Effects of Age on Physical Match Performance in Professional Soccer Players

High-Speed Efforts of Elite Association Football Referees in National and International Matches

ABSTRACT

Amatori, S, Helsen, WF, Baldari, C, Serra, T, Belli, A, Guidetti, L, Rocchi, MBL, Sisti, D, and Perroni, F. High-speed efforts of elite association football referees in national and international matches. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): e417-e422, 2024-Field referees (FRs) need to move throughout the pitch to identify any infringements of the game's laws. Their performance depends on technical, tactical, physical, physiological, and mental factors. This retrospective study aimed to examine and assess the physical and physiological parameters as a function of time in elite association football referees during official matches. Global positioning system (match time, distance in different intensity ranges [low-intensity, high-speed, very high-speed running, and sprinting], average and peak speed, distance in accelerations or decelerations) and heart rate (average and peak) data from 212 national and international football matches were analyzed. A linear mixed-model analysis was performed to assess the differences between halves and between the three 15-minute sections of each half-time for all the physical and physiological variables collected. A significant effect of match half was found for the game time (p < 0.001) and the standing time (p = 0.005), both higher in the second half, and for the average speed (p = 0.017), which was lower in the second half. Total distance (p < 0.001), low-intensity distance (p = 0.004), and average speed (p = 0.007) all showed a reduction as a function of time. More than 7.800 high-speed intervals were detected. Accelerative actions within 3 seconds characterized most of the high-speed efforts of an FR during a match. Significant differences emerged in the way the match intensity is distributed across the match, analyzed both in halves (first vs. second) and 15-minute intervals within each half. It is important to emphasize the importance of high-speed training with a focus on a faster transition from low- to high-speed running to keep up with the play to get into an appropriate position and subsequently make the correct decisions.

Unveiling the nonlinear dynamics of player performance in China's super league as a function of age

To explore the dynamics in physical and technical performance of professional football players and changes across age groups. Match statistics were collected from 1900 games across ten seasons (2012-2021) in the Chinese Super League. Generalized additive models visualized age-related trends in 12 key performance indicators including technical and physical variables. Revealed nonlinear trajectories characterized by rapid early declines, stable peak periods and accelerated late decreases. Physical indicators decreased progressively from the early 20 s before stabilizing briefly then declining further after 30. Conversely, technical metrics gradually improved into the late 20 s and early 30 s prior to decreasing again. This study provides novel evidence that football performance changes nonlinearly across age. Targeted training and development strategies should be tailored to the specific needs of different career stages.

Elite Soccer Players Do Not Cover Less Distance in the Second Half of the Matches When Game Interruptions Are Considered

ABSTRACT

Rey, E, Kalén, A, Lorenzo-Martínez, M, López-Del Campo, R, Nevado-Garrosa, F, and Lago-Peñas, C. Elite soccer players do not cover less distance in the second half of the matches when game interruptions are considered. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 709-713, 2024-This study aimed to analyze quantitative differences in the physical demands of male elite soccer players between the first and second halves during official matches, accounting for effective playing time (the duration of play after subtracting the game interruptions) and playing positions. A total of 4,249 individual match observations of 412 outfield players competing in the Spanish first division league (LaLiga) were undertaken during the 2018-2019 season, using a computerized tracking system (TRACAB, Chyronhego, New York, NY). The players were classified into 5 positional roles: central defenders (CD), external defenders (ED), central midfielders (CM), external midfielders (EM), and forwards (F). The main results showed that in contrast to those observed when total playing time was considered, independent of playing position, there were no significant differences on high-speed running (HSR) (5.5 ± 2.4 vs. 5.5 ± 2.4 m·min -1 ) and sprint (5.3 ± 3.3 vs. 5.4 ± 3.3 m·min -1 ) distances between the first and second halves in professional soccer players when the effective playing time was considered. However, differences in match running performance at HSR and sprint distances between the first and second halves were dependent on players' playing position. Whereas ED and EM maintained HSR and sprint efforts during the second half, CD and CM significantly increased ( p < 0.001) the distance covered at sprint during the second period of the match. Contrarily, F were unable to maintain their HSR (6.2 ± 2.3 vs. 5.9 ± 3.3 m·min -1 ) and sprint (7.0 ± 3.5 vs. 6.5 ± 3.4 m·min -1 ) match running performances during the second half. Such findings demonstrate that total playing time could overestimate fatigue-induced performance declines. Thus, effective playing time and playing position should be taken into account when interpreting the match running performance of professional soccer players.

