Effect of formation, ball in play and ball possession on peak demands in elite soccer

Match running performance is influenced by possession and team formation in an English Premier League team

The aim of this study was to examine the possession (very low, low, high, and very high), team formation (3-5-2 and 4-3-3) and position (centre-backs, full-backs, centre midfielders, attacking midfielders, and centre forwards) on match load across two consecutive seasons in elite soccer. Twenty-seven English Premier League outfield players were recruited. Data was monitored through an 18 Hz Global Positioning System and a 25 Hz semi-automated camera tracking system, respectively, and all variables were analysed per minute. Main effects for formation on total distance (TD) (p = 0.006; η 2 = 0.010), high-speed running (HSR) (p = 0.009; η 2 = 0.009), number of high metabolic load (HML) efforts (p = 0.004; η 2 = 0.011) were observed. In addition, there were significant interaction effects with formation × possession on TD (p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.043), HSR (p = 0.006; η 2 = 0.018), sprinting (p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.030), HML efforts (p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.035), accelerations (p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.025). From the position-specific analysis, only the running performance of centre-backs was affected by formation or positional factors. These results indicate that formation and possession can have a significant impact on TD, HSR, and HML distance. Furthermore, players performed more high-intensity efforts in 3-5-2 than 4-3-3 formation. These findings suggest that coaches can evaluate running performance in the context of formation and possession and tailor tactical strategies to optimise physical performance.

Playing position and match location affect the number of high-intensity efforts more than the quality of the opposition in elite football players

This study aimed to examine the impact of playing position (PP), match location (ML), and opposition standard (OS) on team and individual acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DEC) efforts. Fifty professional football players were monitored across 24 English Premier Development League matches during the 2020/21 season. High-intensity ACC and DEC thresholds were set at > +3 m · s-2 and < -3 m · s-2, respectively. Players were divided into five PPs: centre backs (CB; n = 68), full-backs (FB; n = 24), centre midfielders (CM; n = 54), wide midfielders (WM; n = 15), centre forwards (CF; n = 27). Opposition standard was categorised as Top (1st-4th), Middle (5th-9th), and Bottom (9th-13th) based on final league ranking of the study season. Each match location was classified as Home or Away. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a multivariate ANOVA analysed the independent effect of PP, ML and OS on ACC and DEC efforts, and the interaction of all contextual factors, respectively. Acceleration efforts were affected by PP and ML. FB performed 22% more ACC than WM. All players performed 6% more ACC actions during home matches compared to away fixtures. DEC efforts were only affected by PP, with FB and CM executing 26% and 32% greater DEC efforts than CB, respectively. When playing against top or middle teams at home, CB, CM, and CF tended to perform more high-intensity actions than when playing away. In contrast, when playing against top teams at home, FB and WM performed fewer high-intensity actions than when playing away. Playing position and ML affected ACC and DEC actions but not OS.

Summarizing physical performance in professional soccer: development of a new composite index

The aims of this study were to create a composite index to measure the overall players' physical performance in professional soccer matches and analyze the effect of individual playing time and positional differences on this composite index. A total of 830 official matches from LaLiga men's first division and Spanish Copa del Rey were analyzed, which resulted in 24,980 match observations collected from 1138 male players (forwards, n = 286; midfielders, n = 441; defenders, n = 411). The physical performance variables, which represent the locomotor demands, were collected using electronic performance tracking systems. A Partial Least-Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was used to measure performance. The PLS-SEM output had three significant latent components, which explained 95% of the initial variability, that were related to the acceleration-specific performance (component 1), high-intensity running-related variables (component 2), and medium intensity actions variables (component 3). Also, a linear regression analysis was used to explore relationships between playing activity time (hours-X axis) and the composite index (10-point scale-Y axis), in which a strong and positive correlation was observed between individual playing time and the composite index (r = 0.76; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.58). Also, significant positive correlations were observed in forwards (r = 0.85; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.74), midfielders (r = 0.80; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.64), and defenders (r = 0.67; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.45). However, significant differences between playing positions with a small effect size (p < 0.05; eta-squared = 0.01) were found. From a practical perspective, this study may serve as a reference for sports performance practitioners to create a composite index that measures the overall players' physical performance. The instructions to create this index are available in the manuscript.

Assessing the locomotor demands of international men's and women's rugby sevens match-play according to passage of play

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of discrete passages of play on locomotor demands of international men's and women's rugby sevens matches and their relationship with winning or losing. Thirteen men's and thirteen women's international rugby sevens players wore 10 Hz Global Positioning Systems during twelve Tokyo Olympic games matches (966 observations; 507 for men, 459 for women). Discrete ball-in-play periods were categorised as: 'Single-phase defence', 'single-phase attack', 'multi-phase defence', 'multi-phase attack', 'multi-phase defence to attack', or 'multi-phase attack to defence'. Relative total distance, alongside high-speed (>5.0 m∙s-1), acceleration (>3 m∙s-2), and deceleration (>3 m∙s-2) distances were recorded for each passage. Separately for men and women, linear mixed models examined the effect of passage type and match outcome (win or loss) on locomotor demands, whilst controlling for opposition ranking. In men, relative total distance ranged from 137 m∙min-1 to 174 m∙min-1 for 'multi-phase defence to attack' and 'multi-phase attack', respectively. In women, 'multi-phase attack' elicited the lowest relative total distance (118 m∙min-1), whereas the greatest values (186 m∙min-1) were recorded for 'single-phase defence'. For men, there were significant interactions between match outcome and passage type for relative total (p<0.001) and high-speed (p = 0.006) distance. During 'multi-phase attack', relative total distance was greater for wins versus losses (174 vs 138 m.min-1, p = 0.024). However, for 'single-phase defence', relative total distance was lower for wins (128 vs 164 m.min-1, p<0.001). For women, there were significant interactions between match outcome and passage type for relative total (p = 0.036), high-speed (p = 0.003), and deceleration (p = 0.015) distances. Locomotor responses were influenced by passage type and match result for men and women. Knowing the demands of each passage type may inform training drills targeted at developing match-play-specific physical, technical, and tactical adaptations. Understanding how passages differ between matches won and lost could also inform team technical/tactical preparation including selection.

