Change of direction and Repeated Sprint Ability with and without ball performance in young soccer players: a comparison across different age-categories.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate age-related differences in anthropometric characteristics, change of direction (COD) and repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance, with and without ball control, in elite soccer players from U17, U19, and U23 categories.

METHODOLOGY: Seventy-two male players (age: 18.9 ± 2.23 years; height: 1.72 ± 0.08 m; body mass: 71.7 ± 5.04 kg; body mass index (BMI): 24.3 ± 2.61 kg/m2) from three professional soccer clubs were assessed (U17 = 24; U19 = 24; U23 = 24). After a two-month period of regular training and competition, anthropometric measures (height, body mass, body mass index) were recorded. In addition, players completed the New Multi-Change of Direction Agility Test (NMAT) and the Bangsbo RSA test, both performed with and without a ball. Testing was standardized for familiarization, warm-up, and environmental conditions.

RESULTS

U23 players were taller and heavier than U17 and U19 players, and they showed superior COD performance without the ball compared to U17, whereas no statistically significant differences were found in COD with ball or RSA performance across age groups. Correlation analyses revealed moderate associations between anthropometric variables and COD performance (r =  - 0.35 to -0.24), while higher BMI values were related to slower agility times (r = 0.24-0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Age-related anthropometric characteristics were associated with better COD performance without the ball, whereas COD with ball and RSA performance appear less age-dependent and more influenced by training specificity. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating technical COD drills and RSA training early in player development to align physical and technical progression.