Change of direction and deceleration deficits in adolescent male soccer players at different maturity levels

BACKGROUND: Change of direction and deceleration are crucial for soccer performance. However, these abilities may be influenced by growth and maturation during adolescence. Understanding these effects is essential for optimizing training and potentially mitigate injury risk in young players. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maturation on change of direction (COD) and deceleration performance in adolescent male soccer players with varying levels of maturity. METHODS: Ninety-four adolescent male soccer players (age 13.2 ± 1.9 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants were divided into three groups based on their biological maturity levels: pre-PHV, circa-PHV, and post-PHV. Over a ten-day period, familiarization, determination of maturity status, and 15-meter linear sprint and 505 agility test protocols were implemented. COD and deceleration deficits (DD) were calculated and analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences were detected among the maturity groups for 10m and 15m linear sprints, dominant and non-dominant directions in the 505-agility test, and full approach (p<0.001; η²p: 0.58-0.81). Notably, strong correlations were found between 505 COD performance and linear sprint times in the pre- and post-PHV groups, whereas no such correlation was observed in the circa-PHV group. Furthermore, deceleration ability exhibited a significant correlation with 10m sprint performance; however, no significant relationship was identified with 15m sprint performance. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that maturity level significantly affects COD and deceleration performance in adolescent male soccer players. Coaches and performance specialists should design individualized training programs tailored to the developmental stages of young athletes to enhance performance and potentially mitigate injury risk.