Force-Velocity Profiling among Different Maturational Stages in Young Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Speed is a key component of football performance. An individualized approach may be necessary to achieve optimal speed development. Force-velocity profiling breaks down linear sprint performance into force, velocity, and mechanical effectiveness on an individual basis. In young footballers, these factors are related to maturation and have a strong influence on physical performance. The aim of this study is to investigate horizontal force-velocity profiling at different stages of maturation. As an indicator of maturity, the age of peak height velocity (APHV) of 85 young soccer players (age: M = 15.7, ± 1.63 years) was determined using the Mirwald formula. According to temporal distance from their individual estimated APHV, players were divided into four groups (mid-peak-height-velocity (PHV, N = 26); 1-2y-post-PHV (N = 21); 2-3y-post-PHV (N = 21); >3y-post-PHV (N = 17)). 30-meter sprint performance including five split times was measured with timing gates in all athletes. These splits were used to calculate an individual horizontal force-velocity profile with its components maximum theoretical force (FH0), velocity (VH0), and power (Pmax). These profiles also included peak ratio of force (RFmax), actual relationship of maximum force and velocity (FV slope), as well as the theoretically optimal relationship of maximum force/velocity (FVopt). APHV-based group differences were found for FH0, VH0 and Pmax, RFmax, and the difference between FV slope and FVopt. Values of absolute FH0, VH0, RFmax and Pmax were increasing with maturation. In all groups, a lack of velocity in relation to force production of 24% (p < .001, d = 1.15) was detected, with the largest deficit at mid-PHV (M = 35.74 ± 21.73%) and the smallest deficit at >3ypost-PHV (M = 15.90 ± 20.15%). The current finding of a velocity deficit in 30m-sprint performance of young soccer players suggests a need for velocity-oriented training - pronounced around APHV.