Validity and reliability of a repeated multi-changes of direction agility test in senior soccer players

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of repeated multi-changes of direction agility test (rMCOD) compared to a soccer-specific field test of repeated sprint ability (S-RSA) and repeated sprint ability test (RSA).

Methods

Thirty-five healthy male soccer players (age: 18.4 ± 1.3 years) from Tunisan national soccer league (elite and sub-elite) took part in this study. They performed the tests in a randomized order over five sessions interspaced by at least 72 h. The construct, predictive and discriminant validity, relative and absolute reliability, and sensitivity of the tests were analyzed. The total and best time of the test (the sum for all trials and the trial with the lowest duration on nine, six, and seven attempts for rMCOD, RSA, and S-RSA, respectively), fatigue index, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and lactate concentration were recorded.

Results

rMCOD correlated with both, S-RSA and RSA in total time (r = 0.85 and r = 0.52, respectively) and fatigue index (r = 0.74 and r = 0.83, respectively). Receiver operator characteristics were not able to discriminate between group levels (elite and sub-elite). When comparing training levels, only the fatigue index in S-RSA showed a difference between groups. Fatigue index, total time, and the best time in rMCOD showed excellent reliability, as well as the minimal change detectable (MCD = 0.89, MCD = 0.63, and MCD = 0.11, respectively) was higher than the standard error of the mean (SEM = 0.32, SEM = 0.23, and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

rMCOD showed large to very large predictive validity compared with the S-RSA and RSA, being a reliable test for the following parameters: the best time and total time to perform the test. Nevertheless, this study design cannot ensure whether or not this test is able to detect real changes in performance in response to training since it did not include a training intervention; besides, rMCOD could not distinguish between elite and sub-elite players, which is a limitation.

Differences between U23 and older semi-professional soccer players in perfectionism and passion: exploring determinant relationship between variables

Aim

Abundant studies have pointed out that perfectionism and passion are interrelated and that they both can influence performance in a variety of contexts, including sports, however, research on how these variables interact and might affect performance in team sports, such as soccer, is still scarce. The aim of this study is to analyze differences in perfectionism and passion between under-23 years-old (U23) and older semi-professional soccer players, as well as to study the possible relationship between these two psychological variables.

Methods

Participants (N = 130 healthy semi-professional Spanish soccer players) were divided into two equivalent groups according to the participants age, U23 (N = 65; 21.58 ± 1.91 years) and older than 24 years (N = 65; 30.03 ± 3.72 years) and completed self-reports on perfectionism and passion.

Results

Independent samples t-test determined significant differences between the U23 Group and the >24 Group in perfectionism global score and concern over mistakes (maladaptive perfectionism), and in time, value, and passion. Multiple regression analyses revealed that obsessive passion predicted maladaptive subdimensions of perfectionism, while harmonious passion predicted adaptive perfectionism.

Discussion

U23 soccer players show higher levels of maladaptive perfectionism, time, value, and passion in relation with soccer than older players, probably because at this stage pressure to become professionals and to develop their technical, tactical, and physical skills is higher than in later stages.

Conclusion

Identifying differences between different age groups can help professionals in tailoring their interventions and strategies to address the specific needs of athletes at different stages of development more effectively, and to optimize mental focus, reduce stress, to promote a healthy mindset for optimal performance in soccer players, furthermore, the study of moderating effects of factors such as team dynamics or coaching styles on these constructs is advised.

