Assessment of the cadet footballers’ physical condition

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of physical performance of adolescent football players. Methods: 23 adolescent football players aged 14.43±0.50 years were evaluated applying an integral evaluation protocol of 2 hours of duration. Hand-grip strength by manual dynamometer, legs strength in counter-movement jump (CM) and Abalakov jump tests, cardiovascular capacity in a yo-yo test, body composition by an eight electrodes bioimpedianciometer and flexibility in sit and reach test, were measured. Results: Subjects presented a body fat mass percentage of 9.72±5.81 and a body mass index of 21.26±2.47. They completed an average of 1349.13±224.72 meters in the yo-yo test and reached a jump height of 30.80±4.65 cm. in the CM jump and of 37.32± 6.00 cm. in the Abalakov test. The hand grip strength of both hands was of 73.32±14.76 kg. They obtained an average of 19.4±6.32 cm in the flexibility sit and reach test. We found no significant differences in any variable when we compared the sample by chronological age, however, attending to maturity status there are differences in levels 3 and 5 in hand grip strength and countermovement jump variables. Conclusion: The key point of an integral evaluation is to know in detail the physical performance level of the football player at the beginning of the season, so that we can work with objective information in order to develop an effective and correct planning and individualization of the football player season.