Effects of Soccer Training on Youth Players' Skills
Author Information
Author(s): Sørensen Arne, Dalen Terje, Lagestad Pål
Primary Institution: The Faculty of Teacher Education and Arts, Nord University
Hypothesis
A short-term soccer training intervention will improve youth soccer players’ performance in a skill course.
Conclusion
Both the intervention and control groups improved their performance in a skill course, but there were no significant differences between the two groups.
Supporting Evidence
- Both groups showed significant improvements in their skill course performance.
- The intervention group had a greater reduction in total time on the skills course.
- Improvements were likely due to natural development and increased familiarity with the test.
Takeaway
Kids who play soccer can get better at it just by practicing, but sometimes just a few extra training sessions aren't enough to see big changes.
Methodology
The study involved 90 youth soccer players aged 9 to 12, randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving additional training sessions or a control group, with performance measured through pre- and post-tests on a skill course.
Potential Biases
The randomization process did not stratify by age or skill level, which could introduce bias.
Limitations
The short duration of the intervention and the nature of the skill course may have limited the ability to detect significant differences in skill improvement.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 9 to 12, with 37 boys and 17 girls in the intervention group, and 23 boys and 13 girls in the control group.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
[2.98, 8.98]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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