Comparison of Endurance and Speed Performance of Soccer Players in Different Divisions

Ebru CEVİZ, Abdullah KILCI

Abstract


This study aimed to profile the physical performance of soccer players from various competitive levels in Türkiye based on their 30-15 IFT and sprint test results. A total of 165 male players from different divisions and age categories voluntarily participated. The study included 165 male soccer players from seven competitive groups: 2nd Division (n=23), 3rd Division (n=38), RAD (n=40), U19 (n=18), U17 (n=16), U15 (n=14), and U13 (n=16). The mean (±SD) age, height, and body weight of the participants were as follows: 2nd Division players were 22.8 ± 3.7 years old, 1.81 ± 0.1 m tall, and weighed 73.5 ± 7.5 kg; 3rd Division: 25.2 ± 4.0 years, 1.79 ± 0.0 m, 72.8 ± 8.0 kg; RAD: 23.1 ± 4.8 years, 1.77 ± 0.2 m, 72.8 ± 8.2 kg; U19: 17.9 ± 0.2 years, 1.75 ± 0.0 m, 68.3 ± 6.6 kg; U17: 16.8 ± 0.4 years, 1.74 ± 0.1 m, 66.5 ± 5.6 kg; U15: 15.0 ± 0.0 years, 1.73 ± 0.1 m, 62.5 ± 7.1 kg; and U13: 13.0 ± 0.0 years, 1.58 ± 0.1 m, 50.0 ± 6.1 kg. The study assessed physical performance in soccer players using the 30-15 IFT and 30 m sprint tests. Results showed significantly higher 30-15 IFT performance in all groups except U13 (p < 0.05), with no significant differences among the remaining groups (p > 0.05). In the sprint test, senior-level players (2nd Division, 3rd Division, and RAD) outperformed younger groups, especially U13 (p < 0.05). Among youth players, U19, U17, and U15 performed better than U13, but showed no differences among themselves (p > 0.05). Overall, the 30-15 IFT is effective for evaluating aerobic and high-intensity running but limited for sprint-specific assessment, making it suitable for load monitoring in soccer training.

Keywords: Aerobic, Anaerobic, Endurance, Running Economy, Sprint.


Full Text:

PDF

References


Altmann S., Kuberczyk M., Ringhof S., Neumann R. and Woll A. (2018). Relationships between performance test and match-related physical performance parameters. Ger J Exerc Sport Res, 48: 218-227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-018-0519-y

Altmann, S., Neurmann, R., Woll, A., & Hartel, S. (2020). Endurance Capacities in Professional Soccer Players: Are Performance Profiles Position Specific. Frontiers Sports Activities Living, 2. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2020.549897

Baldi, M., Da Silva, J. F., Buzzachera, C. F., Castagna, C., & Guglielmo, L. G. A. (2017). Repeated sprint ability in soccer players: Associations with physiological and neuromuscular factors. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 57(1–2), 26–32. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.16.05776-5

Bangsbo, J., & Mizuno, M. (2013). Morphological and metabolic alterations in soccer players with detraining and retraining and their relation to performance. In Science and Football (Routledge Revivals) (pp. 114-124). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203720035

Bangsbo, J., Mohr, M., & Krustrup, P. (2006). Physical and metabolic demands of training and match-play in the elite football player. Journal of sports sciences, 24(07), 665-674. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410500482529

Baydemir, B., & Aksoy, D. (2019). 17 ve 19 yaş amatör futbolcuların maksimum sürat ve yüksek hızda yön değiştirme performanslarının karşılaştırılması. Kilis 7 Aralık Üniversitesi Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 3(1), 1–7. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/besbid/issue/47294/563372

Benitez Sillero, J. D., Silva-Grigoletto, D., Muñoz Herrera, E., Morente Montero, A., & Guillén del Castillo, M. (2015). Physıcal abılıty of the youth football players of a profesıonal club. International Journal of Medicine & Science of Physical Activity & Sport/Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte, 15(58). https://doi.org/10.15366/rimcafd2015.58.006

Bishop, D., Edge, J., & Goodman, C. (2004). Muscle buffer capacity and aerobic fitness are associated with repeated-sprint ability in women. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 92(4–5), 540–547. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1150-1

Bompa, T. O. (2011). “Antrenman Kuramı ve Yöntemi’’ (Çev. İlknur Keskin, A. Burcu Tuner) Bağırgan Yayınevi, Kültür Ofset, Ankara.

