Match Running Performance on Three Different Competitive Standards in Norwegian Soccer

The Influence of Playing Position on Physical, Physiological, and Technical Demands in Adult Male Soccer Matches: A Systematic Scoping Review with Evidence Gap Map

BACKGROUND

There has been an increase in studies examining the demands of soccer relative to each playing position in recent years. Understanding the physical, physiological, and technical demands on soccer players according to their positional role during competitive matches is necessary to understand match requirements and develop position-specific training practices. Thereby, there is a clear need to synthesize the information on the different profiles of each playing position.

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to organize the literature investigating physical, physiological, and technical demands according to playing positions and provide a framework to identify gaps and suggestions for future studies.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in October 2023 using four electronic databases: Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed and Scopus. The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR extension for Scoping Reviews. The studies were included if the sample comprised adult male soccer players categorized from Tier 3 to Tier 5 (i.e., highly trained/national level, elite/international level, or world class) and compared the physical, physiological, or technical parameters across playing positions.

RESULTS

A total of 178 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The number of teams, players, and matches analyzed per study varied considerably. Although a range of classifications were reported across studies, 59% of studies classified players as central defenders, full-backs, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and forwards. The findings suggests that central and external midfielders, and external defenders cover greater total and high-speed distance than forwards or central defenders. Sprint distance was higher in external midfielders versus all other positions. Defenders and central midfielders perform more passes than external midfielders and forwards. Heart rate was the most commonly reported physiological variable across playing positions. When expressed as a percentage of maximal heart rate, midfielders presented higher mean values than all other playing positions.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review demonstrates that there are differences in the demands on players across playing positions in soccer. Training practices in soccer should be based on the specific requirements of each positional role to ensure players can fulfill their tactical responsibilities during the game.

Match running performance is similar in lower and higher competitive standards of Spanish professional soccer accounting for effective playing time

This study aimed to compare match running performance of players in the top two competitive standards of Spanish professional soccer, accounting for effective playing time (the duration of play after subtracting the game interruptions). A total of 2,784 match observations from 44 teams competing in the Spanish First Division (LaLiga Santander) and the Second Division (LaLiga Smartbank) were undertaken during two consecutive seasons (from 2021/22 to 2022/23). Total distance (TD), medium-speed running (MSR, distance 14.1-21 km · h-1), high-speed running (HSR, > 21 km · h-1), very high-speed running (VHSR, 21.1-24 km · h-1) and sprinting speed running distance (Sprint, > 24 km · h-1) were analyzed using a computerized tracking system (TRACAB, Chyronhego, New York, NY). These physical performance variables were calculated for both total and effective playing time. The main results showed that the mean effective playing time was significantly higher in matches of the First Division than in the Second Division (p < .01). In contrast to those observed when total playing time was considered, there were no significant differences (p > .05) between both competitive standards on medium speed running (MSR), high speed running (HSR), very high-speed running (VHSR), and sprint distances when the effective playing time was considered. Such findings demonstrate that contrary to previous research match running performance of players was similar in lower and higher competitive standards. Thus, effective playing time should be taken into account when interpreting the match running performance of professional soccer players.

Changes in physical and technical match performance variables in football players promoted from the Spanish Second Division to the First Division

The aim of this study was to compare physical and technical match performance variables in football players who competed in the Spanish second division for one season and were promoted to the top (first) division in the following season. A total of 97 male outfield football players who were promoted from the second to the first division of the Spanish professional football league within the same team were analysed. Data were recorded using the TRACAB (ChyronHego, New York, USA) multicamera computerised optical tracking system during five seasons (2015-2016 to 2019-2020). A one-way ANOVA repeated measures analysis showed that players executed a greater number of high-intensity running (HIR) efforts (P < 0.001; ES: 0.258), as well as covering greater HIR distance (P < 0.010; ES: 0.106) and total running distance (TD) (P < 0.010; ES: 0.080), when they played in the first division compared with the second division. Moreover, players performed a lower number of passes (P < 0.01; ES = 0.116), short passes (P < 0.01; ES = 0.106), long passes (P < 0.05; ES = 0.067), dribbles (P < 0.001; ES = 0.146) and shots (P < 0.01; ES = 0.074) in the first division compared to the second division. No significant differences were found for any of the defensive variables evaluated. In conclusion, being promoted from the second to the first division of professional football requires players to adapt to greater physical demands and a reduced number of technical actions.

