Motor Skills, Anthropometrical Characteristics and Functional Movement in Elite Young Soccer Players

This study examined functional movement patterns, anthropometrical characteristics and motor skills in elite young soccer players using the well-established Functional Movement ScreenTM system (FMS™). Sixty elite male soccer players participated (age 16.7 ± 2.3 y, height 185.4 ± 5.7 cm, weight 82.8 ± 6.7 kg, BMI 24.1 ± 1.3 kg/m2) from four age-based teams. There were 7 Goalkeepers (GK), 17 Defenders (DEF), 27 Midfielders (MID) and 9 Forwards (FW). We measured 5 m, 10 m, and 30 m sprint times and participants’ vertical jump height and long jump distance. The FMS™ was used to measure functional movement ability. Our study indicated that 5 of the 7 measured variables were significant when considering position assignment of advanced youth soccer players. These are the 5 m sprint, 30 m sprint, BMI, vertical jump, and FMS™ score. Functional movement ability may be useful in the physical development of soccer skills and performance. A FMS™ score of ≤ 14 was found in 28% of players and asymmetry was noted in 41%, both considered an important risk factor of injury.