The aim of this study was to examine the impact
of the relative age on the power, speed and agility of young
U13 and U14 players. The study was conducted on a sample of 60 young soccer players born in
2001 and 2002. Within both age groups, players are divided into two categories according to
relative age, whether they were born in the first or second half of the year. Anthropometric
measurements and measurements of motor abilities were made to assess explosive power, speed
and agility using the tests: standing long jump, vertical jump, sprint at 30 meters with passing
time at 10 meters, zig-zag running without a ball and Ajax test 5x10m. Statistically significant
differences were found in body height and weight, as well as in tests to assess power in a sample
of U13 players. In U14 group, differences were found in tests of power and running speed, while
there were no statistically significant differences in anthropometric variables. According to the
results obtained, it can be said that the relative age is an important factor that leads to the
appearance of differences in the test results of motor skills of young U13 and U14 soccer
players. Therefore, the effect of relative age must be taken into account when selecting young
soccer players during adolescence.
