The Interactive Effect of Maturity Status and Relative Age on Physical Performance Within the Spanish Volleyball Federation's Talent Pathway: Analysis by Sex and Playing Position

The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of maturation and relative age on the anthropometric variables and physical performance of young elite volleyball players according to sex and playing positions. The sample included 207 girls (13.59 +/- 1.74 years) and 59 boys (14.30 +/- 1.48 years) who were selected to participate in the 2020-2025 Spanish National Volleyball Programme. Maturity status was estimated using a non-invasive method (percentage of predicted adult height). Relative age was calculated based on date of birth and expressed as decimal age (0-0.99). The physical tests carried out were spike jump reach, vertical jump, 3 x 9, and strength-endurance-agility-coordination (FRAC) tests. The results showed that there was no impact of the interaction between maturity status and relative age on physical performance, except in the 3 x 9 test by boys in the wing-spiker position. Moreover, maturity status had a greater influence on physical test performance than that of relative age. Specifically, maturation served as a statistically significant positive predictor of height in the SJR test for girls who were all-around players, explaining 71.58% of the variance. In addition, an advanced maturity status correlated with better physical performance outcomes, especially in the all-around player and wing-spiker playing positions in boys and the middle-blocker and all-around player playing positions in girls. Coaches and stakeholders should implement strategies to reduce bias, especially regarding maturation, with the aim of retaining the most physically talented late-maturing players, considering differences by playing position and sex.