Athletic abilities in adolescent soccer players

A longitudinal observational study was performed in 32 male soccer players between 14 and 18 years of age who were members of the regional select team to obtain reference values for anthropometrical parameters and several motoric skills and abilities in this population: height, weight, heart volume (2-dimensional echocardiography), maximal power output in cycle ergometry, sprinting velocity (5 in, 10 in, 30 in), endurance capacity (individual anaerobic threshold during field testing), and measures in other simple tasks (standing long jump, jump & reach, stand & reach). Sprinting abilities as well as results from strength-specific tasks (standing long jump, jump & reach) developed in parallel to increases in height, i.e. there was no relevant progress beyond the age of 16. Body weight-related heart volume (between 12.1 and 12.6 ml*kg(-1)), maximal cycling Capacity (3.9 to 4.1 W*kd(-1)), and results from stand & reach remained without significant changes between the ages of 14 and 18. Individual anaerobic threshold increased steadily from 12.6 to 13.9 km*h(-1). It can be concluded that changes in performance-related physiological parameters of adolescent soccer players are mainly due to increments in body dimensions. Therefore, it is recommended that specific stimuli for the development of strength and velocity be included in soccer training not later than at the age of 16.