Abstract
A high level of speed predispositions is considered to be a determinant of success in young soccer players of a high performance level. The aim of the study was to identify the level, find out the relationship and determine differences in the monitored indicators of speed abilities.
The screened sample consisted of national soccer team players of U16 category (n = 22, age = 15,6 +- 0,4 years, body height = 177,7 +- 6,9 cm, body weight = 67,9 +- 8,7 kg). Speed abilities were measured in tests of acceleration speed at 5 m (S5), maximum speed - 20m flying start (M20) and speed of changing direction in agility test 505 for both dominant (505DL) and non-dominant (505NL) legs.
Acceleration speed of players in S5 test was 1,09 +- 0,06 s. Maximum running speed (M20) was 2,48 +- 0,09 s.
In the test of changing direction, players achieved the same result for both legs 2,42 +- 0,09 s. We found out significant dependence between agility test (505NL) and maximum speed test (M20) r = 0,56; p<0,01.
Individual assessment revealed differences in the sequence of achieved result in the monitored players. Results of our study can form a basis for comparison of results of young talented players with our examined group of national team players.
The order of players in the tests indicates that fact that speed abilities are relatively independent of each other.