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Int J Sports Med 2013; 34(04): 312-317
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1323729
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Anthropometric Characteristics, Physical Fitness and Technical Performance of Under-19 Soccer Players by Competitive Level and Field Position

A. Rebelo
1   Faculty of Sport – University of Porto, Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Porto, Portugal
,
J. Brito
1   Faculty of Sport – University of Porto, Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Porto, Portugal
,
J. Maia
2   Faculdade de Desporto, Kinanthropometry Lab, Porto, Portugal
,
M. J. Coelho-e-Silva
3   University of Coimbra, Estadio Universitario de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
,
A. J. Figueiredo
4   Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
,
J. Bangsbo
5   Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Section of Human Physiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
,
R. M. Malina
6   Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
,
A. Seabra
7   Faculty of Sport – University of Porto, Kinanthropometry, Porto, Portugal
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 23 July 2012

Publication Date:
11 October 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness and technical skills of under-19 (U19) soccer players were compared by competitive level (elite, n=95; non-elite, n=85) and playing position (goalkeeper, central defender, fullback, midfield, forward). Fitness tests included 5- and 30-m sprints, agility, squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ), strength and Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test level 2 (Yo-Yo IE2). Soccer-specific skills included ball control and dribbling. Independent of position, elite players presented more hours of training per year than non-elite players (d>1.2). Stature and body mass discriminated elite from non-elite players among goalkeepers and central defenders (d>0.6). Major differences were noted between elite and non-elite goalkeepers for SJ, CMJ, Yo-Yo IE2, and ball control (d>1.2). Elite central defenders performed better than their non-elite counterparts in SJ and ball control tests (d>1.2). Elite players presented better agility and Yo-Yo IE2 performances than non-elite players within all positional roles (d>0.6). In conclusion, U19 players differed in anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness and technical skills by competitive level within field positions.

Key words

young athletes - sport skill - Yo-Yo IE2 - sprint performance - ball control
 

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