Analysis of peak locomotor demands in women's football-the influence of different epoch lengths

The quantification of peak locomotor demands has been gathering researchers' attention in the past years. Regardless of the different methodological approaches used, the most selected epochs are between 1-, 3-, 5- and 15-minutes time windows. However, the selection of these time frames is frequently arbitrary. The aim of this study was to analyse the peak locomotor demands of short time epochs (15, 30, 45, and 60 seconds) in women's football, with special emphasis over the high-speed metrics. During two seasons, the match physical performance of 100 female football players was collected with Global Positioning System units (STATSports Apex). Peak locomotor demands for the selected variables were calculated by using a 1-second moving average approach. For statistical procedures, linear mixed modelling was used, with total distance, high-speed running distance (>16 km∙h-1), sprint distance (>20 km∙h-1), and acceleration and deceleration distance (±2.26 m∙s-2) considered as the dependent variables and the epoch lengths (15, 30, 45, and 60 seconds) considered as the independent variables. A novel finding was the high ratio observed in the 15 seconds epochs of high-speed running distance and sprint distance (77.6% and 91.3%, respectively). The results show that most peak high-speed demands within 60 seconds are completed within just 15 seconds. Thus, intensity-related variables, such as high-speed metrics, would be better contextualised and adapted into training practices if analysed in shorter epoch lengths (15-30 seconds), while longer periods might be used for volume-related metrics (i.e., total distance), depending on the purpose of the analysis.

Physical match demands across different playing positions during transitional play and high-pressure activities in elite soccer

This study explored physical match demands across different playing positions during transitional play, to inform the need for position-specific training interventions. Data was collected using 10 Hz GPS units from 10 competitive matches including 23 elite soccer players of the 1st Polish Division (Ekstraklasa) in season 2020-21. A total of 4249 positional observations were made; center backs (n = 884), full backs (n = 972), central defensive midfielders (n = 236), central attacking midfielders (n = 270), central midfielders (n = 578), wingers (n = 778), and attackers (n = 531). Match data reflected distances covered per minute (m · min-1): total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD, > 19.8 km · h-1), sprint distance (SD, > 25.2 km · h-1), and the frequency of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (A+D, > 3 m · s-2; n · min-1). Total absolute sprint distance (SD, > 25.2 km · h-1) and total relative sprint distance (Rel B5) were also quantified. A univariate analysis of variance revealed position-specific differences. Significant effects of position were found for all analysed metrics during transitional play (large ESs; p <.001). Central attacking midfielders displayed higher TD (m · min-1), fullbacks covered highest SD (m · min-1) and wingers achieved the highest A+D (n · min-1) (p ≤ 0.05). Centre backs displayed the lowest physical outputs when compared to all other positions, except in A+D (n · min-1) during defensive transitions (p ≤ 0.05). Attackers displayed the highest physical metrics during high pressure activities (p ≤ 0.05). Coaches should carefully consider positional transitional demands to better inform training design. With specific attention paid to drills that replicate game play.

The influence of tactical formation on physical and technical performance across playing positions in the Chinese super league

This study aimed to investigate the impact of tactical formations on the physical and technical performance of professional football players in the Chinese Super League (CSL). A sample of 800 games from the 2015-2021 CSL was analyzed, and players' physical (total distance covered, distance covered while ball in play, number of sprints, sprint distance, and high/middle/low-speed running) and technical (gain/loss of possession, ball retention percentage, challenges, challenge success percentage, passes, and pass success percentage) performance was assessed across six team formations: 3-5-2 (n = 137), 4-3-3 (n = 77), 4-2-3-1 (n = 391), 4-4-2 (n = 257), 3-4-3 (n = 41), and 4-1-4-1 (n = 107). Linear mixed models were used to assess variations in performance indicators across positions and formations. The results demonstrated that central defenders traveled significantly more total and low-speed running distances in the 3-5-2 formation than in the 4-2-3-1 formation (ES range: 0.33-0.34, p < 0.01). Fullbacks in the 3-5-2 formation demonstrated more high-speed running than did those in the 4-4-2 formation (ES = 0.27, p = 0.04). The central midfielders exhibited significantly more sprints and longer sprint distances in the 4-2-3-1 formation than in the 4-4-2 formation (ES range: 0.2-0.24, p < 0.01). Regarding technical performance, central defenders displayed significantly greater ball retention percentages, passes, and pass success rates in the 3-4-3 than in the 3-5-2 formations (ES range: 0.58-0.65, p < 0.01). Moreover, fullbacks and central midfielders executed markedly more passes with superior pass success rates in 4-back formations than in 3-5-2 formations (ES range: 0.2-0.53, p < 0.01). These findings can help coaches and academic staff understand the physical and technical requirements of various positions in various tactical formations, thus optimizing the training process.

