Differences in Agility Performance by Position in Youth Football: An Evaluation of Testing Protocols

Agility is a critical physical attribute for successful performance in football, particularly in youth players whose physical and neuromuscular characteristics are still developing. Despite the widespread use of various agility tests, limited research has examined how different testing protocols relate to positional performance, especially in younger age groups. This study aims to compare agility profiles of youth football players across playing positions and to determine which agility tests best capture position-specific demands. A cohort of youth players representing defenders, midfielders, and forwards completed multiple agility assessments incorporating pre-planned and change-of-direction tasks. Performance outcomes were analyzed to identify positional differences and to examine the sensitivity of each test in discriminating agility characteristics. The findings reveal distinct agility profiles according to playing position, with certain tests demonstrating greater effectiveness in detecting position-related differences. These results highlight the importance of selecting appropriate agility assessments when evaluating youth footballers and provide practical guidance for coaches and practitioners in designing position-specific training and talent identification programs.