Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the validity, objectivity, and reliability of a Soccer-Specific Behaviour Measurement Tool (S-SBMT) in relation to the soccer philosophy of a Category One Premier League soccer academy.
Methods: A 30 minute, 8 vs. 8 small-sided game (SSG), played by the U12 squad of the participating academy was used for analyses. Validity was ensured through formulating the S-SBMT definitions with experienced soccer coaches from the same soccer academy. Percentage agreement with a reference value of ±1, 95% Confidence Intervals, median sign and Yule’s Q were used to assess objectivity and reliability.
Results: High levels of objectivity were found for the number of passes (98.8% agreement), runs with the ball (97.5% agreement), and goal attempts (100. Reduced objectivity was apparent for forward zonal transitions (75.3, along with tackles (70.4, interceptions, (63, and loose balls (48.1. Reliability was tested after 1- and 4-weeks, with levels of percentage agreement found to be above the 85% acceptable threshold for most behaviours (passing = 95.1 runs with the ball = 92.6 goal attempts = 100 tackles = 100.
Conclusions: The study demonstrated acceptable objectivity and reliability for S-SBMT behaviours and these findings demonstrate the potential utility of the S-SBMT in monitoring technical actions in a Category One Premier League soccer academy, and a methodological process for other academies to follow in ensuring the quality of performance data.
Methods: A 30 minute, 8 vs. 8 small-sided game (SSG), played by the U12 squad of the participating academy was used for analyses. Validity was ensured through formulating the S-SBMT definitions with experienced soccer coaches from the same soccer academy. Percentage agreement with a reference value of ±1, 95% Confidence Intervals, median sign and Yule’s Q were used to assess objectivity and reliability.
Results: High levels of objectivity were found for the number of passes (98.8% agreement), runs with the ball (97.5% agreement), and goal attempts (100. Reduced objectivity was apparent for forward zonal transitions (75.3, along with tackles (70.4, interceptions, (63, and loose balls (48.1. Reliability was tested after 1- and 4-weeks, with levels of percentage agreement found to be above the 85% acceptable threshold for most behaviours (passing = 95.1 runs with the ball = 92.6 goal attempts = 100 tackles = 100.
Conclusions: The study demonstrated acceptable objectivity and reliability for S-SBMT behaviours and these findings demonstrate the potential utility of the S-SBMT in monitoring technical actions in a Category One Premier League soccer academy, and a methodological process for other academies to follow in ensuring the quality of performance data.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 196-202 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Science and Medicine in Football |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 5 Jan 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 5 Jan 2018 |
Keywords
- Soccer
- analysis
- validity
- objectivity
- reliability