This study aimed to examine the relationships between body fat percentage, lean body mass and change of direction (COD) performance in elementary and junior soccer players and to investigate the validity of body weight to waist circumference ratio as an indicator of lean body mass in this demographic. A total of 51 elementary school soccer players and 70 junior high school soccer players participated in this study. Measures of body composition, proagility test time, and linear sprint time were measured. The COD deficit was calculated (COD deficit=Proagility test time−(5-yard sprint time×2)−10-yard sprint time). Body fat percentage showed moderate positive correlations with proagility test times, but no significant correlation with COD deficit. No significant correlations were found between lean body mass and proagility test time or COD measures. A strong positive correlation was observed between the weight to waist circumference ratio and lean body mass. It was shown that a higher body fat percentage results in slower times in the proagility test but does not affect the time specifically required for changing direction. Lean body mass was found to have no relationship with change of direction ability. Additionally, body weight to waist circumference ratio may be a valid indicator of lean body mass for developing soccer player.
