Match Activity Analysis in U15-U17 Elite Iranian Soccer Players
| Author | Seyd Ali Hosseini | en |
| Author | Kia Ranjbar | en |
| Author | Sadegh Amani Shalamzari | en |
| Orcid | Kia Ranjbar [0009-0006-1214-3668] | en |
| Orcid | Sadegh Amani Shalamzari [0000-0002-3021-8970] | en |
| Accessioned Date | 2026-07-31T05:04:48Z | |
| Issued Date | 2025-12-31 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Understanding age-related differences in match demands is crucial for player development in youth soccer. Although physical and physiological improvements with age are well documented, how these changes translate into match behavior, particularly in terms of running performance and acceleration-deceleration actions, remains unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the physical match demands of elite U15 and U17 players, with a particular focus on speed-zone running metrics and acceleration–deceleration profiles. Methods: Sixty-two highly trained male youth soccer players (U15: n = 30; U17: n = 32) were included in the study. Match activity was monitored using 10-Hz GPS units across 12 official full-length matches (six per age group). When players participated in more than one match, data from the match in which each player recorded the greatest distance were selected for analysis. To ensure data reliability, only players who completed the full 90 minutes were included, resulting in 62 match observations. Match metrics included total distance, distance covered within standardized speed zones, and the frequency of accelerations and decelerations across four intensity categories. All variables were normalized to meters per minute to account for differences in playing time. For group comparisons, independent t-tests were conducted, and Cohen's d was calculated to estimate effect sizes. Results: U15 players covered significantly greater total distance (9742.4 ± 1269.6 m vs. 8434.5 ± 775.2 m; P < 0.001) and distance per minute (103.64 ± 13.51 vs. 89.73 ± 8.25 m·min-1; P < 0.001), primarily due to higher volumes of low-intensity running (jogging). In contrast, U17 players demonstrated a superior capacity for high-intensity mechanical actions, performing significantly more high-intensity accelerations (≥ 3 m·s-2; P = 0.001) and high-intensity decelerations (≤ −3 m·s-2; P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between groups in high-speed running or sprinting distances. Conclusions: Age-related progression in elite youth soccer is characterized not by an increase in running volume but by a qualitative shift toward more explosive and tactically meaningful actions. Older players exhibit greater high-intensity acceleration and deceleration capacity, whereas younger players rely more on continuous low-intensity running. These findings underscore the importance of integrating neuromuscular development and tactical education into age-specific training programs to prepare players for the evolving demands of competition. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/asjsm-169187 | en |
| URI | https://brieflands.com/journals/asjsm/articles/169187 | en |
| URI | https://repository.brieflands.com/handle/123456789/68060 | |
| Keyword | Match Analysis | en |
| Keyword | GPS | en |
| Keyword | Youth Soccer | en |
| Keyword | Acceleration | en |
| Keyword | Deceleration | en |
| Keyword | Running Performance | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Match Activity Analysis in U15-U17 Elite Iranian Soccer Players | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |
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