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Novillo Á, Cordón-Carmona A, García-Aliaga A, Roman IR, Del Campo RL, Resta R, Buldú JM. Analysis of player speed and angle toward the ball in soccer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11780. [PMID: 38782938 PMCID: PMC11116510 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62480-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The study analyzes how the magnitude and angle of the speed of soccer players change according to the distance to the ball and the phases of the game, namely the defensive and attacking phases. We observed how the role played in the team (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, or forward) strongly determines the speed pattern of players. As a general trend, the speed's modulus is incremented as their position is closer to the ball, however, it is slightly decreased when arriving at it. Next, we studied how the angle of the speed with the direction to the ball is related to the distance to the ball and the game phases. We observed that, during the defensive phase, goalkeepers are the players that run more parallel to the ball, while forwards are the ones running more directly to the ball position. Importantly, this behavior changes dramatically during the attacking phase. Finally, we show how the proposed methodology can be used to analyze the speed-angle patterns of specific players to understand better how they move on the pitch according to the distance to the ball.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Novillo
- Complex Systems Group, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Tulipán, 28933, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
- Grupo Interdisciplinar de Sistemas Complejos (GISC), 28933, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Cordón-Carmona
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (INEF-Departamento de Deportes), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/Martín Fierro, 7, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Abraham García-Aliaga
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (INEF-Departamento de Deportes), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/Martín Fierro, 7, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ignacio Refoyo Roman
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (INEF-Departamento de Deportes), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/Martín Fierro, 7, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Javier M Buldú
- Complex Systems Group, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Tulipán, 28933, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
- Grupo Interdisciplinar de Sistemas Complejos (GISC), 28933, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
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Beato M, Youngs A, Costin AJ. The Analysis of Physical Performance During Official Competitions in Professional English Football: Do Positions, Game Locations, and Results Influence Players' Game Demands? J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:e226-e234. [PMID: 38231139 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Beato, M, Youngs, A, and Costin, AJ. The analysis of physical performance during official competitions in professional English football: Do positions, game locations, and results influence players' game demands? J Strength Cond Res 38(5): e226-e234, 2024-This study aimed, first, to verify if physical parameters were different between players' positions during official matches in English professional football, and second, if the game location (H and A) or results (W, L, D) affected players' physical performance. Twenty-five male professional football players of the same team were included in this data analysis (age = 27 ± 9 years) during the 2022-23 season. Players were divided into positions: center backs, wide backs, center midfielders, attacking midfielders, and strikers. The external load parameters were distance covered, high-speed running (HSR), sprinting distance, accelerations, decelerations, and high metabolic load distance (HMLD, meters > 25.5 w·kg -1 ) that were monitored using global navigation satellite systems Apex (STATSports). Linear mixed models' analysis for positions reported a significant difference in total distance ( p = 0.011), HSR ( p < 0.001), sprinting distance ( p < 0.001), accelerations ( p = 0.003), decelerations ( p = 0.002), and HMLD ( p < 0.001). Centre backs showed the lowest physical performance in the metrics analyzed, whereas players in the other positions frequently displayed a similar physical performance. Regarding locations and results, differences were only found between locations for decelerations ( p = 0.041) and between results for HMLD ( p = 0.010). In conclusion, physical performance was influenced by players' positions, whereas game location or results seem to not affect physical performance during official competitions. Consequently, practitioners can physically prepare their players independently from the location of the match or of the possible game results, whereas specific positional training is requested to optimally prepare their players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom; and
| | - Anna Youngs
- Department of Sport Science, Ipswich Town FC, Ipswich, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Costin
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom; and
- Department of Sport Science, Ipswich Town FC, Ipswich, United Kingdom
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Fleming A, Walker M, Armitage M, Connor M, Beato M. A Comparison of Training and Match Play External Load During a Congested In-Season Period in English League 2 Football. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:e527-e534. [PMID: 37184969 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Fleming, A, Walker, M, Armitage, M, Connor, M, and Beato, M. A comparison of training and match play external load during a congested in-season period in English League 2 Football. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): e527-e534, 2023-This study aimed to investigate if external training load metrics differ between training days and match day (MD) during a period of fixture congestion and to verify if external load metrics vary based on playing positions. Training and MD data were collected in a part of the competition phase of the 2020-2021 season (6 weeks) in the English Football League 2 ( N = 20 players, mean ± SD s: age = 24.4 ± 4.7 years). Global Navigation Satellite System units (Catapult S7 Vector 10 Hz) were used to monitor external load metrics. The metrics were duration of training, total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSR), sprinting distance, relative intensity (m/min), total accelerations (TotAcc) (>3 m·s -2 ), and total decelerations (TotDec) (<-3 m·s -2 ). This study found that duration, TD, relative intensity, HSR distance, sprint distance, TotAcc, and TotDec were different ( p < 0.001, d = small to moderate ) between MD and match day minus two (MD-2) or match day minus one (MD-1); however, during match day minus four (MD-4), only relative intensity was significantly lower ( p < 0.001) compared with MD output. Therefore, MD-4 was the most demanding training session of the week (after the MD), and during MD-2 and MD-1, coaches decreased players' load to favor players' readiness. Moreover, this study found that MD and MD-1 resulted in statistically different values across several metrics between different playing positions (defenders < midfielders and strikers), whereas metrics in MD-4 and MD-2 were not statistically different, which highlights that in these sessions, players have similar external loads independently from their playing positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Fleming
