Physiological and fitness characteristics in well-trained adolescent soccer players: differences between age groups and playing position

Sarris Nikolaos, Zaras Nikolaos, Avloniti Alexandra, Mourtakos Stamatis, Chatzinikolaou Athanasios, Zetou Eleni, Kampas Antonios

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Soccer is an effective game to enhance physical fitness and health in adolescents, although the interaction between age and position specialization causes significant problems in training design. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction of age and position of players on physiological and fitness characteristics in well-trained adolescent soccer players. Adolescent soccer players (n=860) participated in the study. Athletes were suppurated according to their age in under 15 (U15: N=258, defenders=100, midfields=78 and forwards=80), under 16 (U16: N=329, defenders=136, midfields=120 and forwards=73), and under 17 (U17: N=273, defenders=112, midfields=80 and forwards=81) groups. Athletes visited the laboratory on three different days during the off-season training period one week after the end of the competitions. Measurements included anthropometric characteristics, body fat, lower body flexibility, lower body maximum isometric torque (IPT), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and treadmill maximum oxygen consumption test (VO2 max). The results showed a non-significant interaction between age and position for all variables (P>0.05). However, significant main effects were found for age with the older groups having greater anthropometric characteristic (P<0.05), higher IPT, higher SJ, and CMJ (P<0.05) versus younger groups. Anthropometric differences seem to be more pronounced in the U15 group including body mass, body height, BMI, and body fat (P<0.05) versus U16 and U17 players. Defenders had greater body mass, body height, and body fat than midfields and forwards (p<0.05). Forwards had greater SJ and CMJ than defenders and midfields (p<0.05). These results suggest that physiological and fitness characteristics are age-dependent in well-trained adolescent soccer players, but the position selection of the player in the soccer field is not age-dependent. Coaches should thus consider physiological and fitness tests results to specialize players in each position.

Original languageEnglish
Article number353
Pages (from-to)2784-2792
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Physical Education and Sport
Volume22
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2022

Keywords

  • adolescent athletes
  • body mass
  • maximum force
  • power
  • Team sport

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