Influence of Different Types of Surfaces on the Results of Running Speed Tests in Young Soccer Players

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to determine the influence of different types of surfaces on the sprint test results. 33 male football players from two age categories - U15 and U18 - performed sprint tests (7 distances between 5 and 30m) and a 150m shuttle run test on three types of surfaces: natural grass [n], a synthetic surface [s] and a rubber surface [r]. The longer distance a player covers, the more likely it is that the importance of the type of running surface will be noticed. The rubber surface diminishes the negative effects of changeable factors on the reliability of the tests and therefore, in our opinion, is recommended for control tests and especially for longitudinal tests. Comparing the results of running speed tests performed on different surfaces and especially in different weather conditions is unjustified.

Keywords

• Sprint tests
• exercise test
• football,physical performance
• sport physiology