A Comparison of Physical Abilities and Match Performance Characteristics Among Elite and Subelite Under-14 Soccer Players

Abstract

This study aimed to identify characteristics of match performance and physical ability that discriminate between elite and subelite under-14 soccer players. Players were assessed for closed performance and movement, physiological responses, and technical actions during matches. Elite players covered more total m·min⁻¹ (115.7 ±6.6 'cf'. 105.4±7.7m·min⁻¹) and high-intensity m·min⁻¹ (elite = 14.5±2.3 'cf'. 11.5 ± 3.7 m·min⁻¹) compared with subelite players. Elite players also attempted more successful (0.41 ±0.11 'cf'. 0.18 ±0.02) and unsuccessful ball retentions·min⁻¹ (0.14 ± 0.04 'cf'. 0.06 ± 0.02) compared with subelite players. Elite players were faster over 10 m (1.9 ± 0.1 'cf'. 2.3 ± 0.2 s) and faster dribblers (16.4 ± 1.4 'cf'. 18.2 ± 1.1 s) compared with subelite players. Speed (10m) and successful ball retention min·⁻¹ contributed to a predictive model, explaining 96.8% of the between-group variance. The analysis of match performance provides a more thorough understanding of the factors underlying talent among youth soccer players.