Journal of Sports Medicine & Doping Studies

Relationship between Functional Capacities and Performance Parameters in Soccer

Abstract

Goran Sporis, Zoran Milanovic, Nebojsa Trajkovic, Marko Erceg and Dario Novak

Aim of this study was to determine the relationship between functional capacities and skills performance among young soccer player. The research was conducted on a sample of 22 players aged U-14, members of the elite junior soccer club. Players were tested for aerobic capacities (Soccer specific endurance tests, Beep test), anaerobic capacities (Sprint test, Repeated sprint test, 300 meter run test) and skill performace in phase of attack and defense. Anaerobic capacity of players explain 37% of the variance (p = 0.03) for defensive tactical elements, while the set of functional aerobic variables (Hoff test, p = 0.18; beep test, p = 0.93) has explained 37% (p = 0.03) of defensive players ability. Set of predictors of functional anaerobic variables (Sprint test, Repeated Sprint Ability, 300 meter run test) explain 32% (p = 0.04) criteria, while the set of predictors of functional aerobic variables (Hoff test, 20m multi-stage shuttle run test) explain 26% (p = 0.03) criteria. On the basis of the research we can conclude that there is a strong correlation between the players’ performance and tactical skill, whether it is a tactical-technical element of the phase of attack or defense. Therefore, coaches need to develop both components to achieve desired results in the competition games.