A global team of researchers from the University of Madeira and the University of Lisbon (Portugal) conducted a study on the Marítimo Training Lab – the primary club of Cristiano Ronaldo – to enhance the performance of young footballers. The project focuses on kids between 13 and 16 years old and finds a relationship between balance, body composition, and physical fitness.

We identified a spot within the study of balance performance in young footballers, a decisive ability to enhance techniques reminiscent of dribbling, passing, and positioning amongst opponents.”

Cíntia França, Researcher, Interactive Technologies Institute from the Instituto Superior Técnico

The researchers found strong relationships between the balance ability of young athletes and the share of body fat: the upper this percentage, the more severe the performance of athletes in balancing tasks. However, the strength training and suppleness of the athletes contribute positively to superior balance performance.

Subsequently, the research team recommends that balance training in football, especially for young athletes, must be promoted along with other exercises. “Sports agents should consider including exercises focused on developing physical fitness and strength within the training process. As well as, monitoring body composition, particularly the share of body fat, is crucial to avoid its negative effect on physical performance,” adds Cíntia França.

To grasp the impacts of the proposed methodology, the team has already outlined follow-up plans. “The target is to follow up with these young soccer players longitudinally, studying their progress in body composition and physical fitness, to grasp the results of long-term training”, concludes the researcher.

This research was carried out inside the scope of the Marítimo Training Lab project, which goals to develop a high-performance training centre for the Marítimo da Madeira football club. Along with Portuguese institutions, the study also included the collaboration of researchers from research institutions in Brazil, Switzerland, and Poland.

Source:

Interactive Technologies Institute