These results underscore the interplay of psychological factors in the performance of football players and underline distinctions among players according to their category (age and level). This emphasises the importance of scrutinising these variables in athletes to comprehend their profiles and enable targeted interventions aimed at enhancing their psychological resources for competitive scenarios.

Effect of the Knee Control Program on Knee Valgus Angle and Static and Dynamic Balances in Young Male Football Players With Dynamic Knee Valgus

Background and Aims Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) and impaired static and dynamic balances are the risk factors of the anterior cruciate ligament injuries in football players. This study aims to investigate the effect of the knee control program on knee valgus angle and static and dynamic balances in young male football players with DKV. Methods This is a quasi-experimental study. Of 156 young male football players, 48 with DKV were recruited and randomly assigned to intervention group (n=24, Mean age=12.70±0.62 years, height=1.52±0.07 m, weight=48.87±6.67 kg, BMI=21.10±2.18 kg/m2) and control group (n=24, mean age=12.58±0.65 years, height= 1.52±0.08 m, weight= 50.45±6.79 kg, BMI=21.88±2.92 kg/m2). The drop-jump test, Stork test, and Y balance test were used to measure dynamic knee valgus angle, static balance, and dynamic balance, respectively. The intervention group received the knee control program as a warm-up exercise for 8 weeks, while the control group performed their routine warm-up exercises during this time. Analysis of covariance and the paired t-test were used to evaluate differences in the study variables. Results In the intervention group, there was a significant reduction in knee valgus angle (P=0.001) and significant improvements in static balance (P=0.001) and dynamic balance (P=0.001) in the post-test phase compared to the pre-test phase, but there were no significant differences in the control group (P&gt;0.05). Moreover, the results showed significant differences between the two groups in knee valgus angle (P=0.001), static balance (P=0.001) and dynamic balance (P=0.002). Conclusion The knee control program is effective in reducing dynamic knee valgus angle and improving static and dynamic balances in young football players with DKV. Thus, it seems that this program can reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in young male football players.

Promoting mental wellbeing among youth Australian Rules footballers through a model of continuous improvement.

The developmental period of adolescence is a known transitional life phase with unique risk and protective factors that can affect mental wellbeing outcomes. This, in combination with the pressures and demand of elite sport, make young elite athletes an important population in which positive mental wellbeing can be explored. This study aimed to examine the state of wellbeing, informed by positive psychology and the Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment (PERMA) model of wellbeing, in a cohort of young athletes aged 16-19 years in the Australian setting as part of a model of continuous improvement. The objectives of these aims were to inform the development of a wellbeing curriculum for implementation in the Australian Rules Football talent pathway and to assess whether wellbeing presents differently in young athletes relative to the general school-attending population of that same age. Participants were 608 young Australian footballers participating in the developmental talent pathway during 2020 and 2021. There were 299 young male footballers, and 309 young women footballers who completed data collection. Wellbeing was assessed using the Engagement, Perseverance, Optimism, Connectedness, Happiness Measure of Adolescent Wellbeing (EPOCH) which corresponds to the PERMA model of wellbeing, and total mean scores were reported. Engagement and connectedness were similar for the young men and women athletes. Young men reported higher perseverance, optimism, happiness, and overall wellbeing relative to young women. Wellbeing among young athletes appears similar to the general population, however perseverance may be higher among young athletes. These findings form an important component of the continuous improvement model adopted in the football program in that the results informed the development of a tailored wellbeing curriculum program that is reflective of the wellbeing needs of the young athletes.

The Dad and the Lad: Who Is My Client?

This article discusses an applied case study with a young footballer and his father. Contacted initially to offer psychological support to the athlete, after conducting his needs analysis, the practitioner was left questioning who his client really was. This paper outlines how the practitioner arrived at the decision to work with the father rather than the athlete, before reflecting on how his own experience as a young athlete fueled his commitment to work with this case. Drawing upon acceptance and commitment therapy, the intervention’s aim was to increase the father’s psychological flexibility and explore ways he could better support his son. The evaluation suggested that working alongside the practitioner helped the father (a) gain clarity with regard to what was important to him as a parent and (b) begin to behave in a manner that was more aligned to his son’s needs. By virtue of the changes he observed in his father, the young athlete also discussed the implications this had for his own mindset and performance.

Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Assessment of Young Black Female Footballers: Comparison with Sedentary Female Individuals

Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Assessment of Young Black Female Footballers: Comparison with Sedentary Female Individuals

Effect of Training Model on the Physical Condition of Young Female Football Players

The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of two training models—the traditional methodology and an alternative or nonlinear mixed methodology—on coordination, speed, and changes of direction (COD) in U-12 football players. The subjects were divided into two groups: a traditional group of 11 female players and a second group of 14 female players, which followed a mixed methodology. Ten training sessions of 30 min were carried out focusing on motor coordination and COD. The variables analyzed were motor coordination with the SportComp test, COD with the Modified Agility test, and the Suttle Sprint and Dribbling test, with and without the ball, and speed over 30 m, with and without the ball. Overall, improvements were obtained in the mixed training program, leading to significant improvements (p &lt; .05) in the variables of motor coordination, speed, and COD, with a large effect size. Therefore, coaches and physical trainers, taking into account that it causes greater benefits in the physical condition of female football players in training, than the traditional training program, can use the mixed training program.

Exploring a Quantitative Evaluation System for Young Chinese Footballers: A Preliminary Approach

Exploring a Quantitative Evaluation System for Young Chinese Footballers: A Preliminary Approach

Влияние фаз менструального цикла на частоту и характер травм у профессиональных футболисток

As is known, sport is accompanied by a critical level of physical load, which leads to a steady increase in injuries among athletes. However, sex differences in the risk of tendon and ligament injuries have been reported, with the relative risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture being 2 to 6 times higher in young female athletes compared to male athletes. This indicates that sex differences in the biomechanical properties of tendons are significant during the period of life when the sex hormonal profile is noticeably different in women and men. The purpose — to determine the influence of menstrual cycle phases on the frequency and nature of injuries in professional female football players. Material and methods. 31 athletes of the top division women’s youth team were examined, average age 19.6 ± 1.8. The menstrual cycle was divided into 3 phases: follicular phase (phase 1), ovulation (phase 2), luteal phase (phase 3). Injuries during the annual macrocycle were analyzed. All injuries were classified into muscle ones, injuries of the capsular-ligamentous apparatus, and bone injuries. Injury rates and ratios were calculated for the total number for each injury type. Statistical processing of the data was carried out using the statistical software package SPSS (v.18.0). The χ2 test and Fisher’s exact test were used to analyze the data. Differences were considered statistically significant at p &lt; 0.05. Results. Analysis was carried out for 267 cycles and 39 injuries in 31 players during one playing season. 43.6% of the total injuries occurred in the luteal phase, 46.2% in the follicular phase, and 2.6% in the ovulation phase. In the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, muscle injuries were more often recorded in female athletes — 75.0% of cases, while damage to the capsular-ligamentous apparatus in this phase was detected only in 33.3% (p = 0.003), and bone injuries were recorded in 50.0% (p = 0.037). Thus, muscle injuries in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle were statistically significantly more common. The incidence rates of capsular-ligamentous injuries (33.3%) and bone injuries (50.0%) were not statistically significantly different (p = 0.147). Conclusion. The most common injuries among young female football players were injuries to the capsular-ligamentous apparatus (48.7%), followed by muscle injuries (30.8%), while injuries to the capsular-ligamentous apparatus were most characteristic of the luteal phase, and muscle injuries predominated in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Impact of short term high-intensity interval training on the aerobic and anaerobic fitness of young male football players in the final stages of rehabilitation

Impact of short term high-intensity interval training on the aerobic and anaerobic fitness of young male football players in the final stages of rehabilitation

Investigation of the Life Skills of Young Football Players Participating in Football Trainings

Investigation of the Life Skills of Young Football Players Participating in Football Trainings

The effect of exercises by neuromuscular facilities of sensory receptors style on strength endurance and scoring accuracy for young football players

The effect of exercises by neuromuscular facilities of sensory receptors style on strength endurance and scoring accuracy for young football players

Contextual factors in understanding the jumping performance of young football goalkeepers

