Analysis of Reaction Times and Aerobic Capacities of Soccer Players According to Their Playing Positions

Abstract

70 soccer players in Gaziantep amateur league voluntarily participated in this study, (average of their ages 19,17±1,34years, average of their heights 181,28±5,06 cm, average of their body weights 76,75±4,43 kg and average of their sports experiences 3,78±0,95 years) to analyze visual and auditory reaction times and aerobic capacities of amateur soccer players according to their playing positions. The reaction times against light and sound of right and left hands were measured by ‘Newtest Reaction Timer.’ The aerobic capacity measurements of players in this study were determined by shuttle sprint test. In comparison of left and right hand reaction times, it was statistically found that goalkeepers had the best reaction times and midfielders had better reaction times than forwards and defenders (P<0,05). In comparison of aerobic capacities of their playing positions, it was found that MaxVO2 levels of goalkeepers were lower than that of midfielders and forwards (P<0.05). In conclusion, it was found that the factors such as MaxVO2 level and reaction time which affect the performances of players nowadays and differ according to their playing positions. It is considered that these differences result from the different training programs according to the playing positions.