Validation of a soccer skill test for use with females

The aim of this study was to validate the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) for use with female players. Nineteen Premier Division (elite) and 16 Reserve team players (nonelite) volunteered for this study. The LSPT requires players to complete 16 passes against coloured target areas as fast and as accurately as possible. Participants completed an initial familiarisation trial followed by two main trials, each separated by at least one week. During both trials participants were given two practice efforts before recording the mean of the next two attempts as the performance score. All trials were performed inside a sports hall, using an indoor soccer ball, and following a standardised 10-min warm-up. The mean time taken (54.6 +/- 5.3 s vs. 61.6 +/- 6.5 s, p = 0.002), added penalty time (22.8 +/- 7.2 s vs. 35.9 +/- 11.5 s, p < 0.001) and overall performance time (77.4 +/- 11.6 s vs. 97.5 +/- 17.2 s, p < 0.001) were lower for elite players. Due to the lower agreement ratio, LSPT performance was more repeatable in the elite (x//1.39) relative to nonelite (x//1.45) group. In conclusion, the LSPT is a valid and reliable protocol to assess differences in soccer skill performance using female players.