Field and laboratory testing in young elite soccer players

Aim: To determine if there are correlations between the physical fitness of young soccer players assessed by field and laboratory testing. Methods: Thirty four male soccer players took part in the study (mean (SD) age 17.5 (1.1) years, height 177.8 (6.7) cm, weight 70.5 (6.4) kg). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX) during treadmill running and vertical jump height on a force platform were measured in the laboratory. Field tests consisted of a soccer specific endurance test (Bangsbo test) and 30 m sprint with 10 m lap times. Results: The Bangsbo test correlated with the lowest velocity associated with VO2MAX (vVO2MAX; R2 = 0.55, p<0.001), but not with VO2MAX. Sprint times at 30 m and 20 m were related to peak extension velocity and peak extension force measured during vertical jumping, but not to vertical jump height per se. The jumping force and velocity could explain 46% of the 30 m sprint performance (R2 = 0.46, p<0.001). Conclusion: The Bangsbo test and 30 m sprint test correlate with vVO2MAX and vertical jump force and velocity respectively. The Bangsbo test does not give a good estimate of VO2MAX in young soccer players.