Evaluation of the maximum speed in a 30-metre sprint among young Argentine football players

Introduction: the objective of this study was to compare in young federated soccer players, the speed in a sprint of 30 meters in different ages. The times used in two phases were also compared (0 to 10 meters and 10 to 30 meters) was analyzed according to age. Material and method: 505 male soccer players were measured with the 30-meter test, in an age range between 11,0 and 16,9 years. They were divided into 5 groups per chronological age. Anthropometric measurements (body weight and size) were analyzed. To measure the 30-meter test, three pairs of infrared synchronizations beam lamps (photocells) placed at; 0,0 m, 10,0m and 30,0 m from the starting line. Results: group 1 (11 years) traveled the distance of 30 meters in 5,48±0,36 s, group 2 (12 years) in 5,17±0,42 s, group 3 (13 years) in 4,94±0,44 s, group 4 (14 years) in 4,64±0,29 s, group 5 (15 years) in 4,56±0,28 s, and group 6 (16 years) in 4,42±0,22 s. Conclusion: The older youth, on average, traveled the distance of 30 meters in less time, although they only varied significantly between 11,5 and 14,5 years (p>0,01). During the segment o to 10m, the same trend was also observed, being significantly at all ages, except for 12,5 years (p>0,01).