Artificial Turf Increases the Physical Demand of Soccer by Heightening Match Running Performance Compared with Natural Grass

ABSTRACT

Modric, T, Esco, M, Perkovic, S, Basic, Z, Versic, S, Morgans, R, and Sekulic, D. Artificial turf increases the physical demand of soccer by heightening match running performance compared with natural grass. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2222-2228, 2023-This study aimed to determine differences in match running performance (MRP) of elite soccer players (n = 31) during matches played on artificial turf (AT) and natural grass (NG). The players' MRP (AT; 131 observations, NG; 135 observations) were collected during official matches (n = 32) using global positioning system and classified according to their playing positions as central defenders, central midfielders, fullbacks, forwards, and wingers. The MRP variables included total distance covered (TD), low-intensity running (LIR), moderate-intensity running (MIR), high-intensity running (HIR), total (Tacc) and high-intensity accelerations (Hacc), and total (Tdec) and high-intensity decelerations (Hdec). The influence of match outcome, location, and opponent quality was controlled for as contextual factors. Playing matches on AT resulted in (a) increased TD (Cohen's d (d) = 0.55, 0.61, and 0.28, respectively), MIR (d = 0.91, 0.79, and 0.49, respectively), and HIR (d = 0.67, 0.44, and 0.38, respectively) for central defenders, central midfielders, fullbacks; (b) increased Tacc (d = 0.38, 0.37, and 0.4, respectively) and Tdec (d = 0.31, 0.34, and 0.31, respectively) for central defenders, central midfielders, and wingers; and (c) decreased Hdec (d = -1.5) for forwards. These results show that playing on AT is more physically demanding for defensive and midfield players than playing on NG. Soccer coaches should consider implementing preparatory strategies that mitigate the increased demands of playing on AT for these players, especially before a competitive period when transitions between pitch surfaces routinely occur.

The effect of three different pre-match warm-up structures on male professional soccer players' physical fitness

BACKGROUND

Optimizing the soccer players' match preparation is one of the most relevant concerns of coaches for strength and conditioning training. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of three pre-match warm-up structures on the physical condition of male professional soccer players.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Seventeen male professional soccer players (age: 20.9 ± 2.4 years) of one Tunisian Professional Soccer League team participated in this study. Players performed three times a typical pre-match warm-up (WU) [aerobic phase (AE); neuromuscular phase (NM); velocity phase (VL); and ball-specific phase (BS) variating the order of the included phases/exercises: WU1 (AE + BS + NM + VL); WU2 (AE + NM + VL + BS); and WU3 (AE + VL + BS + NM). After each warm-up phase, players completed the following physical fitness tests: linear sprint test, countermovement jump test, 15-m ball dribbling agility test and ball shooting test. Additionally, the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was registered after each warm-up.

RESULTS

The results indicated significant differences between WU1 and WU3, with better results in the ball shooting test and RPE in WU3. In addition, there were no significant differences in the other variables and between other warm-up structures. These findings could be of great interest for coaches to the strength and conditioning coaches for professional soccer teams in order to improve the players physical performance and perceived exertion.

The influence of age on the match-to-match variability of physical performance in women's elite football

