Basic and Specific Motor Skills in University Soccer Players: A Study at the Luis Vargas Torres University of Esmeraldas

Abstract

Introduction: Football, as a global sociocultural phenomenon, demands a broad repertoire of motor skills for the effective resolution of game situations. The scientific literature distinguishes between basic motor skills (coordination, balance, and agility), which constitute the phylogenetic basis of motor development, and football-specific skills (dribbling, passing accuracy, and striking speed), which represent their adaptation to particular sporting contexts. In Ecuador, particularly in the province of Esmeraldas, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the motor profile of university football players, limiting the design of evidence-based interventions. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted with 60 students (30 men and 30 women) from the Luis Vargas Torres University in Esmeraldas. Basic skills were assessed using the KTK Body Coordination Test, the Illinois Agility Test, and the Flamenco Balance Test (EUROFIT). Specific skills were measured using dribbling (slalom), passing accuracy, and striking speed tests with sports radar. Results: Male soccer players showed superior performance in coordination (98.5 vs. 92.1; p=0.003), agility (15.8 vs. 17.2 sec; p<0.001), dribbling (10.2 vs. 11.9 sec; p<0.001), passing accuracy (7.1 vs. 5.8 successful passes; p=0.001), and striking speed (85.3 vs. 68.4 km/h; p<0.001), with large effect sizes (d=0.81 to 2.98). No significant differences were found in static balance. Significant correlations were observed between years of practice and specific skills (r=0.48 for accuracy; r=-0.41 for dribbling), as well as between basic and specific skills. Discussion: The differences found reflect distinct processes of sports socialization and less exposure to systematic training in women (3.1 vs. 5.2 years of practice). The correlations between basic and specific skills confirm the transfer of coordinative abilities to technical performance. Conclusions: It is necessary to implement differentiated training programs that emphasize coordinative and technical development, particularly in the female population, as well as establish continuous monitoring systems to optimize university sports performance in the region.