DIFFERENCES IN EXPLOSIVE POWER OF FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF DIFFERENT AGE CATEGORIES

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in explosive power performance of footbal players of different age categories. 128 soccer players participated in this study. They were assigned to their respected age groups (U-15, U-17, U-19 and O-19). Explosive power performance was determined by measuring 4 jump test (SJ, CMJ, MAX and RS). One-way ANOVA was used to determine whether differences between specific tests in different age groups exist. Tukey post hoc test was used to establish group differences. Results indicate that groups U-15 and U-17 significantly (p<0,05) differ from the group O-19 in tests SJ, CMJ and MAX that indirectly measure explosive power. Also difference in test RS was found between groups U-15 and O-19. Results found do not discriminate players of different age groups participating in youth soccer development in explosive power. Results from explosive performance tests should be used, as selection criteria, only in U-19 group and beyond.