Effects of Dynamic Balance on Agility and Power in Youth Soccer Players

PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the relationships among dynamic balance, agility, and power in youth soccer players aged 12–16 years by assessing dynamic balance using the Y-Balance Test (YBT)METHODS Ninety-three youth soccer players participated in the study. Dynamic balance was measured using the YBT, followed by agility tests—the Illinois Change of Direction Test (ICDT) and Carioca. Power measurement via the Counter Movement Jump (CMJ). Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine relationships among variables, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.RESULTS Significant correlations were observed between YBT-L and ICDT (R2=−0.641, p < 0.01) and between YBT-R and ICDT (R2=−0.466, p < 0.01). YBT-L and YBT-R were also significantly correlated with Carioca (R2=−0.364, p < 0.001; R2=-.252, p < 0.05, respectively). No significant correlations were found between YBT scores and CMJ performance.CONCLUSIONS Dynamic balance is significantly associated with agility in youth soccer players, indicating its critical role in both performance enhancement and injury risk management. Future studies should consider sport-specific characteristics, playing position, sex, and age to develop systematic, evidence-based training programs incorporating the YBT.