Jump and sprint force velocity profile of young soccer players differ according to playing position.

ABSTRACT

Our study aimed to compare explosive performance and underlying mechanical determinants explored through F-V profiles in jumping and sprinting among young soccer players based on their playing position. Ninety elite soccer players were categorized into the following positions goalkeepers, central defenders, wide defenders, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and forwards. Two testing sessions were conducted to measure the 30-metre sprint time (T30) using an over-ground sprint test and jump height (Hmax) through the SJ test. Results demonstrated performance variations among positions. In sprinting, forwards showed greater T30 (4.5 ± 0.14 s) compared to other positions, with goalkeepers exhibiting the lowest T30 (4.86 ± 0.18 s). Forwards also displayed higher maximal theoretical velocity (8.8 ± 0.4 m.s-1) and power output (Pmax) (19.4 ± 2.6 W.kg-1) than other positions, while goalkeepers had the lowest Pmax (16.5 ± 2 W.kg-1). In jumping, forwards (33.2 ± 3.9 cm) and wide-midfielders (33.6 ± 3.8 cm) achieved higher Hmax compared to goalkeepers (29.2 ± 5 cm) and central-midfielders (29.2 ± 3.8 cm). Wide-midfielders (28.5 ± 4.8 W.kg-1) and forwards (27.1 ± 4.3 W.kg-1) surpassed goalkeepers (23 ± 2.8 W.kg-1) and central-midfielders (25.1 ± 3.8 W.kg-1) in Pmax. Our findings reveal substantial position-related disparities in F-V profiles among elite young soccer players, in sprinting and jumping emphasizing the need for position-specific training programmes to optimize player development and on-field performance from an early age.