title: A comparison of physical abilities and match performance characteristics among elite and subelite under-14 soccer players.
abstract: This study aimed to identify characteristics of match performance and physical ability that discriminate between elite and subelite under-14 soccer players. Players were assessed for closed performance and movement, physiological responses, and technical actions during matches. Elite players covered more total m·min-1 (115.7 ± 6.6 cf. 105.4 ± 7.7 m·min-1) and high-intensity m·min-1 (elite = 14.5 ± 2.3 cf. 11.5 ± 3.7 m·min-1) compared with subelite players. Elite players also attempted more successful (0.41 ± 0.11 cf. 0.18 ± 0.02) and unsuccessful ball retentions·min-1 (0.14 ± 0.04 cf. 0.06 ± 0.02) compared with subelite players. Elite players were faster over 10 m (1.9 ± 0.1 cf. 2.3 ± 0.2 s) and faster dribblers (16.4 ± 1.4 cf. 18.2 ± 1.1 s) compared with subelite players. Speed (10 m) and successful ball retention·min-1 contributed to a predictive model, explaining 96.8% of the between-group variance. The analysis of match performance provides a more thorough understanding of the factors underlying talent among youth soccer players.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Waldron
authors.forename: Aron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000293:Adolescent; D056352:Athletes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D054874:Athletic Performance; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D011361:Professional Competence; D011998:Recreation; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom