A Longitudinal Study Analyzing Sprint Performance in Relation to Biological Maturity in Youth Soccer Players

ABSTRACT: Bezzina, D, Price, P, Cimadoro, G, and Cleather, D. A longitudinal study analyzing sprint performance in relation to biological maturity in youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Understanding the influence of biological maturation on athletic performance is crucial for improving youth training programs. This study examined the longitudinal development of sprint performance in youth soccer players across different stages of biological maturation. Forty male soccer players (ages 10-16) were categorized into pre-peak height velocity (PHV) and circa-PHV groups based on maturity offset values estimated using the Mirwald equation. Sprinting speed was assessed using a 30-m sprint test. A linear mixed model analysis revealed significant improvements in sprint performance over time (p < 0.002, d = 0.78), with the circa-PHV group consistently outperforming the pre-PHV group (p < 0.001, d = 0.43). There was no significant time × maturity interaction (p = 0.722), indicating that the rate of change in sprint performance over the 12-month interval did not differ between pre- and circa-PHV players. These findings support the critical role of biological maturity in sprint progression, as more mature athletes demonstrated faster 30-m sprint performance. However, this study does not support the notion that sprinting develops at a significantly higher rate during circa-PHV than during pre-PHV.