مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Examination of Physical and Technical Variables of Soccer Players in terms of Their Positions

Abstract :

The aim of this study was to identify performance variables (linear sprint speed with and without the ball, Hacettepe University Football Research (HÜFA) defense pace and rapidity test with and without the ball, and reactive agility and technical test with and without the ball) for midfield and forward male soccer players aged between 11 and 16. Forty-one amateur soccer players voluntarily participated in the study. The following measurements were conducted in the study: body composition, 10- and 20-meter sprint tests (with and without the ball), HÜFA test (with and without the ball), reactive change of direction (without the ball), reactive dribbling (with the ball) tests, reactive agility (without the ball) tests, and reactive technique (with the ball) tests. The findings of the study revealed statistically significant differences in body height and weight between defense and midfield players according to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (p 0.05), and the body height and weight of defenders were found to be higher than those of midfield players. In addition, the dribbling test with the ball (HÜFA) of the midfield players and forward players showed significant differences (p 0.05) as well. Forward players displayed better performance. Derived from the data collected from the study, it was found that the duration of a 10-meter dribbling pass with the ball was statistically higher for forward players than midfielders. Even though the statistical differences did not occur for most of the variables, the players’ development could be examined periodically with the testing methods used in this study. In this way, technical skills differences between athletes could be identified, and technical application errors that may occur could be minimized with early precautions.