Differences in performance and injury profile in soccer players: a comparison across age-categories and positions

Performance and injuries in soccer

Abstract

The aims of this study were to compare the physical performance and the injury profile across the different age-categories and playing positions in soccer players, and to establish relationships between physical performance tests and position. Soccer players of different age-categories, senior (n=34), under 19 years (U19; n=53) and under 16 years (U16; n=54) performed countermovement jump (CMJ), change of direction (10+10-m with 90° turn) and linear sprint over 30-m tests, and change of direction loss was calculated. Injuries (i.e., incidence and burden) during the first phase of season were recorded. Senior players showed the best performance in change of direction (effect size [ES] = 1.23-1.42), presenting the U19 players the best performance in sprint over 30-m (ES = 0.64-1.44) and the worst performance in change of direction loss (ES = 1.18-1.68). The U16 players showed the lowest values in countermovement jump (ES = 0.90-1.00) and linear sprint tests (ES = 0.64-1.46). No differences in physical performance were reported for the playing positions analysis. Senior players showed the highest total injury incidence and the greatest burden values, while wide midfield players presented the highest burden values. These results indicate that individualized programs must be applied attending to age and playing positions.