Assessment of aerobic resistance in the young soccer player

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the evolution of aerobic resistance in young soccer players between 12 and 14 years old through the execution of specific field tests. After analyzing the results obtained in September, we proceeded to plan an individual training program for each player in relation to their physical condition (Gualtieri et al, 2006), and at the end of the season the test was repeated to observe any improvements. The study takes into account two different football seasons: the 2017 - 2018 season in which the aerobic resistance was assessed through the MOPER test and the 2018 - 2019 season where the Gacon test was considered. From the analysis of the results it is possible to observe the improvements obtained by the young players; in fact the comparison of the MOPER test data shows how the boys have increased their aerobic endurance by improving the distance covered during the test by around 30%; instead from the results obtained through the Gacon test it emerges that the VAM team average (16.7 km / h) is in line with the study carried out by Mendez-Villanueva (VAM under 18 = 17.2 ± 0.8 km / h) (Mendez-Villanueva et al, 2012). Through the execution of the MOPER test and the Gacon test we were able to observe and monitor the evolution of the aerobic resistance of each player, being in agreement with how important the evaluation tests are during the football season.