Standardization of selected control exercises for soccer technical evaluation

Abstract

Soccer needs the appropriate tools to perform diagnostics (for performance analysis). But some tests give us incomplete data. We have decided to examine the test battery used by DFB (Deutscher Fußball-Bund) clubs for the long-term diagnosis of the technical aspects of gaming activities of youth soccer players in Germany. We have searched for the tests that are reliable and provide us with enough information about the technical aspects of gaming skills. The object of the survey were four motoric tests: Dribbling Tests, Ball Control Test, Agility Test, and Juggling Test that we applied to the elite U16 and U17 age categories (n = 66). Based on the ICC method (interclass correlation), we found that the lowest correlation value of the four observed tests had a Juggling test r = 0.5384 (U16) and r = 0.4379 (U17). Based on the values found, we claim that this test is not appropriate or does not provide relevant information about players of elite youth soccer teams U 16 and U 17. This test is inadequate and inappropriate for judging the game skills required for game performance, also because it is isolated from the player's movement structure in the game and its outcome does not significantly affect game performance. Other observed tests - Dribbling test, Ball control test, Agility test achieved a high degree of correlation r > as 0.6 (0.97 **). The measurement error in these tests was < 0.06 ***. The measurement error in the Juggling test was at the level of 0.71403 and therefore highest in the observed tests. From a practical point of view, the trainers have a tool for evaluating the technical aspects of gaming skills that provide detailed information about this area regarding the movement patterns of the players. The information obtained can serve as a feedback to players, and provide information to coaches for the next strategy of developing a player's technique and their movement in the training process.