Top-class women's soccer performance: peak demands and distribution of the match activities relative to maximal intensities during official matches

The aims of the current study were to determine the most demanding passages of match play (MDP) and the distribution of match activities relative to maximum intensities during official matches in top-class women soccer players. Twenty-eight women players competing in European championship and international UEFA competitions were monitored during 38 official matches (277 individual samples). Maximum relative (m · min-1) total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSRD), very high-speed running (VHSRD), sprint, acceleration and deceleration distances were calculated across different durations (1-5, 10, 15, 90 min) using a rolling average analysis. Maximum intensities (1-minpeak) were used as the reference value to determine the distribution of relative intensity across the whole-match demands (90-minavg). Time and distance higher than 90-minavg (> 90-minavg) were also calculated. MDP showed moderate to very large [effect size (ES): 0.63/5.20] differences between 1-minpeak vs all durations for each parameter. The relative (m · min-1) 1-minpeak was greater than 90-minavg of about +63% for TD, +358% for HSRD, +969% for VHSRD, +2785% for sprint, +1216% for acceleration, and +768% for deceleration. The total distance covered > 90-minavg was ~66.6% of the total distance covered during the 90-minavg for TD, ~84.8% for HSRD, ~97.4% for VHSRD, ~100% for sprint, ~99.1% for acceleration and ~98.2% for deceleration. The relative distance > 90-minavg was higher (P < 0.05) than the 90-minavg for each metric (ES: 2.22 to 7.58; very large). The present results may help coaches and sport scientists to replicate the peak demands during training routine in top-class women soccer players.

Worst Case Scenarios in Soccer Training and Competition: Analysis of Playing Position, Congested Periods, and Substitutes

Aim: To understand mean (WCSmean) and peak (WCSpeak) worst case scenarios within training and game play in male professional soccer. Methods: Thirty-one (n = 31) first team players were monitored across 37 matches and 14 MD-3 sessions. Playing status was distinguished, football drills analyzed, and performance explored in long-period: >6 days, moderate-period: 5-6 days, and congested-period: ≤4 days. Relative total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD, >19.8 km·h-1), sprint distance (SD, >25.2 km·h-1), accelerations/decelerations (A+D, >3 m·s-2), accelerations (Acc, >3 m·s-2), and decelerations (Dec, >-3 m·s-2) were measured as well as Maximum acceleration (Max Acc; m·s-2) and deceleration (Max Dec; m·s-2). Results: Analysis of variance found differences between matches and training in WCSmean for TD, HSRD, SD, and Max Dec in all positions (p < .001; partial η2 > .275). Fullbacks displayed differences between match and training in Max Acc (moderate ESs; p < .001), while center backs and central midfielders in Max Dec (large ESs; p > .05). Main effects of playing status were discovered for all metrics except Max Dec (p < .001; partial η2 > .124). Analysis showed differences between long- and congested-period for A+D and Dec (large ESs; p ≤ .05). Conclusions: Findings provide more insights into short peak intensity demands of soccer showing that the maximum high velocity action of acceleration and deceleration is not being replicated in training. Nonstarters lack maximum intensity exposure in matches (WCSpeak) increasing the gap between training and competition even higher during congested fixture periods.

The effect of team formation on match running performance in UEFA Champions League matches: implications for position-specific conditioning

This study aimed to determine the effect of team formation on position-specific match running performance (MRP) at highest-level football. Players' MRP (n = 226) was observed in four team formations: 3-5-2 (n = 24), 4-4-2 (n = 44), 4-2-3-1 (n = 77) and 4-3-3 (n = 81). Central defenders in the 3-5-2 formation achieved a greater amount of high-intensity running distance than in the 4-3-3 formation (mean difference (MD) [95% confidence interval] = 144 m [12, 267], medium ES). Fullbacks in the 4-4-2 formation covered less total distance than in 3-5-2 (MD = -762 m [-1431, -94], large ES) and 4-2-3-1 (MD = -662 m [-1055, -269], medium ES). Central midfielders' total distance in the 4-4-2 formation was lower than that in the 3-5-2 (MD = -645 m [-79, -1211], medium ES) and 4-3-3 (MD = -656 m [-1181, -132], medium ES) formations. Wide midfielders' walking distance in the 4-4-2 formation was lower than that in the 4-3-3 (MD = -484 m [-742, -226], very large ES) and 4-2-3-1 (MD = -535 m [-789, -282], very large ES) formations. Forwards' high-intensity running in the 4-2-3-1 formation was lower than that in the 4-3-3 (MD = -363 m [-613, -112], large ES) and 4-4-2 (MD = -396 m, [-688, -103], large ES) formations. These findings show that conditioning programs for players on all playing positions should be tailored according to the formations of their teams.                           .

A Narrative Review of the Most Demanding Scenarios in Basketball: Current Trends and Future Directions

Since the analysis of most demanding scenarios (MDS) in basketball has improved the practical knowledge about match demands and possible impacts for the training process, it seems important to summarize the scientific evidence providing useful information and future directions related to MDS. This review assesses the results reflected in the available literature about the MDS in basketball, synthesizing and discussing data from scientific papers, and then providing relevant insights about terminology, sex and sample size, competition category, workload variables recorded, technology used, method of calculation, time windows analyzed, and activities evaluated related to MDS. Therefore, the present narrative review would be of practical use for coaches, scientists, athletes as well as strength and conditioning trainers exploring the current trends and future directions related to MDS in basketball.

Effective playing time affects physical match performance in soccer: An analysis according to playing position

This study aimed to analyse the influence of effective playing time on physical match performance according to playing position in professional soccer. Official match data from 267 matches (3,731 single observations) during the 2018/2019 season of the German Bundesliga were used and the effective playing time (duration of play after subtracting the time taken up by stoppages, substitutions, injuries, and goals) was captured for each match. The physical match performance parameters total distance, high-intensity distance, sprinting distance, maximum velocity, and accelerations were analysed. Players were categorized as central defender, wide defender, central defensive midfielder, central offensive midfielder, wide midfielder, and forward. Effective playing time influenced physical match performance, with total distance and accelerations (r = 0.48-0.61) being the most and high-intensity distance, sprinting distance, and maximum velocity (r = -0.17-0.03) the least affected parameters. Players covered on average 10% more total distance and performed 13% more accelerations, while sprinting 7-10% less in matches with long (> 65 min) compared to short (< 50 min) effective playing times. The influence of effective playing time was rather similar between playing positions. Still, physical performance of wide midfielders and forwards partly deviated from the pattern observed in the other positions. Coaches and practitioners should be aware that effective playing time influences physical match performance in the German Bundesliga, while special attention should be given to wide midfielders and forwards. Effective playing time and its general and position-specific effects should be taken into account when interpreting physical match performance, thereby facilitating load management practices and training design.

