Abstract
This study examined the association between fitness, fundamental movement skills (FMS) and perceived competence on technical skills in boys engaged in grassroots soccer. Methods: Sixty boys (8-12 years of age, Mean ± SD = 10 ± 1 years) undertook assessment of FMS, perceived competence, physical fitness (15m sprint speed, standing long jump distance and seated 1kg medicine ball throw as a composite z-score) and technical skills (dribbling, passing and shooting as a composite z-score). Multiple backwards linear regression was used to determine to amount of variance in technical skill explained by FMS, perceived competence and fitness. Results indicated a significant model (F 3,58= 42.04, P = .0001, Adj R2 = .680) which explained 68% of the variance in technical skills. Perceived competence (β=.316, P =.001), Total FMS (β=.140, P =.002), and chronological age (β=.863), P =.001) significantly contributed to the model. This study demonstrates that better technical skills (passing, dribbling, shooting) in youth soccer are explained, alongside age, by being competent in FMS and having a more positive perception of competence. Coaches should therefore seek to encourage development of these factors during childhood for the benefit of technical skill performance.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 215-220 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Science and Medicine in Football |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 7 Apr 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 Apr 2022 |
Keywords
- motor competence
- children
- grassroots
- passing
- dribbling
- shooting
- Motor competence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine