# Analysis of Motor and Perceptual–Cognitive Performance in Young Soccer Players: Insights into Training Experience and Biological Maturation

## TL;DR

This study explores how training experience and biological maturity affect motor and cognitive performance in young male soccer players.

## Contribution

The study uniquely integrates motor and perceptual–cognitive assessments to inform individualized youth soccer training strategies.

## Key findings

- Biological maturity and training age significantly predict motor performance, especially sprinting and jumping.
- Perceptual–cognitive skills are not influenced by maturity or training experience.
- Psychomotor speed is a key predictor of reactive agility in game-specific contexts.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined how training age, chronological age, and biological maturity influence motor and perceptual–cognitive performance in youth soccer players, with relevance for health and well-being through sport participation. Methods: Forty-one male athletes (age = 14.86 ± 0.81 years) completed a two-day field-based assessment following a holistic framework integrating motor (sprinting, jumping, and agility) and perceptual–cognitive components (psychomotor speed, visuospatial working memory, and spatial visualization). Biological maturity was estimated using the maturity offset method. Results: Regression analyses showed that biological maturity and training age significantly predicted motor performance, particularly sprinting, jumping, and pre-planned agility, whereas chronological age was not a predictor. In contrast, neither maturity nor training experience influenced perceptual–cognitive skills. Among cognitive measures, only psychomotor speed significantly predicted reactive agility, emphasizing the role of rapid information processing in dynamic, game-specific contexts. Conclusions: Youth soccer training should address both physical and cognitive development through complementary strategies. Physical preparation should be tailored to maturity status to ensure safe and progressive loading, while systematic training of psychomotor speed and decision-making should enhance reactive agility and game intelligence. Integrating maturity and perceptual–cognitive assessments may support individualized development, improved performance, and long-term well-being.