Mehdi Ben Brahim, Rym Bougatfa, Amri Mohamed

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Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.
Laboratory Adaptations Cardio-Circulatory, Respiratory, Metabolic and Hormonal to Muscular Exercise, Faculty of Medicine Ibn El Jazzar, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia.
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Abstract: The aim of this investigation was to provide anthropometric, physical and physiological performance characteristics of Tunisian young soccer players and to examine the relationship between selected parameters according to their playing standard position. One hundred under 13 years old (U-13) male soccer players were tested. They were classified according to their playing standard positions (goalkeeper: GK, defender: DF, midfield: MF, and forward: FW). Testing consisted of anthropometric measurements including weight, height, and body mass index, and performance measures of speed (5, 15, and 20 m), agility run (Agility-15 m and Ball-15 m), vertical jumping, ball shooting, and aerobic capacity (Hoff Dribble Test and Yo-Yo intermittent Endurance Run, YYIER). GK were taller and heavier than other players. Significant differences of playing positions for the majority of the physical tests include 20 m sprint, Agility-15 m and Ball-15 m times (all p < .01), as well as squat jump and counter movement jump (all p < .01). In addition, weight was significantly correlated with 20 m sprint (r = .29, p < .01), Agility-15 m (r = .30, p < .01) and Ball-15 m (r = .31, p < .01) times as well as ball shooting speed (r = -.42, p < .01). Multiple regression analyses showed that weight and height were the most significant predictors of 20 m sprint time and the YYIER distance, respectively. In conclusion, performance abilities between positions in young soccer players appear to be different. Anthropometry can discriminate physical capacities and soccer skills providing a scientific rational behind the coaches’ practice of selecting young soccer players.

Keywords: Young Soccer Players; Anthropometric; Performance; Playing Positions; Relationship

Cite this paper: Brahim, M. , Bougatfa, R. & Mohamed, A. (2013). Anthropometric and Physical Characteristics of Tunisians Young Soccer Players. Advances in Physical Education, 3, 125-130. doi: 10.4236/ape.2013.33021.

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