Repeated dribbling ability in youth soccer : test properties, interrelationship with repeated sprint tests and variation by age group

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a repeated dribbling ability (RDA) test for young soccer players. Variability by age groups, association between repeated dribbling and repeated sprints (RSA), and reproducibility of RDA protocol were considered. The sample consisted of 58 young male soccer players (15.98±1.74 years) who were measured in RSA and RDA protocols within the following age groups and according to the structure of Portuguese youth soccer: under-15 (n=16), under-17 (n=19) and under- 19 (n=23). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the effect of age group in body size, maturity and functional capacities. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to estimate the relative contributions of years of formal training, CA, maturity, body size and thigh volume to variation in RDA and RSA, and also the relationship between RSA and RDA. Older players performed significantly better, but post-hoc comparisons showed that differences were not significant between 15-16 and 17-18 years. Repeated dribbling ability was more related to lower limb strength than with any other anthropometric or functional variable and a large relationship between RSA and RDA was found, but only for total time. Analysis of RDA reproducibility (2 time moments) confirmed the future usefulness of the test (reliability coefficients: total time = 0.83 and ideal time = 0.85). RDA might be a useful test to assess young soccer players from beginners to older players. In the meantime, future research using sportspecific distance with variation in the number of repetitions, among different age groups, competitive level and playing position is needed for a better insight considering validity assets.