Introduction: The fluctuation of external match load throughout a season is influenced by several contextual factors. While some, have been deeply analysed in men's football literature, information is lacking on how other contextual elements, such as player's age or experience, may affect the match-to-match variability of locomotor activities. In fact, aging has been described as a multifactorial process with the potential to affect human performance. The aim of this study is to assess if the variability of match locomotor performances fluctuates according to the players' age. Methods: 59 female players from four top-level clubs were divided into three age groups and monitored during two seasons using GPS APEX (STATSports, Northern Ireland), with a sampling frequency of 10Hz, in 150 official matches to determine the coefficient of variation (CV) of full-match and 1-min peak locomotor demands of total distance (TD), high-speed running distance, sprint distance (SpD), accelerations, and decelerations. To test whether there was a group effect of age on match-to-match variability we used a one-way ANOVA with CV% as the independent variable. Results: CV values of full match variables ranged from 3.8% to 27.8%, with total distance (3.8%) in the peak age group and SpD (27.8%) in the pre-peak age group. Similarly, CV values of 1-min peaks ranged from 4.1% (post-peak group) in TD to 22.3% (peak group) in SpD. Discussion: The main finding was that there were no significant differences between the different age groups in the metrics analysed although trends indicate less variability in the post-peak age group.

The Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on the Physical Performance of Professional Soccer Players: An Example of German and Polish Leagues

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the in-season pandemic lockdown influenced physical match performance in professional soccer players who participated in the competition of German Bundesliga and Polish Ekstraklasa. The data from 306 games for German Bundesliga and 296 games for Polish Ekstraklasa were divided into before- and after-lockdown periods. The physical performance of German Bundesliga teams after the 63-day COVID-19 lockdown did not differ significantly from that in the first part of the season. In contrast, Polish Ekstraklasa teams, after the 81-day lockdown, displayed significantly shorter total distances (p < 0.001), shorter high-intensity running distances (p = 0.03), and fewer high-intensity actions (p = 0.02). Moreover, when the effective playing time was considered, teams covered significantly less relative total distance (p < 0.001) and relative high-intensity running distance (p = 0.02). The results of the current study suggest that physical performance during the matches of the German Bundesliga was not influenced by the COVID-19 lockdown, contrary to those of the Polish Ekstraklasa. This difference could have been caused by different break lengths and different restrictions implemented in these countries during the pandemic lockdown.

Effects of Age on Match-related Acceleration and Deceleration Efforts in Elite Soccer Players

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of chronological age on acceleration and deceleration match performance in professional soccer players. A total of 5317 individual match observations were collected on 420 professional players competing in the Spanish LaLiga during the 2018-2019 season, using a multiple-camera computerised tracking system (TRACAB; ChyronHego, Melville, NY, USA). Players were classified using a k-means cluster analysis into four different age groups: 17-23 years, 24-27 years, 28-30 years, and 31-38 years. Linear mixed models were adjusted to compare the players' match performance according to their age group and playing position (central defenders, external defenders, central midfielders, external midfielders, and forwards). The results showed that players aged between 31-38 years performed a significantly less total number of accelerations (ES=0.30-0.48) and decelerations (ES=0.29-0.49) in comparison with younger players. These age-related physical performance declines were more pronounced among central defenders, central midfielders, and forwards. However, no significant effects were obtained for players' maximum acceleration and deceleration capacities. The current findings provide useful information for coaches and strength and conditioning specialists to better understand the effects of age on players' physical performance and to develop age-tailored training programs.

Match Analysis of Soccer Refereeing Using Spatiotemporal Data: A Case Study

This case study explored how spatiotemporal data can develop key metrics to evaluate and understand elite soccer referees’ performance during one elite soccer match. The dynamic position of players from both teams, the ball and three elite referees allowed to capture the following performance metrics: (i) assistant referees: alignment with the second last defender; (ii) referee: referee diagonal movement—a position density was computed and a principal component analysis was carried to identify the directions of greatest variability; and (iii) referee: assessing the distance from the referee to the ball. All computations were processed when the ball was in-play and separated by 1st and 2nd halves. The first metric showed an alignment lower than 1 m between the assistant referee and the second last defender. The second metric showed that in the 1st half, the referee position ellipsis area was 548 m², which increased during the 2nd half (671 m²). The third metric showed an increase in the distance from the referee to the ball and >80% of the distance between 5–30 m during the 2nd half. The findings may be used as a starting point to elaborate normative behavior models from the referee’s movement performance in soccer.

