Associations between biological maturity level, match locomotion, and physical capacities in youth male soccer players

(Publisert i Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 25.8.2022)

The main aim of the present study was to investigate the association between skeletal age as a measure of biological maturation level, match locomotion, and physical capacity in male youth soccer players.

Thirty-eight Norwegian players were followed during two consecutive seasons (U14 and U15). Match locomotion was assessed with GPS-tracking in matches.
In matches, positive associations were found between SA and maximal speed and running distance in the highest speed zones. 

Biological maturity level influence match locomotion and performance on physical capacity tests. It is important that players, parents and coaches are aware of the advantages more mature players have during puberty, and that less mature players also are given attention, appropriate training and match competition to ensure proper development.

Les hele artikkelen her: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sms.14225