ECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP31
INTRODUCTION: Normative reference values for fitness performance are widely used for talent identification and training monitoring in elite youth soccer. However, accurately interpreting performance metrics requires consideration of key developmental factors, particularly the relative age effect and maturation status (1). To ensure fair, individualized and developmentally appropriate fitness benchmarks for elite youth soccer players, we introduced and evaluated a 5-point scoring approach that factors in exact age and maturation, enabling consistent performance comparisons across tests and players. METHODS: We analysed fitness test data from a sample of 2989 U13 and U14 players (12.4±0.6 yrs), selected nationwide into one of 29 accredited youth development centres between 2016 and 2023. Athletes completed an annual battery of 12 fitness tests (2), with their biological age estimated using the Mirwald equation. In a previous categorical framework, norm values ranging from 0 to 5 points were calculated using SD ranges around the mean and identical norms within the same birth year. In contrast, the new approach uses the same point scale but assigns individualized norms for each birth date by accounting for the relationship between test performance and both chronological and biological age. RESULTS: Across fitness tests, the BIC and AIC criteria identified linear regressions as the best fit for capturing the relationship between test performance and both chronological and biological age. Biological age was more strongly linked to fitness gains than chronological age with medium effects in running speed tests (r²=.099-.175; p<.001; BF10>100; 0.41-0.55 SDs per yr), CMJs and multiple-choice RT (r²=.097-.105; p<.001; BF10>100; 0.42-0.43 SDs per yr) as well as large effects in medicine ball throw (r²=.479; p<.001; BF10>100; 0.91 SDs per yr). As intended, mean scores did not differ between the two grading approaches (d<0.191). However, individual-level variations were evident, with 16.4% of players exhibiting changes of 1-2 points, 1.2% of 2-3 points, and 0.2% of even 3-4 points in the ball throw. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed a substantial fitness development in U13 and U14 elite youth soccer players in 8 out of 12 tests, which are particularly influenced by anthropometric and power changes, whereas elementary speed, coordination and flexibility hardly improved. Given that the relative age effect is most pronounced at ages 12-14, our findings highlight the importance of considering both exact age and maturation when evaluating and interpreting fitness performance metrics in this age group. By accounting for both factors and maintaining overall comparability, our revised scoring approach introduced meaningful individual-level variability, emphasizing the need for tailored fitness benchmarks to ensure fair and developmentally appropriate assessments in elite youth soccer. REFERENCES: 1 Sweeney & Lundberg, Sci Med Footb, 2014 2 Gonaus & Müller, J Sports Sci, 2012
Read CV Jürgen BirklbauerECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP31
INTRODUCTION: In male team handball, different playing positions have specific physical demands due to their tactical roles. Backcourt players (backs) rely on physical strength for one-on-one situations and perform long-distance throws. Wing players (wings) focus on speed for fast breaks and jumping from wide angles for better throwing positions. Pivots face the most physical contact with defenders and require high aerobic capacities. Previous studies have shown that general physical performance (e.g., strength and power) and match performance (e.g., heart rate, game statistics, or position tracking data) differ across playing positions. However, game-based physical performance has not been analyzed, although this is crucial for training young elite players to reach a world-class level based on their specific positions. Consequently, the aim of this study was to analyze game-based performance in young elite male team handball players based on their playing positions. METHODS: Forty-eight young elite male team handball players (age: 17.5 ± 1.9 years, body weight: 82.5 ± 9.9 kg, body height: 1.86 ± 0.05m), including 23 backs, 17 wings and 8 pivots participated in the study. All players trained 7–8 sessions per week at an elite team handball academy and competed at the highest international level for their age group. To determine specific physical performance, all participants performed the team handball game-based performance test. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the performance differences among backs, wings and pivots. RESULTS: Significant differences between playing positions (P < 0.05) were found in peak oxygen uptake, heart rate, fast break and offense time, jump height during the jump shot, and body mass. Wings showed the best performance in fast break (1.78 ± 0.08 s), offense time (5.74 ± 0.19 s), jump height during the jump shot (0.39 ± 0.06 m), and peak oxygen uptake (72.4 ± 8.4 ml/kg/min). Backs performed best in ball velocity during the jump shot (25.1 ± 1.5 m/s), while pivots had the highest body weight (90.5 ± 14.1 kg). CONCLUSION: As expected, pivots were the heaviest due to facing the most physical contact with defenders during matches. Wings were the fastest on the court and jumped the highest, while backs demonstrated the highest throwing velocities, as they frequently perform long-distance throws during games. However, the high levels of peak oxygen uptake for wings and backs (around 70 ml/kg/min) and pivots (around 60 ml/kg/min), along with no significant differences in defense time between positions, highlight the importance of both aerobic and anaerobic performance for all players to maintain an active and dynamic defense throughout the entire match. We suggest implementing a selective position-specific strength and power training program, while also incorporating a balanced position-independent high-intensity on-court training, for young elite male team handball players to reach a world-class level.