Influence of match status and possession status on the physical and technical characteristics of elite youth female soccer match-play

This study compared the influence of match status (drawing, losing, or winning) and possession status (in-possession, out-of-possession, or ball-out-of-play) on the physical and technical characteristics of U14 and U16 elite youth female soccer match-play. Data were collected from 189 female academy players during 45 competitive matches, resulting in 387 match observations. Linear mixed models estimated relative; total distance, high-speed running (≥3.00 m·s-1), very high-speed running (≥4.83 m·s-1), and sprinting (≥5.76 m·s-1) distance according to match status and possession status, and 21 technical variables according to match status. Differences in physical and technical characteristics were observed between and within age-groups, dependent upon match status and possession status. Regardless of match status, both age-groups covered greater distances when the ball was in-play compared to ball-out-of-play (107-130 vs 58-68 m·min-1). U16s covered greater distances when out-of-possession than in-possession, regardless of match status. Whilst U14s covered greater distances out-of-possession when drawing or losing only. Differences in physical and technical characteristics when drawing, losing, or winning, suggest a change in playing style according to match status, likely in an attempt to influence or maintain the score-line. These findings have practical implications for coaching, talent identification and development practices within youth female soccer.

The influence of ball in/out of play and possession in elite soccer: Towards a more valid measure of physical intensity during competitive match-play

The physical demands of soccer match-play have typically been assessed using a low-resolution whole match approach ignoring whether the ball is in or out of play (BIP/BOP) and during these periods which team has possession. This study investigated the effect of fundamental match structure variables (BIP/BOP, in/out of possession) on the physical demands, and especially intensity, of elite match-play. For 1083 matches from a major European league, whole match duration, and player physical tracking data, were divided into BIP/BOP, and in/out of possession periods throughout the match, using on-ball event data. These distinct phases were used to derive absolute (m) and rate (m·min-1) of distance covered in total and within six speed categories during BIP/BOP and in/out possession. The rate of distance covered, an index of physical intensity, was >2-fold greater during BIP vs BOP. Whole match total distance covered was confounded by BIP time and poorly associated with physical intensity during BIP (r = 0.36). Whole match rates of distance covered substantially underestimated those during BIP, particularly for higher running speeds (∼-62%). Ball possession markedly effected physical intensity, with the rates of distance covered running (+31%), at high-speed (+30%) and in total (+7%) greater out than in possession. Whole match physical metrics underestimated the physical intensity during BIP, and thus the rate(s) of distance covered during BIP are recommended for accurate measurement of physical intensity in elite soccer. The greater demands of being out of possession support a possession-based tactical approach to minimise fatigue and its negative consequences.

Technical and locomotor demands in elite soccer: manipulating area per player during small-sided games to replicate official match demands

The present study aimed to investigate the area per player (ApP) to replicate the technical and locomotor match demands using small-sided games (SSGs) in male soccer players (n = 20) competing in major European and UEFA competitions. The relative number of each individual technical activity per minute (number · min-1; technical demands) was counted and the relative (m · min-1) total (TD), high-speed running (HSRD), very high-speed running (VHSRD), sprint and acceleration+deceleration (Acc+Dec) distances were collected during different SSG formats (n = 24; 4 vs 4 to 10 vs 10 with an ApP from 60 to 341 m2 · player-1) and official matches (n = 28). Data were collected during two full seasons. A linear mixed model analysis was used to calculate the individual relationship between technical/locomotor demands and the ApP during SSGs; the correlation coefficient was also calculated. With the exception of an inverse moderate (r = -0.457) correlation for Acc+Dec, each locomotor metric (TD, HSRD, VHSRD and sprint) showed a positive large to very large (r = 0.560 to 0.710) correlation with ApP (P < 0.001). The technical demands showed an inverse moderate correlation (r = -0.529) with ApP. Additionally, inverse moderate to large correlations (r = -0.397 to -0.600; P < 0.05) between the technical demands and the locomotor demands (TD, HSR, VHSR and sprint) were found. Lastly, an ApP of ~243 m2 · player was found to replicate the official match technical demand and it was quite similar to the ApP required to replicate HSRD, VHSRD and sprint. These findings may help practitioners to replicate, overload and underload both technical and locomotor demands using a specific ApP during SSGs in elite soccer.

Running demands and tactical individual actions of wingers appear to depend on the playing formations within an amateur football team

We examine the differences in running performance demands and tactical individual actions for male amateur football wingers in four tactical formations: 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2, 3-5-2 and 3-4-2-1 during an entire season. Running demands were assessed in terms of: total distance run; distance traveled at 3 different speed ranges (Jogging, Running, and Sprinting); and number of accelerations registered in two different magnitude bands (Medium and High) while tactical individual actions were assessed through 3269 team match observations. 3-5-2 formation entails the highest running demands, exhibiting significant disparities in Jogging when compared to 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2, in Sprinting when comparing 4-2-3-1 with both the 3-5-2 and the 3-4-2-1 formations. Moreover, the wingers in the 3-5-2 formation demonstrate the lowest scores in various tactical individual actions, including Shots: 3-5-2 vs. 3-4-2-1; Goal Area Shots: 3-5-2 vs. 3-4-2-1; and Dribbles: 3-5-2 vs. 3-4-2-1. Finally, wingers registered the highest levels of defensive tactical individual actions in 4-4-2 and 3-5-2. Findings suggest it would be of benefit for coaches to focus on formulating specific training plans to address the specific demands placed on wingers playing in these amateur matches and running performance demands and tactical individual actions should be considered together with tactical formation.

