Associations between biological maturity level, match locomotion, and physical capacities in youth male soccer players

Abstract

Introduction Biological maturity level has shown to affect sport performance in youths. However, most previous studies have used noninvasive methods to estimate maturity level. Thus, the main aim of the present study was to investigate the association between skeletal age (SA) as a measure of biological maturation level, match locomotion, and physical capacity in male youth soccer players. Method Thirty‐eight Norwegian players were followed during two consecutive seasons (U14 and U15). Match locomotion was assessed with GPS‐tracking in matches. SA, assessed by x‐ray, physical capacities (speed, strength and endurance) and anthropometrics were measured in the middle of each season. Analysis of associations between SA, match locomotion, and physical capacities were adjusted for the potential confounding effect of body height and weight. Results In matches, positive associations were found between SA and maximal speed and running distance in the highest speed zones. Further, SA was associated with 40 m sprint time and countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and with intermittent‐endurance capacity after adjusting for body height (U14). Associations between SA and leg strength and power, and between SA and absolute VO2max were not significant after adjusting for body weight. There was no association between SA and total distance covered in matches. Conclusion Biological maturity level influence match locomotion and performance on physical capacity tests. It is important that players, parents and coaches are aware of the advantages more mature players have during puberty, and that less mature players also are given attention, appropriate training and match competition to ensure proper development.

Norwegian male U14 soccer players have superior running capacity compared to Icelandic players

“…Our results showed a relationship between BA and running speed and jumping performance among the Icelandic players. This is in accordance with previous findings among Norwegian players at the same age ( 19 , 20 ) and confirms previous findings regarding the effect of biological maturation on speed and explosive leg strength ( 17 , 18 , 21 , 22 ). Our findings indicate that biological maturity level affects physical capacity among Icelandic youth soccer players, as has been demonstrated in other countries.…”

“…Furthermore, there was no relationship between BA and endurance capacity among the Icelandic players. This is also in line with previous findings among Norwegian U14 soccer players ( 19 , 20 ), and indicates that endurance capacity is not influenced by biological maturity status in highly trained youth soccer players. However, a recent investigation suggests that the positive change in VO 2max was paralleled by the increase in fat-free mass.…”

“…The data included in this study for the U14 players in Norway was collected in June 2018 as part of a longitudinal research project examining factors related to talent development in youth soccer. The results from the Norwegian sample have previously been published for other purposes ( 19 , 20 , 23 ). Data from Iceland was collected from February to May 2021.…”

Are Late-Born Young Soccer Players Less Mature Than Their Early-Born Peers, Although No Differences in Physical and Technical Performance Are Evident?

“…In these circumstances, young football players with an early growth spurt can gain an advantage in sports. A recent study confirmed the influence of biological maturity on the success of 14–15-year-old young soccer players, in which a significant relationship was demonstrated between the level of biological maturity and key parameters of physical match performance such as peak speed, distance covered at high speed, performance in a 40 m sprint, and the CMJ [ 39 ]. It is important to note that the positive effect of increased testosterone levels on athletic success may be related not only to the effects on physical parameters, but also to a range of psycho-emotional factors such as motivation, focus on success, and dominance [ 40 ].…”