Impact of game format and age group on technical performance in youth football A comprehensive analysis

Main Article Content

Ângelo Brito
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8749-3279
Luís Freitas
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7196-5064

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse technical action variations among 5, 7, 9, and 11-a-side game formats and investigate the effects of age groups (U8, U10, U12, and U14) on these actions. A total of 197 soccer players aged between 6.94 ± 0.7 and 13.46 ± 0.5 years participated, with three matches conducted weekly, totalling 48 matches. Two-way ANOVA was employed to analyse age group and game format as independent factors. The study revealed the influence of age group on players' technical actions variability: front pass success p < .001; side pass success p < .001; back pass success p < .001; short pass success p < .001; reception success p < .001; goal p < .002; unsuccessful short pass p < .001; unsuccessful long pass p < .001; ball contacts p < .001. Additionally, the study highlighted the impact of game format on success rates: front pass success p < .001; side pass success p < .001; back pass success p < .001; short pass success p < .001; reception success p < .001; goal p < .036; shot on target p < .001; ball contacts p < .001; interception p < .001. These findings enhance understanding of how game format and age group affect technical performance in youth soccer, emphasizing the need for interventions that optimize players’ development trajectories.

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Article Details

How to Cite
Brito, Ângelo, & Freitas, L. (2024). Impact of game format and age group on technical performance in youth football: A comprehensive analysis. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise , 19(3), 901-914. https://doi.org/10.55860/jtm36z51
Section
Performance Analysis of Sport
Author Biographies

Ângelo Brito, University of Lisbon

Faculty of Human Motricity.

Luís Freitas, University of Lisbon

Faculty of Human Motricity.

How to Cite

Brito, Ângelo, & Freitas, L. (2024). Impact of game format and age group on technical performance in youth football: A comprehensive analysis. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise , 19(3), 901-914. https://doi.org/10.55860/jtm36z51

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