Comparative Analysis of Soccer Performance Intensity of the Pre-Post-Lockdown COVID-19 in LaLiga™

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) forced a stoppage in the 2019/2020 season of LaLiga™, possibly influencing performance indicators in the return to competition. Therefore, here, we evaluated whether the stoppage due to the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) lockdown influenced physical performance compared to the start of LaLiga^TM in terms of high-intensity efforts. Using a semi-automatic, multiple-camera system, running activities during 22 matches were analyzed. We compared the first 11 matches of the season (pre-lockdown) with the 11 matches just after the restart of LaLiga™ (post-lockdown). The results showed higher (p < 0.05) performance in the pre-lockdown period compared with the post-lockdown period, including in medium-speed running (14.1–21 km/h), high-speed running (21.1–24 km/h), and sprinting speed running distances (>24 km/h). However, the number of accelerations/min and decelerations/min were significantly higher during the post-lockdown period. Therefore, we conclude that the stoppage due to the COVID-19 lockdown generated lower physical performance in the post-lockdown period compared with the pre-lockdown period, most likely due to the accumulation of matches (congested schedules).

Strength development according with age and position: a 10-year study of 570 soccer players

Background/aim

The purpose of this study was to compare the isokinetic peak torque profiles from the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles during concentric and eccentric contractions in elite Brazilian soccer players across different field positions and age categories. Our hypothesis was that soccer players from different field positions are subjected to different ageing-related effects on their isokinetic peak torque.

Methods

This is a retrospective study based on professional elite-level soccer players between the years 2009 and 2019. It included 570 adult males who played for at least 5 years on first or second Brazilian divisions. Playing positions were divided as: goalkeepers, defenders, sidebacks, midfielders and forwards. Age categories were also divided as: G1 (17–20 years old), G2 (21–24 years old), G3 (25–28 years old), G4 (29–32 years old) and G5 (33 years old or more).

Results

The results indicate a moderate effect of age (F(4545)=8.197; p<0.001; η²=0.057) and a small effect of playing position (F(4545)=2.993; p<0.05; η²=0.021) on torque of concentric extensors; mainly from midfielders and goalkeepers with 29 years or more.

Conclusions

Soccer players from different field positions are subjected to different ageing related effects on their muscular performance during their career special attention should be given to these players to avoid reduction in physical performance.

Fitness and Performance Testing of Male and Female Beach Soccer Players-A Preliminary Investigation

Purpose: This study aimed to compare performance on sand and a firm surface and to describe the physical capacity of male and female beach soccer players.

Methods: Sixty-six male and 29 female competitive beach soccer players voluntarily participated in this study. Firstly, within-subjects test scores were compared to scores on a firm surface (criterion validity; n = 15 men) and reconducted on a second occasion (reliability; n = 51 men). Secondly, the best score on sand was retained to compare test performance between ages (classified as below 20, 20–30, and above 30 years) and sexes. Performance assessments included sprint time over 5 and 15 m (once on a firm surface and twice on sand), standing long jump (SLJ, once on a firm surface and twice on sand) and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1, once on a firm surface and once on sand; only data for men were available).

Results: Five-m sprint and Yo-Yo IR1 performance on sand were not correlated to performance on a firm surface (P > 0.05). Test-retest reliability was acceptable for the 15-m sprint and SLJ tests (ICC > 0.90; CV < 5%). Performance in 15-m sprint and maximal sprinting speed were moderately lower in male players aged above 30 years. compared to players aged below 30 years (d = 0.35–0.42; P < 0.05). Irrespective of the age group, weight-bearing power-based performance mass was moderately to very largely higher in male players than in female players (d = 0.42–0.88; P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The lack of a consistent relationship between performance on sand and on a firm surface might indicate the need to develop specific test batteries for sand-based athletes. Age-related differences in physical performance were evident only in sprint capacity. Further studies are warranted to elucidate our preliminary findings and to develop the sand specific tests.

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.

