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Bigger but Are They Better? Investigating Growth, Maturation, and Physical Performance Metrics in Underage Gaelic Games Development Squads

  • 0Department of Sport, Leisure and Childhood Studies, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research +

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April 23, 2025

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April 23, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

In underage Gaelic games, early physical developers showed faster sprint times than later developers. Performance metrics should be assessed relative to maturation status, not just chronological age, for better talent identification.

Area Of Science

  • Sports Science
  • Human Movement
  • Talent Identification

Background

  • Understanding growth and maturation is crucial for developing young athletes.
  • Previous research has not extensively examined physical performance relative to maturation in underage Gaelic games.
  • Talent development programs often rely on chronological age, potentially overlooking biological development.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To determine the distribution of maturation status in underage Gaelic games squads.
  • To investigate differences in physical performance metrics based on maturation status.
  • To provide insights for optimizing talent development strategies in Gaelic games.

Main Methods

  • Assessed maturation status using the Khamis & Roche method in 254 male U15 and U16 Gaelic games players.
  • Measured physical performance including lower body power (countermovement jump), linear speed (10, 20m), upper body strength (chin-up test), and aerobic endurance (GAA modified Bronco).
  • Employed one-way multivariate analysis of variance and analysis of variance to analyze data.

Main Results

  • Early developers (EDs) constituted approximately 64% of both U15 and U16 squads.
  • U15 EDs demonstrated significantly faster 10m and 20m sprint times compared to on-time (OT) and late developers (LDs).
  • U16 EDs and OTs showed faster 20m sprint times than LDs, with no significant differences in countermovement jump height across maturation groups.

Conclusions

  • Maturation status significantly influences physical performance in underage Gaelic games players.
  • Interpreting speed metrics relative to biological maturation, rather than chronological age, is recommended for talent development.
  • Strategies like biobanding and coach education on growth and maturation are vital for effective talent identification and development.

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