Anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of youth futsal players

Aim: The main aim of this study was to determine the differences in anthropometric characteristics, as well as basic and specific motor skills between young futsal players grouped by quality based on expert evaluations from their coaches. We also investigated the relationship between basic anthropological characteristics and motor and sport-specific tests. Methods: The sample of participants consisted of 20 young futsal players. The players were grouped into two categories based on expert evaluations from coaches, considering their previous performances and games: one group of higher-quality players (n=10) and one group of lower-quality players (n=10). Body height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were used to assess morphological measures. Basic motor abilities were assessed using the standing long jump, medicine ball throw, 20-meter sprint, and slalom without a ball. Specific motor abilities were evaluated using 20-meter sprint with the ball and slalom with the ball. Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the differences between the observed groups of players. A correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between anthropological characteristics and motor and sport-specific tests. Results: Statistically significant differences (P≤0.014) were found between higher-quality and lower-quality players in standing long jump, 20-meter sprint, and 20-meter sprint with the ball. Significant correlations were found between chronological age and the following variables: standing long jump (r=0.53), medicine ball throw (r=0.50), 20-meter sprints with and without the ball (r=-0.53 and r=-0.52, respectively), and slalom with the ball (r=-0.45). Body height significantly correlated with the standing long jump (r=0.69), medicine ball throw (r=0.74), and 20-meter sprint without the ball (r=-0.47). Body weight significantly correlate with the standing long jump (r=0.45) and medicine ball throw (r=0.60). Conclusions: Higher-quality young futsal players have somewhat better-developed basic and specific motor abilities compared to lower-quality players (standing long jump, 20-meter sprint with and without the ball). The results may provide deeper insights into the importance of certain motor abilities that can be crucial for the selection and identification of young talents, as well as for planning training programs.