The examination of Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test performance of young soccer players at different playing positions

Purpose: The aerobic fitness in soccer is an important performance component. The aerobic endurance level of players may positively effect performance of critical match activities. The examination of Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIRT) performance of young soccer players at different playing positions was aimed in this study. Material: The research group was consisted of 75 young soccer players playing at U-21 category of professional soccer teams at different leagues. The soccer players at 5 different playing positions participated in study voluntarily (centerback: n=15, fullback: midfielder: n=15, winger: n=15, forward: n=15). The YYIRT (level 1) was performed for determination aerobic endurance parameters (covered distance during test, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) of players. The one-way ANOVA analysis was used for comparison between playing positions of YYIRT parameters. Results: It was determined that difference between YYIRT parameters of players at different playing positions was non-significant (p>0.05). However, the midfielders covered more distance (2425,33 +/- 440,42 m) than forward (2146,67 +/- 339,64 m), winger (2137,33 +/- 615,18 m), fullback (2056,00 +/- 512,43 m) and centerback (1960,00 +/- 313,51 m) players. The positional requirements of midfielders may be decisive on covered distance during YYIRT. Conclusions: Consequently, it may be said that the young soccer players at different playing positions had similar YYIRT performance and the playing position effect on YYIRT performance could vary depending on league level and individual features of players.