Running performance of under-17 football players during official matches

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in running performance among lines of the team (defense, midfield, and attack) during competitive activities of under-17 football players. The study involved 18 under-17 football players from the "Vojvodina" FC selection in Serbia, with an average age of 15.89±0.44 years. Depending on their position in the team, players were divided into three groups (defense, midfield, attack). Running performance were measured using the GPS device "Gpexe it". Data were collected from 25 matches during one season. The measured variables included total distance covered, distance covered in zone 4 (19.8-25.2 km/h), distance covered in zone 5 (over 25.2 km/h), number of accelerations, and number of decelerations. All variable values were normalized relative to the time spent on the field during each match. At a general level, the results found a statistically significant difference between the groups (team lines) for the mentioned variables (p < 0.05), except for the variable distance covered in zone 4. It can be concluded that these results could be used as norms for running performance during competitive activities of football players (U17 category). Additionally, based on the defined scope and intensity, these results can help in designing the training process to maximize the motor potential of under-17 football players.