Assessing maximal sprinting speed in highly trained young soccer players

The aim of the present study was to locate the fastest 10-m split time (Splitbest) over a 40-m sprint in relation to age and maximal sprint speed in highly trained young soccer players. Analyses were performed on 967 independent player sprints collected in 223 highly trained young football players (...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational journal of sports physiology and performance Vol. 7; no. 1; p. 76
Main Authors Buchheit, Martin, Simpson, Ben M, Peltola, Esa, Mendez-Villanueva, Alberto
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.03.2012
Subjects
Acceleration
Adolescent
Athletic Performance - physiology
Child
Female
Humans
Male
Running - physiology
Soccer - physiology
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Summary:The aim of the present study was to locate the fastest 10-m split time (Splitbest) over a 40-m sprint in relation to age and maximal sprint speed in highly trained young soccer players. Analyses were performed on 967 independent player sprints collected in 223 highly trained young football players (Under 12 to Under 18). The maximal sprint speed was defined as the average running speed during Splitbest. The distribution of the distance associated with Splitbest was affected by age (X23 = 158.7, P < .001), with the older the players, the greater the proportion of 30-to-40-m Splitbest. There was, however, no between-group difference when data were adjusted for maximal sprint speed. Maximal sprint speed is the main determinant of the distance associated with Splitbest. Given the important disparity in Splitbest location within each age group, three (U12-U13) to two (U14-U18) 10-m intervals are still required to guarantee an accurate evaluation of maximal sprint speed in young players when using timing gates.
ISSN:1555-0265
DOI:10.1123/ijspp.7.1.76