The purpose of this study was to analyze the intensity and directionality of situations that cause stress in soccer players in a beginners' category at different maturation stages. The study included 18 male soccer players, mean age of 16.6 (± 0.5) years. We used the Stress Factors in Soccer Inventory (ISF) and further assessed the pubertal stage based on skeletal age. Players were separated in two groups, early and normal maturation age. The results of intensity and directionality index of perception of stress generating factors did not differ between the maturation groups. However, differences between the two groups appeared in three factors causing stress: "great superiority of their opponents," "play with a lot of heat"; "technical pressure to win".
stress; maturation; soccer; basic category
