Relationship Between Tactical Performance, Somatic Maturity and Functional Capabilities in Young Soccer Players

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between tactical performance, somatic maturity, and functional capabilities in young soccer players. Study participants were 48 soccer players (14.80 ± 1.5 years) belonging to an extension project at the State University of Maringa - Brazil. Anthropometric measurements of body mass, body height, and sitting height were carried out. The number of years to peak height velocity (PHV) was used as an index of maturation. Evaluations of functional fitness included the following tests: sit-and-reach, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, handgrip test, modified abdominal test, and vertical jumps (Counter Movement Jump and Jump Squat). Tactical performance was assessed through the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT). Multiple Linear Regression models were used to estimate the relative contributions of functional and maturational capacities to tactical performance. The results indicated weak associations between the tactical performance indices and somatic maturity, functional capacity, and anthropometric attributes (r < 0.40). The Yo-Yo Test contributed to 36% of the defensive tactic performance variation in the under 13 category. These results suggest that the level of maturity, growth status, and functional fitness have limited impact on tactical performance of young soccer players.

A Review of Countermovement and Squat Jump Testing Methods in the Context of Public Health Examination in Adolescence: Reliability and Feasibility of Current Testing Procedures

“…There was no consistency in the description of the CMJ test method in the literature (Tables 1, 3). The protocol developed by Bosco et al (1983) was the one most commonly adopted (Coelho et al, 2010; Boccolini et al, 2013; Takai et al, 2013; Alberti et al, 2014; Padulo et al, 2016a; Gallo-Salazar et al, 2017; Perroni et al, 2017; Sanchez-Urena et al, 2017; Borges et al, 2018). According to the instructions of this protocol, participants have to stay in an upright position before the execution of the VJ, which starts with a CM until the legs are bent down to 90°.…”

“…Likewise, no standardized jump method was detected for the SJ (Tables 2, 3). The protocol of Bosco et al (1983) was used five times and required participants to perform the SJ from a half squat position with knees bent at 90°, torso straight, and both hands on their waist (Coelho et al, 2010; Alberti et al, 2014; Padulo et al, 2015c, 2016a; Borges et al, 2018). Additionally, three studies (Santos and Janeira, 2011, 2012; Hespanhol et al, 2013) used the 1983 protocol of Bosco (1994), but cited his work of 1994.…”

Reliability and validity of field‐based fitness tests in youth soccer players

“…Whilst it remains unclear whether advanced maturity status impacts current and long-term specific soccer performances (Borges et al, 2018;Deprez, Buchheit, et al, 2015;Malina et al, 2005;Rowat et al, 2017), physical maturation has historically, and continues to, influence TI processes.…”

“…More recently, researchers have attempted to progress the accuracy of this non-invasive and popular method (Kozieł & Malina, 2018;Moore et al, 2015), however researchers and practitioners continue to implement the "Mirwald equation" when estimating maturity status in adolescent soccer athletes (Borges et al, 2018;Müller et al, 2018;Murtagh et al, 2018;Wright & Chesterton, 2018). Despite this, it should be acknowledged that these equations to estimate maturity status (such as the "Mirwald" equation) may be subject to error, as they are indeed "predictive" and not direct measures of maturity status.…”

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

“…In other dimensions of performance, such as motor coordination, no meaningful impact appears to be conferred due to maturation ( Vandendriessche et al, 2012 ). Moreover, a study conducted in 48 under-15 male soccer players also revealed a limited influence of maturity, growth status, or functional fitness on the tactical performance and tactical knowledge of players ( Borges et al, 2018 ).…”