- Sport Science Department at Cambridge United Football Club, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Walker
- Sport Science Department at Cambridge United Football Club, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Armitage
- Performance Services Department Norwich City Football Club, Norwich, United Kingdom
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom; and
| | - Mark Connor
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom; and
- Natural Computing Research and Applications Group, School of Business, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom; and
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Beato M, Vicens-Bordas J, Peña J, Costin A. Training load comparison between small, medium, and large-sided games in professional football. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1165242. [PMID: 37213824 PMCID: PMC10196496 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1165242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess if internal and external load parameters were different between sided game formats, if players' positions influenced these parameters, and if load parameters were different among sided game types (from 2vs2 to 10vs10) in professional football players. Twenty-five male players of the same club were enrolled in this study (age = 27 ± 9 years and body mass = 78 ± 14 kg). Sided games were categorized in formats as small-sided games (SSG, n = 145), medium-sided games (MSG, n = 431), and large-sided games (LSG, n = 204). Players were divided into roles such as center backs (CB), fullbacks (FB), center midfielders (CM), attacking midfielders (AM), and strikers (ST). STATSports 10 Hz GNSS Apex units were used to monitor external load parameters such as distance, high-speed running (HSR), sprinting distance, accelerations, and decelerations. The linear mixed model analysis found differences between formats (p < 0.001) for the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), distance, HSR, sprinting, accelerations, and decelerations. Differences were found between positions for HSR (p = 0.004), sprinting (p = 0.006), and decelerations (p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant difference was found between sided game types (p < 0.001) for RPE, distance, HSR, sprinting, accelerations, and decelerations. In conclusion, some sided games formats are more suitable for specific load-specific parameters (e.g., distance per minute, HSR, and sprinting are greater during LSG). The number of accelerations and decelerations is higher in MSG compared to other formats. Finally, players' positions influenced external load metrics, specifically HSR and decelerations but not RPE and distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: Marco Beato
| | - Jordi Vicens-Bordas
- Sport and Physical Activity Studies Centre, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Sport, Exercise, and Human Movement, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Peña
- Sport and Physical Activity Studies Centre, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Sport, Exercise, and Human Movement, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew J. Costin
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom
- Department of Sport Science, Ipswich Town FC, Ipswich, United Kingdom
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Egan B, Young D, Collins K, Malone S, Coratella G. The Between-Competition Running Demands of Elite Hurling Match-Play. Sports (Basel) 2021; 9:sports9110145. [PMID: 34822345 PMCID: PMC8621312 DOI: 10.3390/sports9110145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the differences in running demands between the National Hurling League (NHL) and the Championship, and within playing positions. GPS (10 Hz, STATSports Apex GNSS) were used to analyse the running demands during 34 games (2017–2020 seasons) of the Championship and the NHL. The running demands (total-, relative-, high-speed- [>17 km·h−1] and sprint [≥22 km·h−1] distance, number and length of sprints, and peak speed) were compared between competitions. Greater total- [ES = 0.32], relative- [ES = 0.26], and sprint-distance [ES = 0.41], and number of sprints [ES = 1.29] were completed in the Championship. The high-speed distance was similar between competitions. Half-backs and half-forwards covered greater total- (ES = 0.91 and 0.21, respectively), relative- (ES = 1.14 and 0.68, respectively), high-speed- (ES = 0.69 and 0.44, respectively), and sprint-distance (ES = 0.50 and 1.26, respectively), number of sprints (ES = 2.66 and 1.73, respectively), and peak speed (ES = 1.09 and 1.32, respectively) in the Championship. There was no difference (p < 0.05) in the sprint distance covered between positions in the Championship. The results showed that the Championship is more physically demanding. The findings present key implications for the transition between competitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Egan
- Department of Sport and Early Childhood Studies, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Thurles Campus, Thurles, E41 PC92 Tipperary, Ireland;
| | - Damien Young
- Department of Sport and Early Childhood Studies, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Thurles Campus, Thurles, E41 PC92 Tipperary, Ireland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-87-925-3360
| | - Kieran Collins
- Department of Science, Gaelic Sport Research Centre, Technological University Dublin, Tallaght, D24 FKT9 Dublin, Ireland; (K.C.); (S.M.)
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Shane Malone
- Department of Science, Gaelic Sport Research Centre, Technological University Dublin, Tallaght, D24 FKT9 Dublin, Ireland; (K.C.); (S.M.)
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Giuseppe Coratella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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Reynolds J, Connor M, Jamil M, Beato M. Quantifying and Comparing the Match Demands of U18, U23, and 1ST Team English Professional Soccer Players. Front Physiol 2021; 12:706451. [PMID: 34276425 PMCID: PMC8283180 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.706451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the match load demands of U18, U23, and 1ST team players during the official season. A total of 65 matches and 495 (U18 = 146, U23 = 146, and 1ST team = 203) individual player game observations were included in this analysis. A 10-Hz global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and 100-Hz triaxial accelerometer (STATSports, Apex, Northern Ireland) were used to monitor the following metrics during official matches: total distance, high-speed running distance (HSR), sprint distance, high metabolic distance, explosive distance, high-intensity bursts distance, speed intensity, and dynamic stress load (DSL) were analyzed. A multivariate analysis of variance test reported significant (p < 0.001) differences among the groups. HSR during matches was lower (d = small) for U18 players than the U23 and 1ST team players. Sprint distance and high-intensity bursts distance were lower (small) in U18 compared with the U23 and 1ST team. DSL was greater in 1ST compared with U18 (small) and U23 (small). This study reported that the differences between groups were greater for HSR, sprint distance, high-intensity bursts distance, and DSL, while total distance, high metabolic load distance, explosive distance, and speed intensity did not differ between the groups. These findings could be used to design training programs in the academy players (i.e., U18) to achieve the required long-term physical adaptations that are needed to progress into the U23 and 1ST teams.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sports Science, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom
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