Discriminative validity of summarized hip and knee angular accelerations for lower extremity training load quantification in male soccer players during a standardised training drill

This study assessed the discriminative validity of summarized hip and knee angular accelerations during a standardized training drill. Twenty-eight soccer players performed a standardized training drill that mimics game demands. Discriminative validity was examined by assessment of between-group differences of summarized preferred kicking leg hip and knee angular accelerations, and Playerload between national and regional soccer players for the full training drill, and parts based on locomotor intensity, or additional pass and jumping header activities. Furthermore, relationships were assessed between the summarized hip and knee angular accelerations and conventional load indicators derived from a local positioning measurement system, such as high-intensity running distance and Playerload. National players had higher summarized hip (Mean difference: 62.7 A.U. ES = 0.77, p = 0.049) and knee (Mean difference: 137.1 A.U. ES = 1.06, p = 0.008) angular accelerations. Significant interaction effects were observed during high-intensity running (Hip: 0.2 A.U./m, ES = 0.98, p = 0.005; Knee: 0.61 A.U./m, ES = 1.52, p < 0.001), and sprinting (Hip: 0.3 A.U./m, ES = 1.01, p < 0.02; Knee: 0.56 A.U./m, ES = 1.57, p < 0.001). Between-group differences were not present for additional passing or jumping header activities. Compared to summarized hip and knee angular accelerations, Playerload had less ability to discriminate between players and activities. Moreover, the lower extremity training load indicators were unrelated to conventional load indicators. Together these results confirm discriminative validity of summarized hip and knee angular acceleration training load indicators during a standardised training drill.

Does player age influence match physical performance? A longitudinal four-season analysis in Spanish Soccer LaLiga

This study aims to analyse the evolution of match running performance in relation to the age distribution of professional soccer players using a large-scale analysis. An explorational-longitudinal and retrospective study was designed and a total of 36,883 individual match observations were collected on outfield players competing across four consecutive Spanish LaLiga seasons (from 2015/16 to 2018/19), using an optical tracking system (ChyronHego). Soccer players were divided into 3 age groups: young (18-24 years old), middle-aged (25-30 years old), and seniors (31-41 years old). Relative total distance (TD/min), distance covered at 21-24 km · h-1 (HIRD/min), and > 24 km · h-1 per minute (VHIRD/min) were analysed; also, the number of efforts at 21-24 km · h-1 (Sp21) and > 24 km · h-1 (Sp24) were taken into consideration. Seasons were divided into four phases (P): P1 (matches 1-10), P2 (11-19), P3 (20-29), and P4 (30-38). The results showed that young players covered significantly greater TD, HIRD and VHIRD than the rest of the players (p < .05) in all season phases. In addition, TD significantly decreased along season phases in all player age group (p < .01). Crucially, young players performed significantly greater numbers of Sp21 and Sp24 than the rest of the players (p < .05) in all season phases. In addition, Sp21 and SP24 significantly decreased in middle-aged (p < .01) and senior players (p < .05) across the seasons. This study demonstrated that players' match running performance decreases with increasing years, especially in high-intensity running distances.

