Bridging the Relationship between Anthropometrics, Physical Performance, and Specific Soccer Skills in Young Male Soccer Players

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between anthropometrics, physical performance, and specific soccer skills in young male soccer players. Method. 132 male soccer players aged 13-15 years old were recruited and categorized according to three distinct playing positions: defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Anthropometric profiles, including height, weight, body mass index, body fat, muscle mass, and 2D:4D finger length ratio were evaluated. Furthermore, acceleration ability (10m, 20m, and 30m velocity), countermovement jump (CMJ) test, drop jump (DJ) test; sit and reach test (SRT), and Y-balance test (YBT) were assessed. Soccer-specific performance was measured by the lofted passing accuracy over 35 meters protocol and the modified Illinois change-of-direction test with ball dribbling speed. Results. There was a significant strong positive correlation between the right and left digits’ ratios (r = .644, p < 0.001). However, the 2D:4D ratio of both hands demonstrated no significant differences between playing positions. Notably, body weight and muscle mass showed large positive correlations with long passing accuracy (r = .378, r = .418, respectively), while there was a moderate inverse relationship between dribbling time and both CMJ with arm swing (r = -.396) and drop jump height (r = -.305). Additionally, the YBT on both legs was negatively associated with dribbling time. Conclusion. Our results provide strong evidence that higher muscle mass and weight are associated with greater long passing accuracy, while better performance in countermovement and drop jumps serve as a key predictor of faster dribbling times. This information is useful for talent identification and performance optimization in young male soccer players.