The present study examined the construct validity and reliability of a new dribbling agility test (DAT) that incorporates reactive agility and multiple change of direction. To check its' validity, (a) DAT was performed by four groups (under 10, under 12, under 14 and under 16 yrs) of young soccer players (n = 125 in each group) and (b) a regression analysis was conducted to define the best DAT predictors. The reliability of DAT was assessed with repeated measurements. This test can differentiate the dribbling skill between groups (p < 0.01). Furthermore, 68% of the observed variance in DAT was explained by zigzag dribbling test, Illinois agility test, reaction time and running speed. The test-retest reliability was high in all groups (ICC = 0.77 - 0.90, p < 0.01). It was concluded that DAT can be a potential tool to evaluate the dribbling performance in young soccer players.

Bekris, E, Pidoulas, G, Pidoulas, P, Gissis, I, Katis, A, and Komsis, S. Examination of physical fitness parameters between professional and amateur Greek soccer players during the transition period. J Strength Cond Res 35(3): 776–781, 2021—The aim of the study was to compare physical fitness parameters between professional and amateur soccer players of different levels. The sample consisted of 381 soccer players divided in 4 experimental groups: first division professional players (n = 115), second division professional players (n = 70), third division semiprofessional players (n = 93), and amateur soccer players (n = 103). Players were tested for several physiological parameters at the end of the transition period. Analysis of variance showed significantly lower body fat and increased maximum oxygen consumption (V̇o 2max) and velocity of maximum oxygen consumption (vV̇o 2max) values for first division professional players compared with the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Similarly, first division professional players showed higher performance during squat jump and countermovement jump test compared with the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Significant differences on flexibility test were observed between amateur players and the other group (p < 0.05). The results of the study indicated that Greek soccer players at the highest level overcome in almost all the underexamination physiological parameters probably because of less absence from training and better implementation of training programs during the transition period.

We aimed to evaluate dribbling performance in terms of technique and visual skills assessment of both young experienced (EX, n = 24) and novice (NO, n = 24) soccer players. Both groups performed two dribbling tests with four levels of difficulty in visual signals (A1-A4 and B1-B4; B - half distance of A; 1 - no visual signal; 4 - signal with the shorter flashing time). All players performed slower when visual signals were added to the testing process (~2.5 s; p < 0.01). EX completed all tests faster than NO (~3 s, p < 0.01). The average number of visual mistakes was significantly lower for EX than NO in all tests (p < 0.01). These results demonstrated the importance of evaluating dribbling along with visual stimuli in young soccer EX and NO players.

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The aim of the current study was to compare scored and conceded goals as well as the time period among teams of different league ranking. Researchers recorded the total games (n= 1446) of the top European leagues of Spain, Italy, Germany, and France for the period 2015-2016. The teams were divided into the ones which achieved their participation for European cups (L1), teams that remained to the category (L2), and teams which relegated to the lower category (L3). The researchers recorded the scored goals, the conceded goals, and the goal differences, per game, per half, and per 15min in total games for 2015-2016 season. The results showed that L1 teams were superior to L2 and L3 in overall goal scoring characteristics in both halves. The superior 15min periods were also explored. In addition, L2 teams performed higher than L3 teams in most of the variables. In conclusion, the difference between L1 with L2 and L3 teams is based in goal scoring during the whole game, in contrast with the difference between L2 and L3 teams that relies on stronger defense. On the other hand, L3 teams did not perform higher in any goal scoring pattern than the other two groups. It is obvious, that performance difference is achieved by the first half which is difficult to change during the second half. Thus, coaches have to emphasize achieving high performance in the first half of the game. Furthermore, they must use their substitutions so as to avoid poor performance periods and