Read CV Herbert WagnerECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP31
INTRODUCTION: The attention and care of youth sectors have been growing in recent years; on the other hand, especially in the younger age groups, it is important to ensure adequate support for the physiological development of the boys; there are no standardized evaluation protocols; in our work, we report the work carried out with the Maltese national team, which supervises young footballers throughout the year, even if they play and train with their club teams. METHODS: The sprint test was performed on artificial turf using three timing gates. A target marker was positioned 3 m beyond the final timing gate. The best performance was recorded for each distance. The 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test was conducted on artificial turf following the official protocol outlined on the test’s website. Countermovement jump height, CMJ-modified reactive strength index, and multi-rebound performance were assessed using force plates. The best of two trials was recorded. For the Triple Hop Test for distance, participants executed a rapid countermovement followed by three consecutive forward hops, landing on both feet after the final jump. The jump distance was measured from the starting line to the heel of the closest foot upon landing. Bioimpedance analysis was performed with BIA101 Anniversary (Akern Srl, Florence, Italy) and an ultrasound device (BX2000, IntelaMetrix, Brentwood, CA, USA) to determine the thickness of subcutaneous fat. RESULTS: Sprint performance (10m: U15: 1.91 ± 0.09 s, U16: 1.88 ± 0.10 s, U17: 1.84 ± 0.09 s, U18: 1.84 ± 0.09 s; 30m: U15: 4.58 ± 0.23 s, U16: 4.45 ± 0.20 s, U17: 4.31 ± 0.17 s, U18: 4.33 ± 0.16 s), endurance using the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT: U15: 19.56 ± 0.93 km/h, U16: 19.96 ± 0.81 km/h, U17: 19.87 ± 1.10 km/h, U18: 19.78 ± 0.86 km/h), CMJ modified reactive strength index (U15: 0.51 ± 0.08 m/s, U16: 0.51 ± 0.09 m/s, U17: 0.56 ± 0.07 m/s, U18: 0.62 ± 0.11 m/s), CMJ jump height (U15: 32.40 ± 4.73 cm, U16: 33.66 ± 4.09 cm, U17: 35.79 ± 4.04 cm, U18: 36.90 ± 5.01 cm), multi-rebound reactive strength index (U15: 1.96 ± 0.38 cm/ms, U16: 1.99 ± 0.30 cm/ms, U17: 2.29 ± 0.33 cm/ms, U18: 2.20 ± 0.37 cm/ms), triple hop test for distance (average distance: U15: 5.79 ± 0.69 m, U16: 6.06 ± 0.48 m, U17: 6.43 ± 0.37 m, U18: 6.56 ± 0.56 m), Levi Mass Index (U15: 2.28 ± 0.53 kg/m², U16: 2.60 ± 0.50 kg/m², U17: 2.76 ± 0.48 kg/m², U18: 3.04 ± 0.47 kg/m²), and phase angle (U15: 6.59 ± 0.72°, U16: 7.04 ± 0.76°, U17: 7.39 ± 0.73°, U18: 7.77 ± 0.63°). CONCLUSION: Results revealed a consistent improvement in speed, reactive strength, and lean mass with increasing age, reflecting the combined effects of natural physical development and training adaptations. It is concluded that football training can support the physiological growth of young people, specifically due to the combination of the support of the national team and club teams. These findings provide benchmarks for talent identification and offer insights into the progression of physical development.
Read CV Antonio GrimaldiECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP31