The first scientifically tested performance diagnostics for junior female footballers in Germany is now available. It was developed at the Women's Football Academy of the University of Würzburg by a team led by Professors Heinz Reinders (educational research) and Olaf Hoos (sports science). The authors present the new diagnostics in the renowned German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research.

The innovative method is called SCoRE (Soccer Competencies in Realistic Environments). It is based on video-assisted observations in realistic small-sided games (4 against 4) and enables the assessment of key football-related skills such as game overview, creativity, passing and 1-on-1 situations.

Game-like Scenarios Have Hardly Been Considered Until Now

Unlike traditional diagnostics, which are based on isolated sprint or technique tests, SCoRE relies on game-like scenarios. This reflects the demands of competition, including time pressure and pressure from opponents in fast-paced game situations. It is precisely these conditions that determine performance in football, but they have hardly been taken into account in previous methods.

SCoRE is therefore an innovative step forward in talent diagnostics, combining scientific measurement quality with the reality of play on the pitch. SCoRE supports coaches in carrying out realistic and differentiated talent and performance diagnostics.

Agility Plays a Central Role

A particularly important finding of the study is that, in addition to technical and tactical skills, agility also plays a central role. It was measured in additional tests and is closely related to the results of the SCoRE diagnostics. Agility is the ability to react quickly to changing game situations and to execute precise changes of direction under pressure from opponents. It has proven to be a key factor in the playing ability of junior female players.

A total of 920 players aged between 10 and 16 were examined in the study. The results show that SCoRE measures football-specific skills in a valid, reliable and objective manner. This is the first time that a method has been developed that is tailored to the specific conditions in girls' football and can be used by coaches in everyday practice.

"While diagnostic systems have been established in boys' youth football for years, there has been no comparable method for junior girls until now. With SCoRE, we are closing this gap and thus making an important contribution to the targeted promotion of girls in competitive football," emphasises study leader Professor Heinz Reinders.

App for Coaches

Based on the results, SCoRE is also available as a free test app in the usual app stores. Coaches can use it to easily implement performance diagnostics in everyday club life and receive directly actionable feedback on the development of their players.

‘It was important to us that SCoRE was not only scientifically sound, but also made everyday life easier for coaches in very concrete terms. This transfer makes it possible to discover young talent even better and to accompany their talent development in a differentiated manner,’ says co-author Professor Hoos.