Author(s): CHMURA, P., GRYCMANN, P., RADZIMINSKI, L., RANDERS, M.B., JALALI, P., WEI, X., KRUSTRUP, P., Institution: WROCLAW UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND SPORT SCIENCES, Country: POLAND, Abstract-ID: 768

INTRODUCTION:
Speed is a fundamental motor ability that influences soccer performance, particularly during youth development (1). Understanding segment-specific sprint performance is essential for designing age-appropriate training programs and monitoring neuromuscular development in youth soccer players. This study aimed to examine age-related changes in sprint performance in academy-level youth soccer players aged U10 to U19 using a multi-segment analysis of a single 30-m straight-line sprint in a cross-sectional design. Sprint times were analyzed for three segments: initial acceleration (0-5 m), maximal velocity segment (5-30 m), and total sprint time (0-30 m).
METHODS:
A total of 2,488 players from the Silesian Football Association (Poland) were assessed. Players performed a standard warm-up prior to testing, and each sprint was initiated from a standing start. Players performed three trials with 3-min recovery; best time was analyzed. Sprint performance was measured using a photocell timing system, enabling accurate split-time recording. Differences between adjacent age groups were analyzed using Welch’s t-test with Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons. We hypothesized that sprint performance would improve progressively with age.
RESULTS:
Significant improvements in sprint performance were observed across most age transitions, particularly between U10 and U15. The largest percentage improvements occurred in the 0–5 m segment between U12 and U13 (−6.3%) and in the 5–30 m segment between U10 and U11 (−6.3%), indicating segment-specific gains. Performance improvements plateaued in older categories (U17–U19), with negligible changes in certain transitions (e.g., 5–30 m: U16–U17, U18–U19), highlighting the flattening of speed development in late adolescence.
CONCLUSION:
These findings demonstrate a non-linear developmental trajectory of sprint performance in youth soccer. Acceleration improved most in mid-adolescence, whereas maximal velocity showed greatest improvements in early adolescence. Multi-segment sprint assessment provides valuable information beyond total sprint time and may support training optimization and talent identification in youth soccer (2).
References:
1. Moran et al., 2018, J Sci Med Sport
2. Meyers et al., 2016, Med Sci Sports Exerc