Relative Individual Sprint in Most Demanding Passages of Play in Spanish Professional Soccer Matches

(1) Background: The objective of this research was to analyse the most demanding passages (MDP) considering the sprint variable relative to the maximum level of sprint ability of each player as a function of player position, final outcome and part of the match during the competitive phase of a professional soccer season. (2) Methods: Global positioning system (GPS) data were collected from 22 players according to their playing position in the last 19 match days of the Spanish La Liga professional soccer in the 2020/2021 season. MDP were calculated from 80% of the maximum sprint speed of each player. (3) Results: Wide midfielders covered the greatest distance at >80% of the maximum speed (2.4 ± 1.63 seg) and the longest duration (21.91 ± 13.35 m) in their MDP. When the whole team was losing, it demonstrated greater distances (20.23 ± 13.04 m) and longer durations (2.24 ± 1.58 seg) compared to games in which it was winning. When the team ended up drawing, the relative sprint distance covered in the second half was significantly greater than in the first (16.12 ± 21.02; SD = 0.26 ± 0.28 (-0.03/-0.54). (4) Conclusions: Different demands of MDP, according to the sprint variable relative to the maximum individual capacity in competition, are required when contextual game factors are considered.

Peak match acceleration demands differentiate between elite youth and professional football players

Youth footballers need to be developed to meet the technical, tactical, and physical demands of professional level competition, ensuring that the transition between competition levels is successful. To quantify the physical demands, peak match intensities have been measured across football competition tiers, with team formations and tactical approaches shown to influence these physical demands. To date, no research has directly compared the physical demands of elite youth and professional footballers from a single club utilising common formations and tactical approaches. The current study quantified the total match and peak match running demands of youth and professional footballers from a single Australian A-League club. GPS data were collected across a single season from both a professional (n = 19; total observations = 199; mean ± SD; 26.7 ± 4.0 years) and elite youth (n = 21; total observations = 59; 17.9 ± 1.3 years) team. Total match demands and peak match running demands (1-10 min) were quantified for measures of total distance, high-speed distance [>19.8 km·h-1] and average acceleration. Linear mixed models and effect sizes identified differences between competition levels. No differences existed between competition levels for any total match physical performance metric. Peak total and high-speed distances demands were similar between competitions for all moving average durations. Interestingly, peak average acceleration demands were lower (SMD = 0.63-0.69) in the youth players across all moving average durations. The data suggest that the development of acceleration and repeat effort capacities is crucial in youth players for them to transition into professional competition.

When do soccer players experience the most demanding passages of match play? A longitudinal study in a professional team

This study analysed the periods in which the most demanding passages (MDP) of play occurred during professional soccer matches, considering different criterion variables and investigating the effect that the playing position had on the MDP-of-play occurrence for each criterion variable. The MDP of play were calculated based on five criterion variables: distance covered (DIS), sprinting distance (SPD), high-metabolic load distance (HMLD), and the total of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (ACC_HIGH and DEC_HIGH). The results showed that the first period of the match (0'-15') was the interval with the highest frequency (i.e., the greatest % of cases) in which the players achieved the MDP of play for all the variables (DIS= 38.9%; SPD= 28.4%; HMLD= 37.7%; ACC_HIGH= 54.3%; DEC_HIGH= 48.8%). The playing position had no significant effect on MDP-of-play occurrence in any variable (likelihood ratio, LR= 15.88-32.05; p > 0.05; effect size, ES= 0.01-0.04), except for the DIS covered (LR= 32.05; p= 0.04; ES= 0.05), in which the most frequent MDP for the full backs occurred within the second period of the match (15'-30'). In conclusion, the first periods of the matches usually elicited the MDP of play and these periods need to be trained to prevent injuries and optimize performance.

Validity and reliability of the physiological and perceptual responses elicited during a novel treadmill-based Soccer Referee Simulation (SRS)

Purpose

This study explored the validity and reliability of the physiological and perceptual responses elicited during a novel treadmill-based Soccer Referee Simulation (SRS).

Methods

Following the collection of baseline measures and habituation procedures, eight sub-elite soccer referees completed a single trial of the SRS whereby measures of heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (V̇O2), blood lactate concentrations ([La−]b), and differential ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained. Referees’ HR responses were also monitored during a series of competitive matches (5 match observations per referee). For the reliability aspect of the investigation, eight well-trained males with soccer playing experience and a comparable physiological profile were initially habituated, and thereafter completed three separate trials of the SRS during which the reliability of the selected outcome variables were ascertained. Trials were separated by 3–7 days and performed under standardised conditions.

Results

No differences were evidenced between the SRS and match play in relation to measures of mean HR (P = 0.444; ES = 0.29), peak HR (P = 0.074; ES = 0.74), or HR-based training impulse (P = 0.498; ES = 0.25). Additionally, no systematic differences were detected between reliability trials for any of the measured outcome variables (P ≥ 0.293), whilst good levels of reliability were observed for measures of mean HR (ICC = 0.94; CV = 3.1%), peak HR (ICC = 0.93; CV = 2.2%), HR-based training impulse (ICC = 0.95; CV = 10.0%), mean V̇O2 (ICC = 0.95; CV = 2.6%); [La−]b (ICC ≥ 0.89; CV ≤ 11.5%), and differential RPE (ICC ≥ 0.94; CV ≤ 15.1%).

Conclusion

The SRS represents a valid and reliable protocol that closely replicates the physiological and decision-making demands of soccer refereeing.

