Flow State (FS) as well as other psychological characteristics influence sports performance (SP) and could be relevant according to the playing position in team sports, such as the soccer where players have different specific functions within the team. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in FS dimensions in young soccer players between training time (TR) and official competition time (CM), according to the playing position and, to find relationships between FS dimensions and physical characteristics and academic performance. A total of 141 U16 soccer players were selected (14.7 ± 0.5 years). Data was collected for academic performance, physical and socio-demographic characteristics, and on two occasions, the dimensions of FS (before of a TR and CM). The results showed that the FS dimensions are higher before of the TR than before of the CM (p < 0.05) in all playing positions. In clear goals dimension, forwards showed lower scores than other playing positions, and various dimensions had a positive relationship with academic performance. In conclusion, the FS presented in CM is lower in U16 soccer players compared to that presented in TR. This work has contributed to increasing the knowledge of the fluctuation of the FS that negatively influence the soccer player in pre-competition states and the influence of various factors on this construct.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue comprobar la relación existente entre las dimensiones de la motivación y el estado de flow (EF) en jóvenes futbolistas en edad de desarrollo, en dos contextos diferenciados (contexto de entrenamiento [basal] y el contexto precompetitivo). Se seleccionaron 141 jugadores de fútbol sub-16 (edad: 14.7 ± .5; altura: 170.4 ± 7.2cm; peso: 61.6 ± 10.0kg). Los resultados mostraron que la motivación intrínseca se relaciona positivamente con las dimensiones del EF en el contexto precompetitivo, y la motivación extrínseca, en el contexto de entrenamiento (P < .05). No se han hallado relaciones de la desmotivación y el EF. Los principales hallazgos de este estudio mostraron que los jóvenes futbolistas poseen fluctuaciones en la motivación y EF en función del contexto que le rodea, de modo que el entrenador debe diseñar tareas para el entrenamiento, utilizando una metodología adecuada y activa, muy parecida a las experiencias que se encuentran los futbolistas en la competición, con resolución de problemas y planteamientos tácticos globales, ya que aumenta sobremanera la motivación intrínseca en este contexto en los futbolistas.Abstract. The aim of the present study was to verify the relationship between motivation dimensions and flow state (FS) in young soccer players at developmental age, in two different contexts (training context [basal], and precompetitive context). A total of 141 U16 soccer players (age: 14.7 ± .5, height: 170.4 ± 7.2cm, weight: 61.6 ± 10.0kg) were selected. The results showed that intrinsic motivation is positively related to the dimensions of FS in the precompetitive context, and extrinsic motivation in the context of training (P <.05). No relationships between demotivation and FS were found. The main findings of this study showed that young soccer players have fluctuations in motivation and FS depending on the context that surrounds them; therefore, coaches should design tasks for trainings using an appropriate and active methodology, very similar to the experiences that players live in the competition setting, involving problem solving and global tactical approaches, since this would increase their intrinsic motivation in this context.