The effect of bio-banding on physical and psychological indicators of talent identification in academy soccer players

Towlson, C. et al. (2021) The effect of bio-banding on physical and psychological indicators of talent identification in academy soccer players. Science and Medicine in Football, 5(4), pp. 280-292. (doi: 10.1080/24733938.2020.1862419)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of bio-banding on indicators of talent identification in academy soccer players. Seventy-two 11 to 14-year-old soccer players were bio-banded using percentage of estimated adult stature attainment (week 1), maturity-offset (week 2) or a mixed-maturity method (week 3). Players contested five maturity (mis)matched small-sided games with physical and psychological determinants measured. Data were analysed using a series of Bayesian hierarchical models, fitted with different response distributions and different random and fixed effect structures. Few between-maturity differences existed for physical measures. Pre-peak height velocity (PHV) and post-PHV players differed in PlayerLoadTM (anterior-posterior and medial-lateral) having effect sizes above our criterion value. Estimated adult stature attainment explained more of the variance in eight of the physical variables and showed the greatest individual differences between maturity groups across all psychological variables. Pre-PHV and post-PHV players differed in positive attitude, confidence, competitiveness, total psychological score (effect sizes = 0.43-0.69), and session rating of perceived exertion. The maturity-offset method outperformed the estimated adult stature attainment method in all psychological variables. Maturity-matched bio-banding had limited effect on physical variables across all players while enhancing a number of psychological variables considered key for talent identification in pre-PHV players.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was supported by the UEFA Research Programme.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:MacFarlane, Professor Niall and Abt, Dr Grant
Authors: Towlson, C., MacMaster, C., Concalves, B., Sampaio, J., Toner, J., MacFarlane, N., Barrett, S., Hamilton, A., Jack, R., Hunter, F., Myers, T., and Abt, G.
Subjects:Q Science > QP Physiology
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
Journal Name:Science and Medicine in Football
Publisher:Taylor and Francis
ISSN:2473-3938
ISSN (Online):2473-4446
Published Online:01 December 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
First Published:First published in Science and Medicine in Football 5(4): 280-292
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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