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Int J Sports Med 2019; 40(09): 576-584
DOI: 10.1055/a-0938-5431
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Association Between Match Activity, Endurance Levels and Maturity in Youth Football Players

Lorenzo Francini
1   MAPEI Sport Research Centre, Human Performance Laboratory, Olgiate Olona (VA), Italy
2   Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Technical Department, Football Training and Biomechanics Laboratory, Coverciano, Italy
,
Ermanno Rampinini
1   MAPEI Sport Research Centre, Human Performance Laboratory, Olgiate Olona (VA), Italy
,
Andrea Bosio
1   MAPEI Sport Research Centre, Human Performance Laboratory, Olgiate Olona (VA), Italy
,
Darragh Connolly
3   Juventus FC, Sport Science, Torino, Italy
,
Domenico Carlomagno
1   MAPEI Sport Research Centre, Human Performance Laboratory, Olgiate Olona (VA), Italy
,
Carlo Castagna
2   Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Technical Department, Football Training and Biomechanics Laboratory, Coverciano, Italy
4   Universita degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Roma, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted 20 May 2019

Publication Date:
04 July 2019 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the associations between maximal and submaximal field tests with match physical activity and biological maturation in youth football players. Sixty-eight youth football players (U14, U15, U16, U17) performed maximal and submaximal field endurance tests. Biological maturity was estimated calculating the distance from peak height velocity (Y-PHV). Physical match activities were tracked using GPS units and players’ post-match rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded. Mainly moderate associations were found between field tests and match activities. Large correlations were found between Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1, distance covered at high and very high-speed running, the quantity of very high and maximal metabolic power running. Small to moderate associations between match activities and Y-PHV were observed. The magnitude of correlation between match activities and field tests increased from moderate to large when matches with an RPE>5 were considered. The results provide further evidence of the association between young football players’ aerobic performance and match work rate. Submaximal field tests demonstrate ecological validity and may constitute a practical alternative to performing maximal tests. Maturation was found to have a moderate effect on youth players’ match work rate.

Key words

intermittent exercise - football - global position system - field testing - Yo-Yo tests - submaximal tests
 

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