Abstract Aim: The aim was to compare performance in specific-skill tests and motor coordination between groups with different technical efficiency and verify possible variables related to specific skills and motor coordination that contribute to discriminate players into high- and low-technical efficiency. Methods: The sample consisted of 82 young soccer players (12-15 years). Body size, bone age, motor performance tests, soccer-specific skill tests, and frequency of technical actions in SSG were analyzed. Statistic cluster-derived ANOVA F was used to identify which variables related to technical action most contributed to classifying subjects with similar performance. Discriminant analysis (Stepwise Method) was used to verify which predictor variables discriminated players into groups of low- and high-frequency technical actions in SSG. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: The group of high technical efficiency presented better performance in motor tests, shuttle run (P = 0.04; ES = −0.55), jumping laterally (P = 0.02; ES = 0.58), kicking speed (P = 0.03; ES = 0.60), soccer-specific skill tests, leading the ball in a straight line (LBSL) (P = 0.01; ES = −0.75), and zig-zag ball control (ZZBC) (P = 0.04; ES = −0.55); variable leading the ball in a straight line correctly discriminated 60% of players into high- and low-frequency groups. Conclusion: The frequency of technical actions in SSG was poorly influenced by motor performance and specific skill tests, and only the LBSL test correctly classified players of different frequencies of technical actions in SSG.

Abstract Aims: This study aimed to measure light-intensity physical activity (LPA) patterns in adolescents according to weekdays and school period and investigated associations between LPA patterns and associated factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 388 students of both genders, selected from public schools from Londrina city, Parana state. LPA was measured using accelerometry for seven consecutive days and was analyzed by the time spent in very short (15 to 30 s), short (30 to 60 s), intermediate (1 to 3 min), and long bouts (≥ 3 min). Results: Approximately 22% of the total daily time was spent in LPA. The time in LPA accumulated in short or intermediate bouts was higher than the time accumulated in very short or long bouts (P < 0.05). Gender was associated with short (β= 2.180; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.357 to 4.003) and intermediate bouts (β = 2.822; 95% CI, 0.681 to 4.964), girls presented higher daily time. Age was inversely associated with very short (β = −0.925; 95% CI, −1.676 to −0.175) and intermediate bouts (β = −1.985; 95% CI, −3.579 to −0.390). The total time in LPA and time accumulated in very short, short, and intermediate bouts was higher in the school period when compared to the non-school period (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It could be concluded that the LPA patterns are predominantly composed of time spent in bouts between 30 seconds and three minutes. Gender, age, and school period appear to influence the LPA pattern in adolescents.