Abstract
<jats:p xml:lang="en">The dynamic and constantly changing nature of soccer requires players to effectively utilize their sprinting and change of direction abilities under both without and with ball conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between without and with ball sprint performance and without and wit ball change of direction performance in young male soccer players. Seventeen young male soccer players (age: 16.94 ± 0.24 years; height: 176.29 ± 6.23 cm; body mass: 69.18 ± 5.71 kg; BMI: 22.25 ± 1.50 kg/m²) were included in the study. All participants performed 10 m, 20 m, and 30 m sprint tests, as well as Illinois and zigzag change-of direction tests, under both without and with conditions. The 10 m, 20 m, and 30 m without ball sprint performances showed moderate to large significant correlations with both the Illinois and zigzag change of direction tests. Notably, 10 m sprint performance was largely correlated with the with ball zigzag change of direction performance. In contrast, the relationships between with-ball 20 m and 30 m sprint performances and change of direction tests were limited. These findings indicate that sprinting, change of direction, and ball control skills are interrelated within a holistic framework in young soccer players, and that short-distance acceleration reflects soccer specific speed integrated with technical and perceptual processes.</jats:p>