Author(s): SUN, S., Institution: MINZU UNIVERSITY OF CHINA, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 724

INTRODUCTION:
Techniques and tactics, the key competitive metrics in modern football, are the main factors affecting players' competitive performance. Prior studies on women's football mostly focused on single events or independent age groups, without considering age differences. By analysing post-match summary reports from the FIFA U-17, U-20, and senior Women's World Cups, this study conducted a cross-age longitudinal comparison to quantify the impact of age differences on the technical and tactical performance of female footballers in various positions. Findings offer scientific insights to support coaches in optimizing training programs.
METHODS:
Generalized linear mixed models were established using IBM SPSS Statistics 27, and magnitude-based inference was applied to estimate the mean changes. When significant interaction effects between age and positions were detected, Sidak post-hoc comparison analysis was performed. Data were sourced from the 2025 U-17, 2024 U-20, and 2023 Women's World Cups post-match summary reports of non-red-card matches(144 matches). Positions included forwards (FWs), defenders (DFs), and midfielders (MFs). Metrics for full-match players included 11 offensive metrics (such as take-ons and passes) and 12 defensive metrics (such as clearances and tackles).
RESULTS:
Significant interaction effects were observed in take-ons, passes, line breaks attempted, possession interruptions, and clearances (P < 0.05). Compared with the senior team, U17 FWs showed a large increase in take-ons (ES = 1.11), whereas U20 FWs showed a moderate decrease (ES = -0.74); U17 DFs showed a large increase in take-ons (ES = 1.83), while U17 and U20 DFs showed slight-to-moderate decreases in passes and take-ons (ES = -0.77 to -0.31); U17 MFs showed moderate-to-large increases in take-ons and possession interruptions (ES = 0.61 to 1.41), and U17 and U20 MFs showed slight-to-moderate decreases in passes and line breaks attempted (ES = -0.94 to -0.36). Relative to the U17, U20 FWs showed a substantial decrease in take-ons (ES = -1.85); U20 DFs showed slight-to-large decreases in take-ons and possession interruptions (ES = -2.61 to -0.42); U20 MFs showed small-to-moderate decreases in take-ons, possession interruptions and clearances (ES = -2.35 to -0.53).
CONCLUSION:
The results show that age differences exert position-specific effects on only five metrics. Take-ons across all positions and possession interruptions for DFs and MFs show marked fluctuations with age, first decreasing and then increasing. Passes for DFs show a gradual, progressive increase. Passes and line breaks attempted for MFs remain stable during youth, with significant increases at senior level. Clearances for MFs show a phased characteristic, with significant differences only observed in youth. These trends reflect that partial technical and tactical performance may shift from talent to system driven with age, finally achieving the high integration of ability and tactics. Targeted training is necessary for female footballers.