Does reactive shuttle test differentiate performance levels in youth soccer players?

Abstract

Problem Statement: Exploring the relationship between the reactive shuttle test or pro-agility test and physical capacity, change-of-direction (COD) could offer valuable insights for improving the agility of soccer players.Purpose: In this study, we aimed to determine whether the reactive shuttle test could differentiate competitive levels among high school soccer players and to explore the relationships between the reactive shuttle test and both physical capacity and change-of-direction deficit. This study employed an observational crosssectional design. We included 82 high school soccer players in various field positions. They completed the reactive shuttle test, pro-agility test, linear sprint, and various jump assessments. Comparative analyses of each metric were performed between starters and non-starters, both across the entire cohort and within specific positions. Correlations between reactive shuttle test times and each individual metric were also determined. Resultsː Starters exhibited significantly shorter times in the reactive shuttle and pro-agility tests compared to non-starters, both across the entire cohort (reactive shuttle test, non-starters: 5.63±0.24, starters: 5.45±0.19; proagility test, non-starters: 4.85±0.19, starters: 4.76±0.12) and within the defender group (reactive shuttle test, nonstarters: 5.68±0.21, starters: 5.43±0.21; pro-agility test, non-starters: 4.88±0.19, starters: 4.74±0.09). Furthermore, the reactive shuttle test exhibited a larger effect size than the pro-agility test, with the most pronounced effect size observed among defenders. Notably, a minimal correlation was found between reactive shuttle test times and physical capacity. Conclusionsː The reactive shuttle test proved effective in identifying the competitive levels of high school soccer players, particularly for defenders. Additionally, the lack of a significant correlation between reactive shuttle test times and physical capacities suggests that factors, such as cognitive decision-making and technical skills, may play a more substantial role in determining reactive shuttle test performance compared to purely physical capacities.