Examination of the ZXY Arena Tracking System for Association Football Pitches

Modern analyses of football games require precise recordings of positions and movements. The ZXY arena tracking system reports the position of players wearing a dedicated chip (transponder) at high time resolution. The main issue addressed here is the quality of the system's output data. Filtering the data to reduce noise may affect the outcome adversely. Therefore, we have examined the precision of the data given, possible influence by sources of noise, the effect of the filtering, and the accuracy of the built-in calculations. The system's reported positions of the transponders at rest and during different types of movements, including accelerations, were recorded and compared with the true positions, speeds, and accelerations. The reported position has a random error of ≈0.2 m, defining the system's upper spatial resolution. The error in signals interrupted by a human body was of that magnitude or less. There was no significant influence of nearby transponders. Filtering the data delayed the time resolution. Consequently, accelerations were dampened and delayed, causing an error of 1 m for sudden changes in position. Moreover, fluctuations of the foot speed of a running person were not accurately reproduced, but rather, averaged over time periods >1 s. Results calculated from measured values appeared accurate and were readily reproduced in a spreadsheet output. In conclusion, the ZXY system reports the position with little random error. Its main limitation is caused by averaging of the signals.

Seasonal analysis of match load in professional soccer players: An observational cohort study of a Swiss U18, U21 and first team

The aim of this study was to quantify and compare various external match load measures in three age groups and leagues in male soccer (U18 in highest league of their age group vs U21 in fourth highest league vs first team in highest league). In this retrospective observational cohort study accelerations, decelerations, absolute and relative high-speed running as well as sprint distance, dynamic stress load, explosive distance, high intensity bursts total distance, high metabolic load (HML) distance, speed intensity, total distance, total time, and total loading were assessed in 416 individual player matches of 59 players. All these external load measures showed large inter-individual variability. At a group level, one-way ANOVAs or Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed statistically significant differences between the three teams for all measures analyzed (all p < 0.05), except accelerations. The first team displayed statistically significant higher dynamic stress load, explosive distance, HML distance, speed intensity, total distance and total loading compared to the two youth teams (all p < 0.05). The U18 featured statistically significant higher number of decelerations, absolute and relative high-speed running distance, high metabolic load distance, speed intensity, relative sprint distance, total distance, and total time than the U21, while for U21 higher dynamic stress load was observed than for U18 (all p < 0.05). Based on our data we conclude a routinely monitoring of match loads of different age groups and competitive settings to be required to 1) provide an indication of what players need to be prepared for, 2) track the athletic and match evolution, and 3) individually tailor training programs allowing players to fulfill the short- and long-term sport-specific requirements.

Associations between biological maturity level, match locomotion, and physical capacities in youth male soccer players

INTRODUCTION

Biological maturity level has shown to affect sport performance in youths. However, most previous studies have used noninvasive methods to estimate maturity level. Thus, the main aim of the present study was to investigate the association between skeletal age (SA) as a measure of biological maturation level, match locomotion, and physical capacity in male youth soccer players.

METHOD

Thirty-eight Norwegian players were followed during two consecutive seasons (U14 and U15). Match locomotion was assessed with GPS-tracking in matches. SA, assessed by x-ray, physical capacities (speed, strength and endurance) and anthropometrics were measured in the middle of each season. Analysis of associations between SA, match locomotion, and physical capacities were adjusted for the potential confounding effect of body height and weight.

RESULTS

In matches, positive associations were found between SA and maximal speed and running distance in the highest speed zones. Further, SA was associated with 40 m sprint time and countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and with intermittent-endurance capacity after adjusting for body height (U14). Associations between SA and leg strength and power, and between SA and absolute VO_2max were not significant after adjusting for body weight. There was no association between SA and total distance covered in matches.

CONCLUSION

Biological maturity level influence match locomotion and performance on physical capacity tests. It is important that players, parents and coaches are aware of the advantages more mature players have during puberty, and that less mature players also are given attention, appropriate training and match competition to ensure proper development.

