(2024) Science and education, 3, 23-30. Odessa.
Ioan Neag,
Postgraduate Student,
Doctoral School of Sports Science and Physical Education,
National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest,
University Center Pitesti, Pitesti – 110040, Romania,
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1423-1348
Ion Mihaila,
Professor, PhD in Physical Education and Sports,
Doctoral School of Sports Science and Physical Education,
National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest,
University Center Pitesti, Pitesti – 110040, Romania,
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6173-9771
Gabriel Trandafirescu,
Associate Professor, PhD in Physical Education and Sports,
Doctoral School of Sports Science and Physical Education,
National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest,
University Center Pitesti, Pitesti – 110040, Romania,
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1763-784X
Ilie Mihai,
Associate Professor, PhD in Physical Education and Sports,
Doctoral School of Sports Science and Physical Education,
National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest,
University Center Pitesti, Pitesti – 110040, Romania,
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5932-1859
Vladimir Potop,
Professor, Doctor of Physical Education and Sports,
Doctoral School of Sports Science and Physical Education,
National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest,
University Center Pitesti, Pitesti – 110040, Romania,
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8571-2469
CHANGE OF DIRECTION SPEED AND AGILITY: MANIFESTATION AND RELATION IN YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS
SUMMARY:
Change of direction speed (CODS) and agility are critical components of soccer performance because of the high number of changes of direction ocured during a match. This study investigates the relationships between various CODS tests, both with and without the ball, and a newly designed agility test in youth soccer players. A sample of 111 youth soccer players (11.15 ± 0.47 years) participated in a series of physical tests, including modified versions of the Illinois and T-tests, the 505 test, the s180 test, and a Zigzag test with the ball. The results revealed strong correlations and variances between CODS with the ball and CODS tests without the ball, ranging from (ρ = 0.739, R² = 0.546) to (ρ = 0.787, R² = 0.619). Very strong correlations were found between the CODS tests (modified Illinois and T-tests, 505, the s180) without the ball, ranging from (ρ = 0.857, R² = 0.734) to (ρ = 0.923, R² = 0.852). Additionally, very strong correlations were observed between CODS with and without the ball and agility, ranging from (ρ = 0.805, R² = 0.648) to (ρ = 0.831, R² = 0.690). These findings suggest that the tests measure similar underlying attributes of agility and CODS, both with and without the ball. The study provides valuable insights into the interrelationships between different CODS and agility, contributing to a better understanding of performance assessment in youth soccer players.
KEYWORDS:
Change of Direction speed, COD, Agility, Youth Soccer Players, Performance Analysis.
FULL TEXT:
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