Anthropometric factors related to sprint and agility performance in young male soccer players

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between anthropometrics and sprint and agility performance and describe the development of sprint (acceleration) and agility performance in 10- to 16-year-old male soccer players.MethodsOne hundred and thirty-two participants were divided into three age groups, 10–12 years (mean 10.8±0.50), 13–14 years (mean 13.9±0.50), and 15–16 years (mean 15.5±0.24), with assessment of 20 m sprint with 10 m split time and agility performance related to body height and body mass within groups.ResultsIn the 10- to 12-year-olds, there were no significant correlations between height, weight, and the performance variables, except for body mass, which was correlated to 10–20 m sprint (r=0.30). In the 13- to 14-year-olds, body height was significantly correlated with 10 m sprint (r=0.50) and 20 m sprint (r=0.52), as well as 10–20 m sprint (r=0.50) and agility performance (r=0.28). In the 15- to 16-year-old group, body height was correlated to 20 m (r=0.38) and 10–20 m (r=0.45) sprint. Body mass was significantly correlated to 10 m spring (r=0.35) in the 13- to 14-year-olds, as well as 20 m (r=0.33) and 10–20 m (r=0.35) sprint in the 15- to 16-year-olds.ConclusionHeight and body mass were significantly correlated with sprint performance in 13- to 16-year-old male soccer players. However, the 10- to 12-year-olds showed no significant relationship between sprint performance and anthropometrics, except for a small correlation in 10–20 m sprint. This may be attributed to maturation, with large differences in body height and body mass due to different patterns in the growth spurt. The agility performance related to anthropometrics was insignificant apart from a moderate correlation in the 13- to 14-year-olds.

Age-related differences in linear sprint in adolescent female soccer players

“…The results indicated that BMI and body mass were significantly correlated with 40 m sprint time ( p < 0.05) and 20 m flying ( p < 0.01). These findings were consistent with previous investigations in young soccer players [ 42 – 44 ]. Mathisen et al and Wong et al observed significant correlations between body mass with 10 m and 30 m sprint performance among adolescent male soccer players [ 42 , 43 ].…”

Differences in Body Fat, Body Mass Index, and Physical Performance of Specific Field Tests in 10-to-12-Year-Old School-Aged Team Handball Players

“…In previous research, elite players were reported to perform, on average, 8.2% better on the CMJ and 8.4% better on the five-jump test compared with the non-elite players over a three-year period [13]. In this age group, a small difference in maturation may imply a substantial difference in body height and weight (mass), associated with a considerable difference in performance [34]. This finding is supported by the fact that during pre-puberty, before the growth spurt, there are small within-group differences in anthropometrics [35].…”

Contribution of SAQ Exercises and Pliometric Exercises Against Smash in Princess Volleyball Games

“…While Box Jump training in volleyball game Smash ability training is the development of motion patterns that aim to skil the motion such as agility, flexibility, speed, balance, and coordination with factors combined by strength in order to obtain good results. Similar to previous studies where SAQ training aims to determine the effect of short burst speed training and change of direction training on sprint athletes [13].…”