The soccer season: performance variations and evolutionary trends

The physiological demands of soccer challenge the entire spectrum of the response capacity of the biological systems and fitness requirements of the players. In this review we examined variations and evolutionary trends in body composition, neuromuscular and endurance-related parameters, as well as in game-related physical parameters of professional players. Further, we explore aspects relevant for training monitoring and we reference how different training stimulus and situational variables (e.g., competition exposure) affect the physiological and performance parameters of players. Generally, improvements of small magnitude in non- (non-CMJ) and countermovement-based jumps (CMJBased) and in the sprint acceleration (ACCPhase) and maximal velocity phase (MVPhase) are observed from start of preparation phase (PPS) to beginning of competition phase (BCP). A greater magnitude of increases is observed in physiological and endurance performance measures within this period; moderate magnitude in sub-maximal intensity exercise (velocity at fixed blood lactate concentrations; V2-4mmol/l) and large magnitude in VO2max, maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and intense intermittent exercise performance (IE). In the middle of competition phase (MCP), small (CMJBased and ACCPhase), moderate (non-CMJ; MVPhase; VO2max; sub-maximal exercise) and large (MAS and IE) improvements were observed compared to PPS. In the end of competition period (ECP), CMJBased and MVPhase improve to a small extent with non-CMJ, and ACCPhase, VO2max, MAS, sub-maximal intensity exercise and IE revealing moderate increments compared to PPS. Although less investigated, there are generally observed alterations of trivial magnitude in neuromuscular and endurance-related parameters between in-season assessments; only substantial alterations are examined for IE and sub-maximal exercise performance (decrease and increase of small magnitude, respectively) from BCP to MCP and in VO2max and IE (decrements of small magnitude) from MCP to ECP. Match performance may vary during the season. Although, the variability between studies is clear for TD, VHSR and sprint, all the studies observed substantial increments in HSR between MCP and ECP. Finally, studies examining evolutionary trends by means of exercise and competition performance measures suggests of a heightened importance of neuromuscular factors. In conclusion, during the preseason players "recover" body composition profile and neuromuscular and endurance competitive capacity. Within in-season, and more robustly towards ECP, alterations in neuromuscular performance seem to be force-velocity dependent, and in some cases, physiological determinants and endurance performance may be compromised when considering other in-season moments. Importantly, there is a substantial variability in team responses that can be observed during in-season. Consequently, this informs on the need to both provide a regular training stimulus and adequate monitorization throughout the season.

The Relationship between the Hamstring-to-Quadriceps Ratio and Jumping and Sprinting Abilities of Young Male Soccer Players

The correct torque ratio between the knee joint extensor and flexor muscle groups can effectively prevent injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament and hamstring strain. However, it is unclear whether a high torque ratio of the knee joint flexor muscles to the extensor muscles is beneficial for sport performance. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) ratio and sprint times (10- and 30-m) and jump heights (CMJ—countermovement jump and SJ—squat jump) in soccer players. The study examined 26 young elite soccer players (age: 18.1 ± 0.7 years; body height: 1.77 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 72.7 ± 5.7 kg). Knee joint flexor and extensor peak torques were assessed using the Cybex dynamometer (at 60°/s, 120°/s and 180°/s). Additionally, each participant performed the CMJ, SJ, and 30 m sprint. A significant relationship was obtained between the H/Q ratio (60°/s) and 30 m sprint time (r = 0.47). The positive direction of this relationship may indicate an important role of knee joint extensors in sprinting performance. Moreover, the H/Q ratio was not significantly associated with the CMJ, SJ or 10 m sprint performance. The H/Q ratio should be considered together with the peak torque values in terms of the assessment of sprinting and jumping performance.

Techniques to derive and clean acceleration and deceleration data of athlete tracking technologies in team sports: A scoping review

The application of acceleration and deceleration data as a measure of an athlete's physical performance is common practice in team sports. Acceleration and deceleration are monitored with athlete tracking technologies during training and games to quantify training load, prevent injury and enhance performance. However, inconsistencies exist throughout the literature in the reported methodological procedures used to quantify acceleration and deceleration. The object of this review was to systematically map and provide a summary of the methodological procedures being used on acceleration and deceleration data obtained from athlete tracking technologies in team sports and describe the applications of the data. Systematic searches of multiple databases were undertaken. To be included, studies must have investigated full body acceleration and/or deceleration data of athlete tracking technologies. The search identified 276 eligible studies. Most studies (60%) did not provide information on how the data was derived and what sequence of steps were taken to clean the data. Acceleration and deceleration data were commonly applied to quantify and describe movement demands using effort metrics. This scoping review identified research gaps in the methodological procedures and deriving and cleaning techniques that warrant future research focussing on their effect on acceleration and deceleration data.