Aerobic fitness and game performance indicators in professional football players; playing position specifics and associations

The aim of this study was to identify associations between aerobic fitness (AF) and game performance indicator (GPI) in elite football. Participants were professional football players (males, n = 16; age: 23.76 ± 2.64; body height: 181.62 ± 7.09 cm; body mass: 77.01 ± 6.34 kg). AF testing was conducted by direct measurement and included VO2max, running speed at aerobic threshold (AeT), and running speed at anaerobic threshold (AT). The GPI were collected by the position-specific performance statistics index (InStat index). The players were observed over one competitive half-season, resulting in 82 game performances, grouped according to the positions in game: defenders (n = 39), midfielders (n = 32) and forwards (n = 11). VO2max was not found to be a good discriminator of AF among different playing positions. AeT (F-test = 26.36. p = 0.01) and AT (F-test = 7.25, p = 0.01) were highest among midfielders, and lowest among forwards. No correlations were found between AF and GPI. This study confirmed that AeT and AT are better indicators of AF than VO2max in football players at different playing positions. The lack of associations between AF and GPI was discussed with regard to calculation of InStat as a GPI.

Training load, recovery and game performance in semiprofessional male basketball: influence of individual characteristics and contextual factors

This study examined the effects of individual characteristics and contextual factors on training load, pre-game recovery and game performance in adult male semi-professional basketball. Fourteen players were monitored, across a whole competitive season, with the session-RPE method to calculate weekly training load, and the Total Quality Recovery Scale to obtain pre-game recovery scores. Additionally, game-related statistics were gathered during official games to calculate the Performance Index Rating (PIR). Individual characteristics and contextual factors were grouped using k-means cluster analyses. Separate mixed linear models for repeated measures were performed to evaluate the single and combined (interaction) effects of individual characteristics (playing experience; playing position; playing time) and contextual factors (season phase; recovery cycle; previous game outcome; previous and upcoming opponent level) on weekly training load, pre-game recovery and PIR. Weekly load was higher in guards and medium minute-per-game (MPG) players, and lower for medium-experienced players, before facing high-level opponents, during later season phases and short recovery cycles (all p < 0.05). Pre-game recovery was lower in centers and high-experience players (p < 0.05). Game performance was better in high-MPG players (p < 0.05) and when facing low and medium-level opponents (p < 0.001). Interestingly, players performed better in games when the previous week's training load was low (p = 0.042). This study suggests that several individual characteristics and contextual factors need to be considered when monitoring training load (playing experience, playing position, playing time, recovery cycle, upcoming opponent level), recovery (playing experience, playing position) and game performance (opponent level, weekly training load, pre-game recovery) in basketball players during the competitive season.

Relationships between Players’ Physical Performance and Small-Sided Game External Responses in a Youth Soccer Training Context

The aim of this study was twofold: 1) To compare players’ physical performance and small-sided game (SSG) external responses among three young soccer age categories (i.e., under 14 (U14), under 16 (U16), and under 18 (U18)); and 2) to examine their relationships among physical performance and SSG external responses in each age category. Players’ physical performance was evaluated via several tests and external responses were collected during a four vs. four plus goalkeepers SSG. Main results showed that while older players presented better linear straight sprinting tests (LSSTs) (U18 and U16 vs. U14, p < 0.01), repeated sprint ability (RSA) (U18 vs. U16 and U14 p < 0.01), and change of direction ability (CODA) (U18 and U16 vs. U14, p < 0.01, ES = 2.34−2.72) performances, these differences were not consistent with their SSG external responses (U16 vs. U14, p < 0.01; U18 vs. U16, p < 0.01). Conversely, higher number of associations between players’ physical performance and SSG external responses were found in younger players in comparison to the older ones. These results suggest that while greater physical performance in younger players (i.e., U14) could allow them to exhibit higher external responses, greater physical performance did not influence older players’ (i.e., U18) SSG external responses.