Linear advancing actions followed by deceleration and turn are the most common movements preceding goals in male professional soccer

Data were collected through time-motion analysis from soccer players participating in the English Premier League using a modified version of the Bloomfield Movement Classification with differences analysed through chi-square.The most common individual movement preceding a goal was a linear advancing motion (32.4 ± 1%), followed by deceleration (20.2 ± 0.9%) and turn (19.8 ± 0.9%). Actions also involved were change in angle run (cut and arc run), ball blocking, lateral advancing motion (crossover and shuffle) and jumps. Although players followed similar trends, there were dissimilarities based on the role, with attackers (assistant and scorer) performing more linear actions, subtle turns and cuts and defenders (defender of assistant and defender of scorer) more ball blockings, lateral movements and arc runs. In 82.9 ± 1.5% of player involvements, there was at least one high intensity (HI) movement with assistant showing the lowest percentage and defender of scorer the highest.This study shows the multidirectional nature and context specificity of soccer during goal scoring situations, with linear actions such as sprints being the most common movements, followed by decelerations and turns. Moreover, it highlights the recurrent application of these at HI, and so, training strategies should prioritize the development of player's explosiveness.

Small-Sided Games in Elite Football: Practical Solutions to Replicate the 4-min Match-Derived Maximal Intensities

ABSTRACT

Riboli, A, Esposito, F, and Coratella, G. Small-sided games in elite football: practical solutions to replicate the 4-min match-derived maximal intensities. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 366-374, 2023-The purpose of the study was to determine the area per player (ApP, m 2 ·player -1 ) to replicate the maximal 4-min match-play period (4-min Peak ) using small-sided or large-sided games (SSGs) lasting the same duration in elite football players. Twenty players (age: 26 ± 5 years) competing in European championship and international UEFA competitions were monitored during SSGs with (SSG with ) or without (SSG without ) goalkeepers, both lasting 4-min. A total of 1,724 and 561 individual observations for SSG with and SSG without across 99 and 34 different SSGs formats were undertaken. Whole (90-min avg ) and 4-min Peak match demands were calculated. Relative (m·min -1 ) total, high-speed (HSRD), very high-speed (VHSRD), sprint, and acceleration/deceleration distance were collected. For both SSG with and SSG without , ApP was small -to- very-largely correlated with TD, HSRD, VHSRD, and sprint, whereas an inverse trivial -to- small correlation with acceleration/deceleration was found. In SSG with , the ApP to replicate 4-min Peak was larger ( p < 0.001, effect size [ES]: 0.33-5.80) than that to mimic 90-min avg for total distance, HSRD, VHSRD, and sprint, whereas for acceleration/deceleration the ApP was lower ( p < 0.001, ES: -3.13 to 0.48) for 4-min Peak . In SSG without , the ApP to replicate 4-min Peak was larger ( p < 0.001, ES: 0.04-3.72) than that to mimic 90-min avg for HSRD, VHSRD, and sprint. Some positional differences ( p < 0.05, ES: 0.22-1.10) in ApP were found. The ApP to replicate 4-min Peak was higher for SSG with than SSG without ( p < 0.001, ES: 0.67-3.58). These findings may help practitioners to recreate the 4-min Peak to manage ApP during SSGs in elite football.

The Relationship Among Acceleration, Deceleration and Changes of Direction in Repeated Small Sided Games

The change of direction (COD) ability is perhaps the most significant fitness component in team sport games. One of the best ways to develop COD as well as other components of the game in soccer is the regular inclusion of small sided games (SSGs) in the training process. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine changes in physiological and kinematic variables in repeated SSGs in youth soccer players. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between selected IMA variables such as acceleration, deceleration and changes of direction. Participants included sixteen U17 soccer players from a 2^nd league professional team with a high aerobic capacity. The study design involved six 3-min 4 × 4 SSGs with goalkeepers and with a 3-min rest interval between games, during two training sessions played on a field of 25 x 35 m. The results showed that the intervention protocol consisting of repeated SSGs generated an intensity below the anaerobic threshold. This allowed for the maintenance of all variables (Heart Rate, Total Distance Covered, Velocity, Acceleration, Deceleration, Change of Direction) at a similar level throughout the subsequent six SSGs. The analysis revealed that in the six SSGs, players performed the most Acc and Dec, then COD Right and the least COD Left. From the third game on, a decrease in the number of COD Right was noticed. We hypothesized that progressive neuromuscular fatigue on the dominant side caused a more symmetrical trend in COD.

Positional and temporal differences in peak match running demands of elite football

Temporal changes in the total running demands of professional football competition have been well documented, with absolute running demands decreasing in the second half. However, it is unclear whether the peak match running demands demonstrate a similar decline. A total of 508 GPS files were collected from 44 players, across 68 matches of the Australian A-League. GPS files were split into the 1^st and 2^nd half, with the peak running demands of each half quantified across 10 moving average durations (1-10 min) for three measures of running performance (total distance, high-speed distance [> 19.8 km · h^-1] and average acceleration). Players were categorised based on positional groups: attacking midfielder (AM), central defender (CD), defensive midfielder (DM), striker (STR), wide defender (WD) and winger (WNG). Linear mixed models and effect sizes were used to identify differences between positional groups and halves. Peak running demands were lower in the second half for STR across all three reported metrics (ES = 0.60-0.84), with peak average acceleration lower in the second half for DM, WD and WNG (ES = 0.60-0.70). Irrespective of match half, AM covered greater peak total distances than CD, STR, WD and WIN (ES = 0.60-2.08). Peak high-speed distances were greater across both halves for WIN than CD, DM and STR (ES = 0.78-1.61). Finally, STR had lower peak average acceleration than all positional groups across both halves (ES = 0.60-1.12). These results may help evaluate implemented strategies that attempt to mitigate reductions in second half running performance and inform position specific training practices.

