Using Variable Reduction Techniques and Tolerance Intervals to Summarise a Fitness Testing Battery in Soccer

The principal aim of the paper is to present an example of how statistical variable reduction techniques may be used as a method of summarising a large number of test results from a soccer youth development testing battery in a simple coherent manner. This procedure may facilitate a players understanding of the test results and help identify weaknesses in a players fitness profile. In addition, Tolerance Intervals for various fitness measurements were estimated which will serve as references for coaches when comparing the fitness levels of future players to those already at the club. The importance of using a Tolerance Interval rather than an interval estimate of a parameter when the emphasis is on providing a reference range is discussed.