Bradley, P. S., Sheldon, W., Wooster, B., Olsen, P., Boanas, P., & Krustrup, P. (2010). High-intensity running in English FA Premier League soccer matches. Journal of Sports Sciences, 28(2), 147–155. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410802512775

Bradley, P. S., Carling, C., Diaz, A. G., Hood, P., Barnes, C., Ade, J., ... & Mohr, M. (2013). Match performance and physical capacity of players in the top three competitive standards of English professional soccer. Human movement science, 32(4), 808-821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2013.06.002

Buchheit, M. (2008). 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test et répétition de sprints. Science & Sports, 23(1), 26-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2007.12.002

Buchheit, M. V., Mendez-Villanueva, A., Simpson, B. M., & Bourdon, P. C. (2010). Repeated-sprint sequences during youth soccer matches. International journal of sports medicine, 31(10), 709-716. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1261897

Buchheit, M., & Brown, M. (2020). Pre-season fitness testing in elite soccer: Integrating the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test into the weekly microcycle. Sport Performance & Science Reports, 1(111), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3894400

Buchheit, M., & Ufland, P. (2011). Effect of endurance training on performance and muscle reoxygenation rate during repeated-sprint running. European journal of applied physiology, 111, 293-301. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1654-9

Buchheit, M., Dikmen, U., & Vassallo, C. (2021). The 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test—Two decades of learnings. Sport Performance & Science Reports, 1(148), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5722724

Buchheit, M., Mendez-Villanueva, A., Simpson, B. M., & Bourdon, P. C. (2010). Match running performance and fitness in youth soccer. International journal of sports medicine, 31(11), 818-825. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1262838

Castagna, C., Manzi, V., Impellizzeri, F., Weston, M., & Alvarez, J. C. B. (2010). Relationship between endurance field tests and match performance in young soccer players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24(12), 3227-3233. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181e72709

Cometti, G., Maffiuletti, N. A., Pousson, M., Chatard, J. C., & Maffulli, N. (2001). Isokinetic strength and anaerobic power of elite, subelite and amateur French soccer players. International journal of sports medicine, 22(01), 45-51. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2001-11331

Ceviz, E. (2024). The Effect of 3 Breathing Techniques on 25 m Freestyle Swimming Performance Level in Swimming Branch. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise, 26(3), 574-583. https://doi.org/10.15314/tsed.1498030

Currie, W. (2018). Performance profiling of elite youth football players: The effects of age on performance [Master’s thesis, University of Glasgow]. Enlighten Theses. https://theses.gla.ac.uk/8774/:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Faigenbaum, A. D., Lloyd, R. S., Myer, G. D., & Oliver, J. L. (2024). Integrative neuromuscular training for athletic performance enhancement in youth: A contemporary perspective. Sports Medicine - Open, 10(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-024-00515-7

Gissis, I., Papadopoulos, C., Kalapotharakos, V. I., Sotiropoulos, A., Komsis, G., & Manolopoulos, E. (2006). Strength and speed characteristics of elite, subelite, and recreational young soccer players. Research in sports Medicine, 14(3), 205-214. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438620600854769

Grgic, J., Lazinica, B., & Pedisic, Z. (2021). Test–retest reliability of the 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test: A systematic review. Journal of sport and health science, 10(4), 413-418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.04.010

Helgerud, J., Engen, L. C., Wisløff, U., & Hoff, J. (2001). Aerobic endurance training improves soccer performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 33(11), 1925–1931. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200111000-00019

Hermosilla-Palma, F., Villaseca-Vicuña, R., Merino-Muñoz, P., Gómez-Álvarez, N., Pérez-Contreras, J., Salas-Ávila, M., Cerda-Kohler, H., Portes-Junior, M., & Aedo-Muñoz, E. (2024). Differences in 30-15 IFT test performance across playing positions and categories among adult professional soccer players. Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación, 61, 415–420. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v61.108413

Hoff, J., Gran, A., & Helgerud, J. (2002). Maximal strength training improves aerobic endurance performance. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 12(5), 288-295. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0838.2002.01140.x

Hoppe, M. W., Baumgart, C., Sperlich, B., Ibrahim, H., Jansen, C., Willis, S. J., & Freiwald, J. (2013). Comparison between three different endurance tests in professional soccer players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 27(1), 31-37. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31824e1711

