We aimed to determine the differences in motor and functional abilities between the high and low performing teams in the U-17 age category. For that very purpose we estimate the significance of motor and functional abilities as a result of the test »Combined semicircle« and to evaluate the influence of a planned four-week training session on the result of the test.
The sample consisted of 47 players from four teams that competed in the U-17 Cadet League of MNZ Ptuj in the 2021/22 season. The test battery consisted of: long jump, 5 meters sprint, 20 meters sprint, Running with change of directions, Ball control with change of directions, Combined semicircle and the endurance Square run test.
Statistically, significantly better results in favour of better performing teams were found in the following tests: »Running with change of directions« (p = 0,004), »Ball control with change of directions« (p = 0,014) and »Combined semicircle« (p = 0,039). We were intrigued in the connection between the result in the criteria variable »Combined semicircle« and the rest of predictor variables. All correlations proved to be strong and positive with only long jump showing a negative-medium correlation. By employing multiple linear regression, the results of the tests »Running with change of directions« (p = 0,004), »Ball control with change of directions« ( p = 0,001) and »Square running« (p = 0,045) showed significant statistical correlation with the score in the »Combined semicircle«. The standardized beta coefficient of these results is the highest for the first two tests. We tested whether additional practice of the »Combined semicircle« test improves the result. The participants were divided into an experimental (N=14) and a control (N=12) group. Before and after the protocol exercise, participants performed the »Combined semicircle« test. The experimental group performed a planned four-week training session twice a week, with five repetitions of the test in each training session. The experimental group improved their initial score by an average of 0.7 (0.4) seconds (p = 0.000). The difference between the initial and final score in the control group was 0.1 (0.2) seconds (p = 0.298). Therefore, we conclude that the 4-week practice of the »Combined semicircle« test improves its result.
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