Abstract

Aim: To determine if there are correlations between the physical fitness of young soccer players assessed by field and laboratory testing.

Methods: Thirty four male soccer players took part in the study (mean (SD) age 17.5 (1.1) years, height 177.8 (6.7) cm, weight 70.5 (6.4) kg). Maximal oxygen uptake (Vo₂max) during treadmill running and vertical jump height on a force platform were measured in the laboratory. Field tests consisted of a soccer specific endurance test (Bangsbo test) and 30 m sprint with 10 m lap times.

Results: The Bangsbo test correlated with the lowest velocity associated with Vo₂max (vVo₂max; R² =  0.55, p<0.001), but not with Vo₂max. Sprint times at 30 m and 20 m were related to peak extension velocity and peak extension force measured during vertical jumping, but not to vertical jump height per se. The jumping force and velocity could explain 46% of the 30 m sprint performance (R² =  0.46, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The Bangsbo test and 30 m sprint test correlate with vVo₂max and vertical jump force and velocity respectively. The Bangsbo test does not give a good estimate of Vo₂max in young soccer players.