A Comparison of Performance Parameters Varying by Playing Positions of U-18 Football Players

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the performances of U-18 football players in the Super Amateur League and compare some of their physical and physiological performances based on their positions. League and compare some selected physical and physiological performance parameters according to the positions they played. A total of 54 male soccer players with an age of 16.83±1.68 years and 7.14±3.16 years of sports experience participated in the study voluntarily. Performance criteria for the football players included Yo-Yo IR1 distance, VO2max, and vVO2max, as well as 10m, 30m, Illinois Agility Test, COD, CMJ, and RAST tests. A one-way ANOVA test was employed to compare the performances of football players according to their playing positions. Significant differences were found in favor of forwards in CMJ, average, and peak anaerobic power results (p0.05). It was observed that peak and average anaerobic power and vertical jump results were significantly better in forwards compared to players in other positions. Strikers demonstrated superior peak and average anaerobic power as well as vertical jump performance compared to players in other positions.