Hughes, M., & Franks, I. (2005). Analysis of passing sequences, shots and goals in soccer. Journal of sports sciences, 23(5), 509-514. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410410001716779

Huijgen, B. C., Elferink-Gemser, M. T., Post, W., & Visscher, C. (2010). Development of dribbling in talented youth soccer players aged 12–19 years: A longitudinal study. Journal of sports sciences, 28(7), 689-698. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640411003645679

Ingebrigtsen, J., Brochmann, M., Castagna, C., Bradley, P. S., Ade, J., Krustrup, P., & Holtermann, A. (2014). Relationships between field performance tests in high-level soccer players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 28(4), 942-949. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182a1f861

Kılcı, A., Koç, M. E., Binokay, H., & others. (2025). Does running performance relate to the market value of elite male soccer players? A case study from the FIFA World Cup. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 17, 109. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01162-x

Krustrup, P., Mohr, M., Ellingsgaard, H. E. L. G. A., & Bangsbo, J. (2005). Physical demands during an elite female soccer game: importance of training status. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 37(7), 1242-1248. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000170062.73981.94

Lehance, C., Binet, J., Bury, T., & Croisier, J. L. (2009). Muscular strength, functional performances and injury risk in professional and junior elite soccer players. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 19(2), 243-251. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2008.00780

Little, T., & Williams, A. G. (2005). Specificity of acceleration, maximum speed, and agility in professional soccer players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 19(1), 76–78. https://doi.org/10.1519/1533-4287(2005)19

Miłek, M., & Perkowski, R. (2024). Comparison of speed and power of soccer players before the preparation period and during the soccer season. Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 61, 51847-51847. https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2024.61.51847

Ma, X., Cao, Z., Zhu, Z., Chen, X., Wen, D., & Cao, Z. (2023). VO2max (VO2peak) in elite athletes under high-intensity interval training: A meta-analysis. Heliyon, 9 (6), e16663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16663

Mainer-Pardos, E., Gonzalo-Skok, O., Nobari, H., Lozano, D., & Pérez-Gómez, J. (2021). Age-related differences in linear sprint in adolescent female soccer players. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 13, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-021-00327-8

McKinlay, B. J., Wallace, P., Dotan, R., Long, D., Tokuno, C., Gabriel, D. A., & Falk, B. (2018). Effects of plyometric and resistance training on muscle strength, explosiveness, and neuromuscular function in young adolescent soccer players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 32(11), 3039-3050. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002428

McMillan, K., Helgerud, J., Grant, S. J., Newell, J., Wilson, J., Macdonald, R., & Hoff, J. (2005). Lactate threshold responses to a season of professional British youth soccer. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(7), 432–436. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2004.012260

Modric, T., Versic, S., & Sekulic, D. (2020). Aerobic fitness and game performance indicators in professional football players; playing position specifics and associations. Heliyon, 6(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05427

Mohr, M., Krustrup, P., & Bangsbo, J. (2003). Match performance of high-standard soccer players with special reference to development of fatigue. Journal of sports sciences, 21(7), 519-528. https://doi.org/10.1080/0264041031000071182

Mor, A., Yurtseven, R., Mor, H., Acar, K. (2021). 11-12 yaş grubu futbolcularda farklı ısınma protokollerinin bazı performans parametrelerine etkisi. SPORMETRE Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 19(4), 72-83. https://doi.org/10.33689/spormetre.907920

Nelson, L. J., & Groom, R. (2012). The analysis of athletic performance: Some practical and philosophical considerations. Sport, Education and Society, 17(5), 687–701. https://doi.org/10.1080/13573322.2011.552574

Nobari, H., Oliveira, R., Clemente, F. M., Pérez-Gómez, J., Pardos-Mainer, E., & Ardigò, L. P. (2021). Somatotype, accumulated workload, and fitness parameters in elite youth players: associations with playing position. Children, 8(5), 375. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8050375

Nobari, H., Silva, A. F., Clemente, F. M., Siahkouhian, M., García-Gordillo, M. Á., Adsuar, J. C., & Pérez-Gómez, J. (2021). Analysis of fitness status variations of under-16 soccer players over a season and their relationships with maturational status and training load. Frontiers in Physiology, 11, 597697. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.597697

Okut, S., & Kahraman, M. Z. (2025). Investigation of the Relationship Between Body Composition, Maximal Oxygen Consumption and Some Biomotor Characteristics in Young Male Long-Distance Runners. Journal of Sports and Physical Education Studies, 5(1), 18-24. https://doi.org/10.32996/jspes.2025.5.1.2

