Authors: Bogdan Andrei Pană1,2, Vladimir Potop2,3,4, Ion Mihăilă2,3, Gabriel Trandafirescu3, Ilie Mihai3, Liviu Emanuel Mihăilescu3
Affiliation
1 Otopeni Sports Club, Otopeni, Romania
2 Doctoral School of Sport Science and Physical Education, National University of Science and
Technology Politehnica Bucharest, University Center Pitești, Romania
3 Department of Physical Education and Sport, National University of Science and Technology
Politehnica Bucharest, University Center Pitești, Romania
4 State University of Physical Education and Sport, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
Abstract
Background. In the sports field, soccer included, performance is often influenced by a number of factors, such as visual abilities and also agility.
Aims. The paper aims to investigate and determine the relationship between the indices of visual reaction and agility in 12-13-year-old soccer players.
Methods. The subjects of the research were 26 soccer players aged 12-13 years, from the Otopeni Sports Club. The visual reaction at the lower limbs level was determined using the OptoJump Next Platform. Measured indices: TReac. (reaction time) of left and right foot (sec). For agility – Witty SEM system with smart semaphores. Measured indices (sec): Lap L1-10, mean Laps and Time.
Results. Analysis of visual reaction indices revealed a better performance in the right foot compared with the left one. Agility assessment highlights a mean of Laps of 4.82 sec, with significant differences of minimum and maximum values between Laps, indicating diverse levels of agility development in young soccer players. Correlation analysis of the indices of visual reaction and agility shows weak and non-existent connections between them, except for strong correlations at some distinct points. The need for specific training to improve both abilities in 12-13-year-old soccer players is thus demonstrated.
Conclusions. The results of the study show that soccer players aged 12-13 years have differences in their visual performance and feet agility, with a faster visual reaction of the right foot. The various levels of agility development highlight the necessity to organize specific training for both abilities.
Keywords: assessment, indices, young soccer players, correlation analysis, performances.
