The purpose of the study was to determine the functions and morphology of adult soccer players of Mendoza (Argentina).
Material and methodsA total of 71 soccer players were assessed 3 times at the end of pre-season period. The sample was categorized according to the positional role: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and attackers. A total of 25 anthropometric variables were measured to determine the morphological profile. Body composition was calculated by the five-way fractionation method. The Course Navette (20m-SRT) was applied to calculate the VO2max predictor. The strength of the lower limbs was evaluated by performing 5 jump tests (Abalakov, squat jump, counter movement jump, bounce jump and rocket jump). The 30-meter test at 10 meter test intervals was used to assess maximum speed and acceleration. Range of motion was obtained using a lower limb goniometer. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences between positions.
ResultsThe midfielders had lower body weight, body mass (kg), body mass index and endomorphy. In the functional profile they had higher VO2max predictive and a lower jump height in the bounce jump. These differences were statistically significant (P < .05).
ConclusionThe differences found according to the playing positions were lower than in professional players. The proposed test battery is useful for assessing the functional and morphological profile of amateur soccer players. It is a low cost and easy to use application.