Congested Period in Professional Youth Soccer Players Showed a Different High Decelerations Profile in the Group Performance and a Specific Positional Behaviour

Present soccer demands are increasing in terms of running requirements and the number of matches until youth soccer players experience several periods of fixture congestion during the season. Currently, congested periods have not been extensively studied in this population. For this reason, this study aimed to compare the running demands of professional youth soccer players in congested periods according to their specific playing positions. Twenty youth players were grouped according to their position: Central Defenders (CD), Fullbacks (FB), Midfielders (MF), Wide Midfielders (WM) and Strikers (ST). A GPS system was used to monitor the players during the first (M1), second (M2) and third (M3) matches played during a congested period, measuring their total distance covered (TDC), DC 18.0−20.9 km·h−1, DC 21.0−23.9 km·h−1, DC > 24.0 km·h−1, number of high accelerations (>2.5 m·s−2), number of high decelerations (<2.5 m·s−2) and peak speed (km·h−1). M1, M2 and M3 showed the same TDC, DC 18.0−20.9 km·h−1, DC 21.0−23.9 km·h−1, DC > 24.0 km·h−1, number of high accelerations, and peak speed (p > 0.05). The statistical analysis showed significant differences between M1, M2 and M3 in the decelerations recorded between M1 and M3 (p < 0.05). Likewise, each position showed specific behaviours during the congested period, with all showing at least one difference in DC 18.0−20.9 km·h−1, 21.0−23.9 km·h−1 or >24.0 km·h−1 between M1, M2 and M3 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, coaches should pay attention to the fatigue produced by the number of high decelerations. Secondly, an individualized training protocol should be considered according to the running requirements of each position when youth professional soccer players are involved in a congested period.

The Maximal Intensity Period: Rationalising its Use in Team Sports Practice

Quantifying the highest intensity of competition (the maximal intensity period [MIP]) for varying durations in team sports has been used to identify training targets to inform the preparation of players. However, its usefulness has recently been questioned since it may still underestimate the training intensity required to produce specific physiological adaptations. Within this conceptual review, we aimed to: (i) describe the methods used to determine the MIP; (ii) compare the data obtained using MIP or whole-match analysis, considering the influence of different contextual factors; (iii) rationalise the use of the MIP in team sports practice and (iv) provide limitations and future directions in the area. Different methods are used to determine the MIP, with MIP values far greater than those derived from averaging across the whole match, although they could be affected by contextual factors that should be considered in practice. Additionally, while the MIP might be utilised during sport-specific drills, it is inappropriate to inform the intensity of interval-based, repeated sprint and linear speed training modes. Lastly, MIP does not consider any variable of internal load, a major limitation when informing training practice. In conclusion, practitioners should be aware of the potential use or misuse of the MIP.

Relationship Between Training Workloads, Match Workloads, and Match Performance in Elite Netball

PURPOSE

This study examined the relationships between training workloads, game workloads, and match performance in an elite netball team.

METHODS

Ten elite female netball athletes were monitored over a complete season. Training and game external workloads were determined through inertial movement units and expressed as absolute PlayerLoad (PL) and change of direction (COD). Monthly workload and training efficiency index were also calculated, which used internal workloads (session rating of perceived exertion and summated heart-rate zones). Game performance was assessed through a performance analysis statistic algorithm called NetPoints. To account for the influence of team game workloads on each other, the average workload for midcourt positions (avgMC) was calculated for each game. Data for each athlete were transformed into z scores, and linear mixed modeling was used to build models to examine the relationships between workloads and game performance.

RESULTS

Monthly PL, training efficiency index PL, and avgMC PL were statistically significant (P < .05) and positively related to game PL (z = 0.20-0.35, P < .001-.02). For game COD, statistically significant positive relationships were found between monthly COD (z = 0.29 [0.11], P = .01) and avgMC COD (z = 0.21 [0.09], P = .03). The models for NetPoints found significant negative relationships with monthly PL (z = 0.46 [0.12], P < .001) and COD (z = -0.36 [0.11], P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher monthly workloads are related to higher game workload; however, they are also related to decreases in match performance. Therefore, netball practitioners should consider that increases to training workload in a 4-week period prior to a game can influence game workloads and performance.

Physical Performance Indicators and Team Success in the German Soccer League

The aims of this study were (1) to determine the match running performance required by different teams based on their final ranking position and (2) to analyze the association between match running performance variables and team success at the end of the season. A total of 1,224 match observations from professional soccer teams competing during two consecutive seasons in the German Bundesliga were analyzed. In addition, the final league ranking position and the total of points obtained by each team at the end of the season were registered for the analysis of the association between team success and match running performance. The main findings were that high ranked teams covered the greatest total distance with ball possession, sprinting distance with ball possession, and completed the greatest number of sprinting actions with ball possession and maximal velocity. Moreover, total distance covered with possession of the ball and maximal velocity were the most important variables to predict the total of points obtained at the end of the season. Specifically, the relative contribution of total distance covered with ball possession to the total of points obtained was greater than maximal velocity. Training programs for professional soccer players should be focused on improving the sprint capacity and running with possession of the ball (e.g., transitional tasks and small-sided games). Moreover, this has implications for injury prevention, physical, psychological, and technical-tactical training since today’s soccer requires players to engage in repeated high-intensity actions, reach maximum speeds above 9 m/s, and develop technical-tactical coordination when running with the ball.

Observed heterogeneity in players' football performance analysis using PLS-PM

Nowadays, data science is applied in several areas of daily life. There have been many applications to sports. In this context, the attention will be focused on football (i.e. 'soccer' for Americans): the making of strategic choices, whether by the scouting department of the football club, or the technical staff, up to the management, is crucial. It has been measured and monitored football players' performance in the season 2018/2019, for the top five European Leagues, using data provided by Electronic Arts (EA) experts and available on the Kaggle data science platform. For this purpose, with the help of football experts, a third-order partial least-squares path model (PLS-PM) approach was adopted to the sofifa key performance indices in order to compute a composite indicator differentiated by role and compare it with the well-known overall indicator from EA Sports. It has been taken into account players' observed heterogeneity (i.e. roles and leagues), since often experts refer to differences in these features, and so the objective is to verify their importance scientifically. The results are very consistent with this because they underline how some sub-areas of performance have different significance weights depending on the role.

