Investigation of the Relationship Between Linear Sprint, Curve Sprint and Change of Direction Speed in Young Male Soccer Players and Comparison According to Playing Positions

Abstract

In this study, the aims were to (i) investigate the relationships among linear sprint (LS), curve sprint (CS), and change of direction (COD) performance in young male soccer players, and (ii) compare LS, CS, and COD performance according to playing positions. The study was designed as a cross-sectional correlational study. Twenty-eight young male soccer players (age: 15.14±0.36 years; height: 175.75±4.41 cm; body mass: 61.55±6.68 kg; BMI:19.90±1.67 kg/m²) voluntarily participated in the study. Data collection was conducted during the competitive season across two separate testing sessions. During the first testing session, participants completed height and body mass measurements, followed by the LS and COD (90°) tests. During the second testing session, CS tests were administered. Participants were categorized into five playing positions: full-back (n=6), central defender (n=5), central midfielder (n=7), winger (n=6), and forward (n=4). The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software package. Relationships among the variables were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient, whereas differences according to playing positions were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. The results revealed that LS was positively correlated with CSGS (r=0.48) and CODGS (r=0.46) at a small magnitude, and with CSWS (r=0.63) and CODWS (r=0.58) at a moderate magnitude. In the positional comparison, wingers demonstrated significantly better CSGS performance than central defenders (p=0.025; p<0.05). In conclusion, LS was correlated with both GS and WS performances in CS and COD tests, and CSGS performance differed according to playing position. Considering these relationships when designing training strategies may help coaches and sports science practitioners optimize player performance.