Investigation of the relationship between change of direction deficit and various performance parameters in young soccer players

Change of direction deficit (CODD) refers to the additional time required for a changing direction maneuver compared to a pure linear sprint performed over an equal distance or the speed difference between a linear sprint and change of direction deficit tests. This study investigated the relationship between change of direction deficit (CODD) and various performance and body composition parameters in young football players. 33 young male football players (age = 16.92 ± 0.74 years; height = 1.77 ± 0.05 m; weight = 67.73 ± 6.49 kg) competing in the U18 age category in the amateur football league of Yalova province participated in the study voluntarily. Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Squat Jump (SJ) Drop Jump (DJ), 10 m sprint test, and 505 change of direction tests were applied to the subjects on the measurement days. CODD was calculated from time data using the percentage (%) formula. In the data analysis, the variables' conformity to normal distribution was checked with the Shapiro-Wilk test, and it was determined that the data were normally distributed. The Pearson Correlation test was used to determine the relationship between variables and the One-Way ANOVA test was used to compare playing positions. While there was a negative correlation between YDA and 10 m sprint (r = -.664), there was a moderate positive correlation between CMJ power (N) data (r = .452).There was no statistically significant difference between CODD and Body Mass Index, CMJ jump height, Squat Jump height, and Reactive Strength Index (p>0.05). No significant difference was found in CODD values according to the positions of the players. In addition, it was found that dominant and non-dominant feet were independent of the CODD test. Keywords: Change of Direction Deficit, Vertical Jump, Sprint, Playing Positions, Dominant Leg