Zeljko Kovacevic1, Frane Zuvela2, Goran Kuvacic2
1University of Split, Department of Health Studies, Split, Croatia
2University of Split, Faculty of Kinesiology, Split, Croatia
Metric Characteristics of Tests Assessing Speed and Agility in Youth Soccer Players
Sport Mont 2018, 16(3), 9-14 | DOI: 10.26773/smj.181002
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to validate the measuring instruments for assessing sprinting speed and specific agility in youth soccer players. The study was conducted on a sample of 32 soccer players in younger age categories. The sample of variables included three tests assessing sprinting speed (5-meter sprint from a standing start, 20-meter sprint from a standing start, and flying 15-meter sprint), and three tests assessing specific agility (slalom run with a ball, zig-zag run with a ball, and 20-meter sprint with a ball). Metric characteristics of tests were determined by calculating indicators of reliability, homogeneity, sensitivity, and factor and pragmatic validity. The values of indicators of metric characteristic showed that the applied motor tests had high level of reliability, good homogeneity, normal distribution of data, and acceptable values of factor and pragmatic validity. As a recommendation for future scientific and/or expert activities which would include assessment of speed and specific agility in young soccer players, investigations should definitely include 20-meter sprint from a standing start and slalom run with a ball.
Keywords
metric characteristics, soccer players, agility, speed
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