Age-Related Differences in Jumping and Sprinting Performance and Force Production Capacities in Young Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the evolution of jump and sprint force-production capacities with maturation in young soccer players. One hundred sixteen young elite male soccer players aged 11-17 years were assigned to six different groups according to their maturity status. The force-velocity (F-V) profiles in jumping and sprinting performances were compared among groups. The results show a significant, progressive, and linear improvement in the majority of F-V profile determinants of jumping and sprinting performances in parallel with maturation. When comparisons were carried out between consecutive groups, significant differences between PHV-1 and PHV groups in H_max (p < 0.05), H₆₀ (p < 0.05), VT-F0 (p < 0.05), and VT-P_max (p < 0.05) were observed but disappeared when these variables were expressed relative to body mass. Regarding the F-V profile determinants of sprinting performance, we observed significantly shorter sprint times in PHV compared to PHV-1 and in PHV+2 in comparison with the PHV+1 group. These between-group differences were associated with significant greater HZT-F0 kg^-1 (p < 0.05) and HZT-P_max kg^-1 (p < 0.001). However, significantly more negative value of HZT-Sfv kg^-1 was observed in PHV-1 compared to PHV-2 (p < 0.05), in PHV+1 in comparison with PHV (p < 0.05) and in PHV+3 when compared to the PHV+2 group (p < 0.05). Thus, these findings revealed an alternation of accelerated periods of development in force and velocity qualities, expressing sprinting performance, with maturation during the physical development process of young soccer players. Trainers and coaches should be aware of the distinct mechanical characteristics related to each maturity stage and design specific programs accordingly.