Dribbling speed predicts goal‐scoring success in a soccer training game

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the underlying bases of goal‐scoring ability of junior soccer players. Male players (mean age 17.2 years, SD = 1.3) were recruited from an elite Brazilian football academy. We assessed each individual's dribbling and sprinting speed along five 30 m paths varying in curvature from 0 to 1.37 radians/m. We also quantified each player's ability to dribble the ball through a series of 15 cones using six different techniques. Dribbling, sprinting, and technical dribbling were then compared with an individual's goal‐scoring ability as assessed when competing against one defender and a goalkeeper protecting a full‐sized goal (N = 20‐48 attempts/ individual). Goal‐scoring success was significantly positively associated with their sprint speed ( r = .60; P = .014), dribbling speed ( r = .81; P < .0001), and technical dribbling ( r = .49; P = .022). An individual's percentage of shots saved was only significantly associated with their dribbling speed ( r = −.81; P < .001), with faster dribblers less likely to have their shots saved. Based on the full multivariate model for goal‐scoring success (adjusted r 2 = .60; P < .001), dribbling speed was the only significant correlate (t = 3.51; P < .001). Our study demonstrates that our metric of dribbling speed, as measured along curved paths, was associated with goal‐scoring success. Future studies should focus on specific training regimes aimed at improving dribbling ability, and measuring any impact on the creation of goal‐scoring opportunities and number of goals scored.