Physical characteristics that predict involvement with the ball in recreational youth soccer.
This study examined the relative contribution of age, stage of puberty, anthropometric characteristics, health-related fitness, soccer-specific tests and match-related technical performance to variance in involvements with the ball during recreational 5-a-side small-sided (32 × 15 m) soccer matches. Using a cross-sectional design, 80 healthy male students (14.6 ± 0.5 years of age; range 13.6-15.4) who played soccer recreationally were randomly divided into 10 teams and played against each other. Measurements included height, body mass, pubertal status, health-related fitness (12-min walk/run test, standing long jump, 15-m sprint and sit-ups in 30 s), soccer-specific tests (kicking for speed, passing for accuracy and agility run with and without a ball), match-related technical performance (kicks, passes and dribbles) and involvements with the ball during matches. Forward multiple regression analysis revealed that cardiorespiratory fitness (12-min walk/run test) accounted for 36% of the variance in involvements with the ball. When agility with the ball (zigzag running) and power (standing long jump) were included among the predictors, the total explained variance increased to 62%. In conclusion, recreational adolescent players, regardless of their soccer-specific skills, may increase participation in soccer matches most through physical activities that promote improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle power and agility.
a Physical Education and Health , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil.
Alessandro H Nicolai
AH
Ré
b School of Physical Education , University of Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil.
Maria Teresa
MT
Cattuzzo
b School of Physical Education , University of Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil.
Rafael Dos Santos
Rdos S
Henrique
c Physical Education and Athletic Training , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA.
David F
DF
Stodden
D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D054874:Athletic Performance; D002319:Cardiovascular System; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D009068:Movement; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012420:Running; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D012916:Soccer; D019876:Sports Equipment; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis
Adolescents; football; futsal; healthpromotion; physical activity