Is the technical performance of young soccer players influenced by hormonal status, sexual maturity, anthropometric profile, and physical performance?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of hormonal status, anthropometric profile, sexual maturity level, and physical performance on the technical abilities of 40 young male soccer players during small-sided games (SSGs). Anthropometric profiling, saliva sampling, sexual maturity assessment (Tanner scale), and physical performance tests (Yo-Yo and vertical jumps) were conducted two weeks prior to the SSGs. Salivary testosterone was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Technical performance was determined by the frequency of actions during SSGs. Principal component analyses identified four technical actions of importance: total number of passes, effectiveness, goal attempts, and total tackles. A multivariate canonical correlation analysis was then employed to verify the prediction of a multiple dependent variables set (composed of four technical actions) from an independent set of variables, composed of testosterone concentration, stage of pubic hair and genitalia development, vertical jumps and Yo-Yo performance. A moderate-to-large relationship between the technical performance set and the independent set was observed. The canonical correlation was 0.75 with a canonical R2 of 0.45. The highest structure coefficient in the technical performance set was observed for tackles (0.77), while testosterone presented the highest structure coefficient (0.75) for the variables of the independent set. The current data suggest that the selected independent set of variables might be useful in predicting SSG performance in young soccer players. Coaches should be aware that physical development plays a key role in technical performance to avoid decision-making mistakes during the selection of young players.

Exploring Relationships Between Anthropometry, Body Composition, Maturation, and Selection for Competition: A Study in Youth Soccer Players

“…A second objective of the present study was to analyze the relationships between playing time accrued, matches as starter, and the remaining anthropometric and maturation-related variables. Some studies have suggested relationships between anthropometry/body composition and maturation-related variables with technical performance ( Moreira et al, 2017 ), physical performance ( Philippaerts et al, 2006 ), and match-running performance ( Lovell et al, 2019 ). Indeed, considering the influence of anthropometry/body composition and maturity on the aforementioned measures, we hypothesized possible relationships with playing time accrued and matches as starters.…”

Anthropometric Profile and Physical Fitness Performance Comparison by Game Position in the Chile Women’s Senior National Football Team

“…These tests are usually carried out by women's football teams [17,[23][24][25][26][27], since they provide valid data to evaluate the anthropometry and physical condition of players. Therefore, all participants were familiar with the tests and performed them regularly.…”

“…The body mass index (BMI), which is an anthropometric indicator commonly used in studies with athlete populations [1,25,28,29], was calculated. The sum of six skinfolds (Σ6skinfolds: triceps, subscapular, supraspinal, abdominal, medial thigh, maximum calf), was used to estimate fat (%Fat) and muscle (%Muscle) percentage.…”

Diferencias morfológicas y de condición física en futbolistas adolescentes según posición de juego: una revisión sistemática

“…32 quienes analizaron futbolistas juveniles de Bélgica y Moreira y cols. 33 que evaluaron a futbolistas profesionales de Brasil. Lo que refleja que el Yo-Yo test es un instrumento confiable para medir de manera indirecta la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria en futbolistas 34 .…”