Evaluation of Physical Fitness and Motor Ability of Brazzaville's U19 Football Players According to the Playing Positions

ABSTRACT: This study aims to evaluate the physical fitness and motor ability of Brazzaville’s U19 footballers according to playing position. Method: A cross- sectional study was conducted with a total of 33 U19 football players aged 18.75 ± 0.95 years. Data collection consisted of anthropometric measurements, physical fitness (YYIR1 distance and VO2max) and motor ability (agility, explosive power and upper limbs strength) and the playing positions. Agility, explosive power and upper limbs strength (Barrow moter ability test) whereas YYIR1 distance and VO2max (YO-YO intermittent recovery level 1) were measured on three separate days. The data were analyzed using SPSS software 25.0. Results: Explosive powers as well as upper limb strength were significantly higher in goalkeepers than in midfielders, attackers and defenders (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The distance covered by midfielders and VO2max were significantly higher than that of defenders, attackers and goalkeepers (p < 0.001; p