ABSTRACT

Physical characteristics and fitness components have been identified as crucial elements for soccer players, including flexibility, body fat, BMI (body mass index), blood lactate and heart rate responses. Characteristics of soccer players have been widely reported. Soccer players should have a fit and flexible body in order to use their energy sources economically and perform their techniques efficiently. Players should be able to continue running at a high velocity without getting tired. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the running velocity and heart rate responses of soccer players at 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 mM lactate levels across U17, U19, U21 and over-21 age groups. Flexibility, body fat and BMI were also compared between the age groups, as were physical characteristics.