Sprint speed is believed to be a prerequisite to successful participation in soccer. However, it has been recently suggested that tactical constrains associated with soccer match-play may modulate the relationship between sprint speed (i.e., an intrinsic physical quality determined via a field test) and actual sprinting performance during the game (Mendez-Villanueva et al., 2011). While sprinting speed (as measured with field tests) increases with age and growth, the impact that age can have on peak match running speed is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine possible differences in maximal sprinting speed (MSS) and peak match running speed (PMRS) in highly-trained young soccer players (age groups U13 to U17). Methods: Time-motion analysis of running activity was collected in 160 male youth soccer players (U13 = 30, U14 = 36, U15 = 40, U16 = 31 and U17 = 23) during 58 distinct friendly international level matches. A total of 253 player-files were analysed (U13 = 39, U14 = 62, U15 = 66, U16 = 49 and U17 = 35. MSS was determined as the fastest 10-m split time during a 40-m sprint performed on an indoor running track. PMRS was recorded using portable global positioning systems and was also expressed as a percentage of MSS (%PMRS). Results: MSS (25.2 ± 1.4, 27.6 ± 1.9, 28.8 ± 1.8, 29.7 ± 1.7 and 30.7 ± 1.2 km.h-1 for U13, U14, U15, U16 and U17, respectively) was greater in older players compared with younger players (U13 "almost certainly" U16, U17). Discussion: The main findings of this study were that a) faster (and older) players reached higher absolute running speeds during games than their slower (and younger) counterparts, b) slower (and younger) players tended to use a greater percentage of MSS than their older (and faster) counterparts. Our results indicate that age and associated playing structure (e.g., tactical ploys) has an important role in influencing the expression of MSS during soccer match play.
© Copyright 2012 17th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Bruges, 4. -7. July 2012. Veröffentlicht von Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.