To attain an expert level in soccer, players should possess a wide range of physical and technical abilities. International level players perform 25% more high intensity running and 35% more sprinting during a soccer game than players at a moderate elite level1,2 and show overall better technical abilities. Methods In total, 23 A-team (age 24.4 ± 3.6) and 36 B-team (age 20.1 ± 1,9) players from two Belgian first division teams performed a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo- Yo IRT) to assess soccer specific endurance, a 5m and 30m sprint test to measure explosive power and maximal speed respectively and the Flemish Sports Compass dribble test to assess technical ability during the 2007-2010 seasons. Players were divided into A- and B-team players according to their player status at the time of the tests. Differences in Yo-Yo IRT distance (m), 5m Sprint time (s), 30m Sprint time (s) and Dribble test time (s) were analyzed using MANCOVA with these variables as dependents, selection for the A- or B-team as a fixed factor and age as a covariate. Statistical significance was set at p.0.05. Results and discussions Multivariate analysis showed significantly better scores for A-team than for B-team players (F=4.302, p=0.006). Age was a significant covariate (F=3.971, p=0.009). Univariate analysis revealed better scores for a the A team on the 5m and 30m sprint. Explosive power and maximal speed seem to be important factors in the (de)selection for an A-team Conclusion In elite soccer, a good explosive power and maximal speed are necessary. Thus, a professional approach on physical coaching and post-formation is of importance in developing elite soccer players.
© Copyright 2011 7th World Congress on Science and Football (WCSF), 2011. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.