COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL AND POSITIONAL PERFORMANCE IN UNDER-13 AND UNDER- 15 OFFICIAL 11-A-SIDE MATCHES

Abstract

This study aimed to compare U13 and U15 physical and positional performance during competitive 11-a-side official matches. A total of 160 male outfield youth football players (n=80, under-13, U13; n=80, under-15, U15) participated in the study. The players' physical and positional data were collected using a global positioning system over eight first-half 11-a-side competitive matches for each age group. Significant effects were identified in all variables. The U15 showed higher total distance covered (t=4.8, p<0.001) and distance while walking (t=4.5, p<.001) and jogging (t=5.6, p<0.001) than the U13. These results seem to suggest that U15 players may possess more developed physical abilities that allows them to cover more distance. In contrast, the U13 showed higher speed synchronization (p<0.001) than the U15. This finding may be associated with the lower tactical knowledge and greater focus on the ball characteristic of younger age groups, resulting in more collective movement around the ball. Overall, the findings from this study highlight that distinct physical and positional behaviors emerges between age groups during 11-a-side competitive match. Accordingly, coaches can utilize this information to tailor training drill designs and demands based on the players’ developmental stage characteristics.