Anthropometric characteristics, field test scores and match-related technical performance in youth indoor soccer players with different playing status

This study compared anthropometric characteristics, field test scores and match-related technical performance of elite youth indoor soccer players from different playing status and examined the relationship between these variables. Sixty elite adolescent players (age 14.0 ± 0.93 years) were selected for the study and grouped as starters (n=21), non-starters (n=21) and substitutes without participation in the games (n=18). The participants underwent measurements for anthropometry (height, body mass, sum of three skinfolds), field tests that simulated training drills (linear and zigzag running and kicking, passing and dribbling abilities) and match-related technical performance of twenty competitive games (passing, dribbling, kicking and disarms and interceptions). ANOVA showed no statistically significant differences between groups and, in general, the measures obtained outside of the games did not correlate with performance in the games. Thus, in elite adolescent players, anthropometric characteristics and isolated skills do not predict match-related technical performance and should be used with caution for talent identification or training purposes. Many part-practice drills commonly used to train technique in stable and predictable conditions may not be useful to improve technical performance in real matches, particularly in players who have already mastered the basic fundamentals of soccer.