Evaluating the performance of non-reactive and reactive agility tests in elite and average soccer players under the age of 14

Agility is one of the most critical factors in the sport performance of soccer players. Although various tests have been designed to measure agility, there is no agility test, based on soccer-specific movement patterns. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and examine of a soccer Specific Reactive Agility Test (SSRAGT)for Players U14 Years.

48 soccer players under the age of 14 years divided in two groups composed of 24 players. The group A were elite soccer players and active at the level of Asia vision, while group B were soccer players were active at the level of neighborhood and local competitions One hundred and seventy competitive soccer players under 14 years volunteered to participation in this study as subjects. The standard 505 Agility Test (505AT), Zig-zag Curl (ZZC) ، Zig-zag straight (ZZS) the test was performed for all participants on two separate days within a two-day interval at the same time and place. The SSRAGT was performed after two days.

In order to evaluate the intensity of agility test the number of steps and heartbeat after activity was applied. The 505-agility test with a heartbeat of 159.4±11.245b was lower than other tests. The number of steps in the 505-agility test indicated lower intensity and fewer steps 26.30±4.794b. The heartbeat and number of steps in the other test had a significant correlation with each other. The results of logistic regression between 48 player SSRAGT test can significantly predict the level of performance of young football players (OR = 1.437, P <0.01). As the ZZC test was able to significantly predict the performance level of the subjects in this study (OR = 1.05, P <0.01).

Based on the result the reactive agility test for the soccer player in comparison with non-reactive agility test had the potential to distinguish between average and elite soccer players and due to its reactive nature, it is similar to movement patter in soccer, so it can be used as an efficient field tool to evaluate players’ agility levels.