Orendurff, M. S., Walker, J. D., Jovanovic, M., Tulchin, K. L., Levy, M., & Hoffmann, D. K. (2010). Intensity and duration of intermittent exercise and recovery during a soccer match. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24(10), 2683-2692. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181bac463

Oztas, M., Kilci, A., Erdoğan, A., & Şirin, E. F. (2024). Adaptation of The Exercise Maintenance Motivation Scale To Turkish Culture. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise, 26(3), 428-433. https://doi.org/10.15314/tsed.1564647

Reilly, T. (2005). An ergonomics model of the soccer training process. Journal of sports sciences, 23(6), 561-572. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410400021245

Reilly, T., Bangsbo, J., & Franks, A. (2000). Anthropometric and physiological predispositions for elite soccer. Journal of sports sciences, 18(9), 669-683. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410050120050

Sandford, G. N., Allen, S. V., Kilding, A. E., Ross, A., & Laursen, P. B. (2019). Anaerobic speed reserve: a key component of elite male 800-m running. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 14(4), 501-508. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0163

Scott, B. R., Hodson, J. A., Govus, A. D., Dascombe, B. J. (2017). The 3015 intermittent fitness test: Can it predict outcomes in field tests of anaerobic performance. J Strength Cond Res, 31: 2825–31. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001563

Scott, B. R., Hodson, J. A., Govus, A. D., & Dascombe, B. J. (2017). The 30-15 intermittent fitness test: Can it predict outcomes in field tests of anaerobic performance?. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 31(10), 2825-2831. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001563

Silva, A. F., Alvurdu, S., Akyildiz, Z., & Clemente, F. M. (2022). Relationships of Final Velocity at 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test and Anaerobic Speed Reserve with Body Composition, Sprinting, Change-of-Direction and Vertical Jumping Performances: A Cross-Sectional Study in Youth Soccer Players. Biology, 11(2), 197. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020197

Slimani, M., & Nikolaidis, P. T. (2019). Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of male soccer players according to their competitive level, playing position and age group: A systematic review. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 59(1), 141–163. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.17.07950-6

Stølen, T., Chamari, K., Castagna, C., & Wisløff, U. (2005). Physiology of soccer: An update. Sports Medicine, 35(6), 501–536. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200535060-00004

Tounsi, M., Aouichaoui, C., Tabka, Z., & Trabelsi, Y. (2021). Specific physical performances among male elite youth soccer players: effect of maturity status. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 61(10), 1339-1347. https://doi.org/10.23736/s0022-4707.21.11766-9

Turner, A. N., & Stewart, P. F. (2014). Strength and conditioning for soccer players. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 36(4), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000054

Uzunhasan, M. B., Kızılet, A., Tekeli, E. S. A., & Kızılet, T. (2024). Genç erkek futbolcularda 8 haftalık kontrast ve pliometrik antrenman yöntemlerinin biyomotor özellikler ve nöromüsküler faktörlere etkisi. International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Sciences (IJSETS), 10(2), 84–97. https://doi.org/10.18826/useeabd.1320635

Viano-Santasmarinas, J., Rey, E., Carballeira, S., & Padrón-Cabo, A. (2018). Effects of high-intensity interval training with different interval durations on physical performance in handball players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 32(12), 3389-3397. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001847

Wagner, P. D. (2023). Determinants of maximal oxygen consumption. Journal of Muscle Research and Cell Motility, 44(2), 73-88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10974-022-09636-y

Wisløff, U., Castagna, C., Helgerud, J., Jones, R., & Hoff, J. (2004). Strong correlation of maximal squat strength with sprint performance and vertical jump height in elite soccer players. British journal of sports medicine, 38(3), 285-288. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2002.002071

Yücel, A.S., Eskiyecek, C.G., Çiftçi, İ., Çetin, T.A.N., Savucu, Y., & Türkmen, A. (2018). Lisans Öğrencilerinin Sporda Sürdürülebilirliğe İlişkin Görüşlerinin Değerlendirilmesi (Firat Üniversitesi Örneği). Mukaddime, 9(2), 261-292. https://doi.org/10.19059/mukaddime.460781




DOI: https://doi.org/10.53016/jerp.v6i1.265

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


The Journal of Education and Recreation Patterns © 2023 by The Journal of Education and Recreation Patterns is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0