An 8-Week Program of Plyometrics and Sprints with Changes of Direction Improved Anaerobic Fitness in Young Male Soccer Players

This study examined the effects of 8 weeks of twice-weekly combined plyometric and sprint with change-of-direction (CPSCoD) training into habitual training regimes of young male soccer players. Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 17, age: 14.6 ± 0.44 years, body mass: 61.2 ± 7.34 kg, height: 1.67 ± 0.09 m, body fat: 11.2 ± 1.56%) and a control group (n = 16, age: 14.6 ± 0.39 years, body mass: 61.1 ± 3.96 kg, height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m, body fat: 11.8 ± 1.47%). Measures obtained pre- and post intervention included vertical and horizontal jump performance (i.e., squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and standing long jump (SLJ)), and sprint performance (i.e., 5 m and 20 m sprint). In addition, Measures obtained pre- and post-intervention included change-of-direction ability (4 × 5 m sprint test (S 4 × 5 m) and sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with backward and forward running (SBF)), repeated change of direction (RCoD), and static balance performance (stork balance test). The training group experienced superior jump (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.61), sprint (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.58), change-of-direction (CoD) ability (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.58), RCoD (all parameters except the fatigue index p < 0.01; effect size (d) ≥ 0.71), and static balance (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.66) improvement. Adding twice-weekly CPSCoD training to standard training improves the anaerobic performance of U15 male soccer players.

Effects of Match Location, Quality of Opposition and Match Outcome on Match Running Performance in a Portuguese Professional Football Team

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of match location, quality of opposition and match outcome on match running performance according to playing position in a Portuguese professional football team. Twenty-three male professional football players were monitored from eighteen Portuguese Football League matches during the 2019-2020 season. Global positioning system technology (GPS) was used to collect time-motion data. The match running performance was obtained from five playing positions: central defenders (CD), fullbacks (FB), central midfielders (CM), wide midfielders (WM) and forwards (FW). Match running performance was analyzed within specific position and contextual factors using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures, standardized (Cohen) differences and smallest worthwhile change. CM and WM players covered significantly greater total distance (F = 15.45, p = 0.000, η² = 0.334) and average speed (F = 12.79, p < 0.001, η² = 0.294). WM and FB players covered higher distances at high-speed running (F = 16.93, p = 0.000, η² = 0.355) and sprinting (F = 13.49; p < 0.001, η² = 0.305). WM players covered the highest number of accelerations (F = 4.69, p < 0.001, η² = 0.132) and decelerations (F = 12.21, p < 0.001, η² = 0.284). The match running performance was influenced by match location (d = 0.06-2.04; CI: -0.42-2.31; SWC = 0.01-1.10), quality of opposition (d = 0.13-2.14; CI: -0.02-2.60; SWC = 0.01-1.55) and match outcome (d = 0.01-2.49; CI: -0.01-2.31; SWC = 0.01-0.35). Contextual factors influenced the match running performance with differential effects between playing positions. This study provides the first report about the contextual influence on match running performance in a Portuguese professional football team. Future research should also integrate tactical and technical key indicators when analyzing the match-related contextual influence on match running performance.

Quantifying and modelling the game speed outputs of English Championship soccer players

This study aims to quantify and model the game-speed demands of professional soccer players competing in the English Championship league, to compare the effect of match location and to examine the effect of playing position on game-speed outputs across the season. Twenty-eight male professional soccer players were enrolled. Moving average calculations were applied to the raw GNSS (STATSports) speed data of each player's duration matches (home = 14 and away = 9). Positional groups were centre-back (CB), full-back (FB), centre-midfield (CM), wing-midfield (WM) and centre-forward (CF). The maximum value across each of the moving average window durations was extracted and converted to units of metres per minute. Power-law models were fitted to all observations (R2 = 0.64), home only (R2 = 0.98), and away only (R2 = 0.98). No significant effects are observed in game-speed outputs when home and away games are analysed. Significant differences were seen between the following positional groups; CBvs.CF (d = -0.323), CM (d = -0.530) and FB (d = -0.350). CM displayed positive difference compared to WM (d = 0.614). This study reported power-law model fitted game speed. Players' positional groups have significantly different game-speed demands, which should be considered during match analysis and training periodization. This study found that game speed is not affected by the location of the match.

