Anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness components and technical skills, a comparison between Brazilian and Portuguese young soccer players

Abstract

Objective: Compare physical and technical performances and anthropometric characteristics between Brazilian and Portuguese young soccer players. Method: The participants were 281 Portuguese and 254 Brazilians from Under-15 and Under-17 categories. Measures were body weight and height, tests for strength, speed, agility, aerobic resistance, and a ball conduction drill as a motor skill test. Results: Comparing Portuguese and Brazilian young soccer players from the same age, the European players presented a better anthropometric profile, physical fitness and motor skill than the Brazilians. Conclusions: Our hypothesis that the regular transferences from Brazilian players to Europe could suggest similar performances between the two competitive levels was not supported by the evidences.