Longitudinal study on the development of speed, leg explosive power, aerobic endurance, and technical skill of young football players in talented and non-talented categories: implications for talent identification?

Abstract

This longitudinal study aimed to assess the development and differences in speed, leg explosive power, aerobic endurance, and technical skills among young players categorized as talented and non-talented. A total of 44 players aged 11-14 years, training in an amateur club, were classified into talented (n = 23) and non-talented (n = 21) groups. Furthermore, physical abilities and technical skills were measured over 1 year of training at 3 intervals, namely T0 (January), T1 (July), and T2 (December). The results showed that speed, leg explosive power, aerobic endurance, and technical skills, increased in both talented and non-talented players by 10.23% and 15.18%, 11.27% and 11.07%, 15.88% and 14.85%, as well as 11.71% and 9.51%, respectively. Based on observations, talented players showed emphasis on dynamic movement, changes in direction, and essential technical skills during the training period. Con-versely, non-talented players prioritized speed over other components in football.