Introduction: Hoff Helgerud is one of the specific endurance soccer test estimated aerobic power, which is done on the soccer field. This test usually is recommended instead of using other tests such as the yo-yo to estimate aerobic power in adults. However, it seems to be affect by various level of skill. Therefore, since the level of skills can be different in adolescents, youth and adults, the aim of this study was whether the Hoff test can predict the aerobic power in elite adolescent soccer player?
Methodology: Fifty elite adolescent soccer players from Sepahan FC club during two consecutive seasons (mean age=14.2±1.50 years, weight=55.4±6.21 kg, height 160±5.64 cm, body fat percentage 17.2±1.25) participated in the study. The players performed laboratory tests on a treadmill using respiratory gas analysis, Hoff and yo-yo endurance tests were carried out with at least one day. Aerobic power and heart rate and distance running were measured at the end of the test. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used for data analysis.
Results: There were no significant correlation between maximum oxygen consumption in Hoff Helgerud (33.2±1.40) and laboratory test (50.5±6.42) (r=0.34). However, result show significant correlation in aerobic power in yo-yo and laboratory tests (r=0.77).
Discussion: This study demonstrated that the distance running during the Hoff test has weak correlation with aerobic power determined in laboratory. Also we suggest the use of yoyo for predicting aerobic power especially in adolescent soccer players. Low correlation observed in this study may be due to insufficient skill level of adolescent players to participate in the Hoff test. So it can be concluded that the Hoff test depend on technical skills hence general aerobic power tests without the ball such as like a yo-yo can be better option for assessing the aerobic power of adolescent soccer players.