A Longitudinal Exploration of Match Running Performance during a Football Match in the Spanish La Liga: A Four-Season Study

This study aimed to analyze and compare the match running performance during official matches across four seasons (2015/2016-2018/2019) in the top two professional leagues of Spanish football. Match running performance data were collected from all matches in the First Spanish Division (Santander; n = 1520) and Second Spanish Division (Smartbank; n = 1848), using the Mediacoach® System. Total distance and distances of 14-21 km·h-1, 21-24 km·h-1, and more than 24 km·h-1, and the number of sprints between 21 and 24 km·h-1 and more than 24 km·h-1 were analyzed. The results showed higher total distances in the First Spanish Division than in the Second Spanish Division (p < 0.001) in all the variables analyzed. Regarding the evolution of both leagues, physical demands decreased more in the First Spanish Division than in the Second Spanish Division. The results showed a decrease in total distance and an increase in the high-intensity distances and number of sprints performed, although a clearer trend is perceived in the First Spanish Division (p < 0.001; p < 0.01, respectively). Knowledge about the evolution of match running performance allows practitioners to manage the training load according to the competition demands to improve players' performances and reduce the injury rate.

The effects of residential environment on the condition and fitness of soccer players in the summer

Exercise performance is reduced in hot environments due to physiological responses caused by increased body temperature. A proper residential environment is important for improving the performance and maintaining physical condition of soccer players in the summer. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of indoor temperature of the resting space during the summer on the fitness and condition of soccer players. A total of 12 K-3 League semiprofessional players without serious injuries in the last 3 months voluntarily participated in the study. Participants performed speed (10 m, 20 m, and 30 m), soccer-specific coordination skill (dribbling), agility, repeated sprints, Yo-Yo intermittent level 2, vertical jump, and questionnaire (fatigue, sleep quality, muscle soreness, stress, and mood) after staying indoor temperature at 20°C, 26°C, and 30°C for one night, respectively. There was no difference among groups in physical fitness (speed, agility, jump, coordination, Yo-Yo intermittent level 2, and repeated sprints). The differences in fatigue and sleep quality were not statistically significant among groups, but they tended to be different. Muscle soreness was similar among all groups. Significant differences were observed between the 20°C and 30°C groups in stress and mood levels. The present study concluded that, while the physical fitness did not differ among groups, the 30°C residential environment was shown to have a negative psychological effect. Considering that many diseases associated with hot weather occur in low residential temperatures, a room temperature of 26°C is recommended for elite soccer players in hot summer weather.

Physical Match Performance in Sub-elite Soccer Players - Introduction of a new Index

This investigation examined the position-specific physical performance in different locomotor categories and physiological demands concurrently in official games of sub-elite players and to present a new performance index (PI). Time-motion (distance, velocity, acceleration) and heart rate data of 55 soccer players were simultaneously captured via a GPS tracking system. The relationship between external and internal match-load (PI) was determined on the basis of heart rate, average velocity and acceleration. In contrast to the mean heart rate (85.2±3.2%, P=0.806, η_p²=0.03), the average total distance covered (9946±715 m) was largely affected by players' position (P<0.001, η_p²=0.63). Furthermore, a mixed design ANOVA showed a large interaction effect between position and locomotor category (P<0.001, η_p²=0.44). On average, PI was 1.57±0.37 m/min²/%, with notably lower values in the 2^nd half. The position-specific profiles already reported for higher leagues were also present in sub-elite soccer players. Despite lower values for total distance and smaller distances in the high-intensity zones (>14.4 km/h), internal loads were comparable to those observed in European top leagues. In comparison to a performance measure that ignores accelerations, PI was shown to be less dependent on the playing position and had higher variability. Consequently, PI is better suited to distinguish between players' performance.