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of various contextual factors, such as relative age, biological maturation, or competitive level, on the jumping performance of young football goalkeepers. Vertical jump performance was evaluated in a selection of goalkeepers (n = 110) from U-14 and U-16 category teams. The sample was categorized by relative age, biological maturation, and competitive level. The results revealed a trend in the overall sample towards an overrepresentation of goalkeepers born in the early months of the year. Maturity status influenced the most in jumping performance of young goalkeepers (SJ: F = 11.27, p < .001, ηp2 = 0.187; CMJ: F = 8.72, p < .001, ηp2 = 0.162; AJ: F = 8.37, p < .001, ηp2 = 0.146), while the birth quartile had no effect on the jumping performance in the sample. Statistical differences were significant for SJ and CMJ between competitive level groups in the U-14 group only. (F = 5.37, p = .008, ηp2 = 0.186) and CMJ (F = 4.54, p = .016, ηp2 = 0.159). This study showed a greater association between maturation and jumping performance in young football goalkeepers rather than with relative age, which could influence the selection process in this field position at early ages.

Reliability and validity of sprint performance using the Alex7 motorizeddevice.

Advancements in technology have recently made it possible to implement effective training solutions across different environmental conditions. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of measures obtained from the innovative motorized device, Alex7 (Inosportas, Lithuania), and differences in speed and kinematic characteristics between resisted and assisted sprinting in young football players. Twenty-seven male athletes (mean age: 16.5 ± 0.8 years; height: 179.5 ± 6.9 cm; body weight: 67.7 ± 8.3 kg) each performed 30-m sprints twice under three different conditions: regular, resisted, and assisted sprinting. The Alex7 device provided the assistance and resistance during sprints. Results were compared with those from Witty timing gates. Ground contact time, flight time, stride length, and pace were measured using the OptoJump system. Reliability was assessed using two-way mixed intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for single measures, the standard error of the mean (SEM), and the coefficient of variation (CV). Pearson's correlation coefficient determined the associations between Alex7 and Witty timing systems. Criterion-referenced validity was based on the mean difference and CV. Systematic bias was determined by limits of agreement using Bland-Altman analysis. Running times obtained using the Alex7 equipment exhibited good to excellent test-retest reliability between sessions (ICC, 0.83-0.94) and good to excellent correlation (Pearson's r = 0.88-0.98) between the Alex7 and Witty systems in both assisted and resisted running conditions. However, the Alex7 device consistently produced longer running times than the Witty device (up to 0.16 s difference, p < 0.001). The different running conditions produced substantial variations in kinematic variables, such as stride length, ground contact time, and running speed (p < 0.001 for all), but the effects on flight time and running pace were smaller. The Alex7 device shows high reliability for creating resisted and assisted running conditions for young football players. However, it tends to overestimate running time, necessitating caution when assessing the time parameters.

The level of tactical skills among young football players

The level of tactical skills among young football players

Effect of Quality of Sleep on Choice Reaction Time, Coordination and Fatigue Level in Football Players

Introduction: The relationship between sleep quality and athletic performance is an important but little-researched topic in the immense world of football. This study aims to provide insight into how sleep quality affect football players’ choice reaction time, coordination, and fatigue levels, providing important information for training optimisation and improving on-field performance. Aim: To examine the effects of sleep quality on the athletic performance of young football players. Materials and Methods: A total of 40, (U-17)-developmental stage male football players who were able to perform functional keys for choice reaction time task from Chandigarh Football Association were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Correlational design was employed to assess sleep quality and fatigue levels using Sleep Quality Scale-(SQS) and Fatigue Assessment Scale-(FAS). Choice reaction time and coordination was determined via Deary liewald reaction time task software and Hand-eye coordination test respectively. Quantitative analysis was conducted by Karl Pearson’s coefficient correlation. Results: Study found a non significant weak positive relationship between sleep quality and choice reaction time, [r (40)=0.025, p=0.881], significant moderate positive relationship between sleep quality and coordination, [r (40)=0.433, p=0.005], and significant moderate negative relationship between sleep quality and fatigue level, [r (40)=-0.517, p=0.001]. Increased sleep quality improved coordination and reduced fatigue levels, while choice reaction time showed no significant improvements. Conclusion: Sleep quality significantly impacts coordination and fatigue levels, but no effect was observed on choice reaction time. Future research should explore various sports with a larger sample size.