Analysis of peak power output, lower limb explosive strength and balance performance of young football players according to their playing position: A pilot study

Abstract

Promoting a high level of strength, power, and postural control in specific playing positions is crucial throughout the puberty phase in young football players. This study explored peak power, lower limb explosive strength, and balance performance among youth football players across their playing positions. Forty-three young male football players (age: 15.81±1.33 years) participated, categorized into four positions: 5 goalkeepers, 12 defenders, 20 midfielders, and 6 forwards. Significant differences were observed in peak power output among playing positions (p=0.003, η²=0.226), with forwards superior over midfielders (p=0.011). However, no meaningful disparities were found in vertical jump characteristics. Variations in center of body pressure sway speed medial-lateral direction were identified for nondominant and dominant leg (p=0.025, η²=0.211; p=0.033, η²=0.198), with the lower sway speed in goalkeepers (p=0.022) in comparison with forwards (p=0.040). However, the study found no significant differences in the other characteristics of static balance performance, nor in the dynamic balance. In conclusion, the study emphasizes significant variations in peak power output across player positions but not for lower limb explosive strength and balance performance among groups.