Repeated Sprint Ability of Youth Football Players in the Same Age Category According to Playing Position and Competition Level

Abstract

This study aims to examine repeated sprint performances of young soccer players in the same age category according to competition level and playing positions. 67 young soccer players in the U16 age category and from 4 different teams competing in two different competition levels participated voluntarily in this study. The participants performed the Bangsbo Sprint Test adapted by Wragg (7×34,2 m with 25-second recovery) to determine repeated sprint performance. The test variables were best sprint time, mean sprint time, and the fatigue index. The best sprint time and mean sprint time results varied according to competition level (p˂0,05) but the fatigue index did not differentiate according to competition level (p˃0,05). It is also determined that at a high competition level players have revealed better-repeated sprint performance. When examined the data in terms of game position, best sprint time and mean time values have varied (p˂0,05) but the fatigue index did not have significant differences (p˃0,05). Considering the data according to game positions, forwards, full-backs and wingers showed higher performance than central midfielders, central defenders, and goalkeepers. Consequently, our results suggest that performance in repeated-sprint the best sprint values and mean sprint values belonging to repeated performances of youth players from the same age category differ according to competition levels and game positions, whereas the fatigue index does not differ.