Body Composition And Motor Abilities Of Young Football Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between body composition and motor abilities of young football players. The sample of respondents consisted of 18 football players with a mean chronological age of 14.9 ± 0.28 and with a sports experience of 7.83 ± 2.07 years. The monitored variables of body composition were: body height, body mass, muscle percentage, fat percentage and body mass index. Subsequently, the assessment of motor abilities was carried out by the following tests: speed (10, 20 and 30m sprint), agility (Slalom, Agility T-test and Illinois) and explosive power (Counter Movement Jump, Counter Movement Jump With Arm Swing and Squat Jump). Results indicated that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between body composition and motor abilities of football players. Therefore, it could be concluded that physical preparation together with good monitoring of body composition parameters could lead to the achievement of maximum sports performance.