Abstract
High intensity activity during the game are important elements in soccer because increasing speed over a short distance may be necessary in crucial phases of the game, not only in adult, but also in young soccer players. The aim of this study was to identify speed and power variables and to determine their relationship among three different age categories, U16, U17 and U19.
Speed variables were assessed using the following tests: a) linear speed: 5 m sprint (S5), 10 m sprint (S10) and 20 m flying sprint (F20); b) power vertical jump tests: Counter Movement Jump with Free Arms (CMJFA), Counter Movement Jump with Fixed Arms (CMJ). Multivariate analysis of variance showed a significant effect of age category on field physical performance in soccer players (λ=0.471, F10,110 = 5.03; p < .01, ηp 2 = .31).
The test of between groups effect (regarding the age) revealed significant differences in S5, S10 and F20 running speed test; conversely, we found an insignificant effect in jump power tests (CMJFA, CMJ). A high rate of common determination was found between 5 m and 10 m sprints (R2 = 0.63 - 0.79) and jump tests (R2 = 0.46 - 0.79).
A lower rate of common variance (R2 = 0.21 - 0.41) was detected between linear 5 m sprint and maximum running speed in 20 m flying sprint (F20). Results of our study indicate that despite common physiological speed and power predispositions there are significant agerelated differences in running speed and insignificant differences in the vertical jump assessment.
These specificities should become an object of further research in young elite soccer players.