Atan, SA, Foskett, A, and Ali, A. Motion analysis of match play in New Zealand U13 to U15 age-group soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2416-2423, 2016-The purpose of this study was to investigate motion analysis in 85 players (U13-U15 years) from Auckland's Metropolitan League during 2 competitive soccer matches. Five-Hz global positioning system (with interpolated 10-Hz output) units were used to measure total distance (absolute and relative) and time spent in standing, walking, low-intensity running, medium-intensity running, high-intensity running, and sprinting. Speed thresholds for each match activity were determined through mean 10-m flying sprint peak speed for each age group. Under 15 years (U15, 6600 ± 1480 m) covered more absolute distance because of longer playing time than under 14 years (U14, 5385 ± 1296 m, p = 0.001) and under 13 years (U13, 4516 ± 702.6 m, p = 0.001). However, there were no differences in relative distances covered (U15, 94.5 ± 11.2 m·min, U14, 96.1 ± 11.9 m·min, U15, 97.3 ± 17.6 m·min, p = 0.685). Maximum speed attained during the match was faster for U15 (26.5 ± 1.68 km·h) than U14 (25.4 ± 1.93 km·h, p = 0.022) and U13 (23.5 ± 1.74 km·h, p = 0.001); there were no differences in average distance per sprint, with all age groups covering ∼16 m per sprint (p = 0.603). The current findings provide useful information for developing specific training programs for young soccer players and a framework for developing age-specific soccer simulation protocols.

No abstract

The aim of this study were to assess the reliability of the RPE scales and the relationship between RPE and HR in young football players (age 15.6 ± 0.4). Twenty male outfield football players (n = 20, 1.67 ± 0.4 m, 55.3 ± 8.4 kg) from the Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil (SSBJ) volunteered to participate in this study. The Football Simulation Protocol (FSP), a test that replicates the U15 football match-play was performed on two occasions to determine test-retest reliability of the RPE. The participants performed 4 x 20-min ‘blocks’ of exercise separated by 3 min recovery. Within the rest periods between exercise blocks, RPE and HR were administered. No significant differences was observed between trials in the RPE scales (P >0.05). The Pearson Correlation and ICC showed excellent correlations of the RPE (r= .776, ICC= 0.834, P<0.05). Further assesment of realibility indicating excellent repeatability evidence for the scales (SEM = ± 0.2, 95% CI = ± 0.4). Moderate correlation was found between RPE and HR (r = .581, P< 0.05). In conclusion, the RPE scales is valid and reliable to be use with young football players. The findings also indicates that inclusion of RPE in monitoring training load can provide important information to athletes, coaches and sports scientist.