A systematic review of match-play characteristics in women's soccer

This review aimed to (1) systematically review the scientific literature evaluating the match-play characteristics of women's soccer, (2) determine the methods adopted to quantify match-play characteristics of women's soccer, and (3) present the physical, technical and tactical characteristics of women's soccer match-play across age-groups, playing standards and playing positions. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted in May 2021; keywords relating to the population, soccer and match-play characteristics were used. Studies which quantified physical, technical or tactical performance of women's soccer players during match-play were included. Excluded studies included adapted match-play formats and training studies. Sixty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria. Studies predominantly quantified match-play characteristics of senior international (n = 27) and domestic (n = 30) women's soccer match-play, with only seven studies reporting youth match-play characteristics. Physical (n = 47), technical (n = 26) and tactical characteristics (n = 2) were reported as whole-match (n = 65), half-match (n = 21), segmental (n = 17) or peak (n = 8) characteristics. Beyond age-groups, playing standard, and playing position, fourteen studies quantified the impact of contextual factors, such as environment or match outcome, on match-play characteristics. Distance was the most commonly reported variable (n = 43), as outfield women's soccer players covered a total distance of 5480-11160 m during match-play. This systematic review highlights that physical match-performance increases between age-groups and playing standards, and differs between playing positions. However, further research is warranted to understand potential differences in technical and tactical match-performance. Coaches and practitioners can use the evidence presented within this review to inform population-specific practices, however, they should be mindful of important methodological limitations within the literature (e.g. inconsistent velocity and acceleration/deceleration thresholds). Future research should attempt to integrate physical, technical and tactical characteristics as opposed to quantifying characteristics in isolation, to gain a deeper and more holistic insight into match-performance.

Acceleration and deceleration demands during training sessions in football: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The aim of this review is to summarize the current scientific knowledge about acceleration and deceleration demands during football training.

METHODS

A systematic search of three electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) was performed to identify peer-reviewed relevant English-language articles, following PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

All acceleration and deceleration data were analyzed and organized into four categories: i) training drills variables (i.e. manipulated drills variables such as number of players in small-sided games), ii) training exercises (i.e. different drills such small games or circuit training), iii) players' positions (i.e. demands for each playing position) and iv) training schedule (i.e. training sessions presented as microcycles, season sections or full season). Full-text articles of 42 studies were included in the final analysis. Players' level included: amateur, youth, semi-professional, professional and elite players. All playing positions were considered, including goalkeepers. Six different global position systems brands were used, with the majority measuring data at 10 Hz. Different thresholds and intensities were used in several papers. Lower acceleration and deceleration intensities occurred more often than higher intensities in all four categories.

CONCLUSION

Different exercises elicit different demands and small-sided games presented higher acceleration and deceleration demands than circuit training and other running based drills. Furthermore, manipulating drills variables, as reducing or increasing number of players in small-sided games increase or decrease demands, respectively. Additionally, wide playing positions, such as fullbacks, are generally exposed to higher acceleration and deceleration demands. From a planning point of view, acceleration and deceleration demands decrease as match day approaches.

Analysis of professional soccer players in competitive match play based on submaximum intensity periods

The main objective of this study is to analyse sub-maximum intensity periods (SubMIP's) manifested by professional soccer players during official matches (number of events and time spent in each event), according to the player position, match halve and match, and also to group the players according to their SubMip values during the competition.

Methods

We collected a total of 247 individual records of 14 players using Global Positioning System (GPS) during 15 official league matches (Azerbaijan Premier League 2019-2020). We calculated both the number of SubMIPs events and the time each player spent in the SubMIPs zone (threshold of 85% MIP). We analysed the possible independence of the variables with the Kruskal-Wallis test and the possible specific relationships between the groups using a post-hoc analysis with Dunn's test. In order to explore the possible distribution of physical demands in homogeneous groups, a cluster analysis was performed.

Results

The statistical analysis showed significant differences between the individual variables in the number of events and in the time spent by the player above the threshold in distance covered at speed >19.8 km/h (HSR), distance covered at speed >25.2 km/h (Sprint), acceleration density (AccDens), mean metabolic power (MetPow), metres per minute (Mmin) and high metabolic load distance >25.5 W/kg (HMLD). Differences were also found according to the playing position in MetPow, Mmin and between halves in AccDens, MetPow, Mmin. In the clustering based on the time spent by the player in SubMIPs, three main groups were described: (1) the centroid was located in lower values in each of the variables; (2) there were an accentuation of the AccDens variable; (3) all the variables, except AccDens, were accentuated.

Conclusions

The main differences with regard to SubMIPs were related to the player's individual physical performance and not to position. However, the player's position could act as an attractor and show significant differences during matches.

Physical Activity of the Right- and Left-Footed Professional Soccer Players from Symmetrical Defensive Positions

The main purpose of this study was to compare the physical match performance of right- and left-footed external defenders during official matches of Polish Ekstraklasa. The sample comprised 991 individual observations from 296 matches during the 2019/2020 season. Variables such as total distance, distance covered in high-speed running and sprinting, and number of high-intensity runs were analysed. Additionally, the data were presented in relation to match duration and effective playing time. Right external defenders (right ED) covered significantly longer total distance (p < 0.001, 1.5%), high-speed running distance (p < 0.001, 5.6%) and sprinting distance (p < 0.001, 11.4%) compared to left external defenders (left ED). The number of high-intensity runs was greater for right RD as well (p < 0.001, 6.4%). Physical match activity for left ED who are left-footed was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in comparison with right-footed left ED. The number of offensive actions played on the right side of the pitch was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than those performed on the left side. Players whose dominant foot is in accordance with the side of the pitch cover longer distances during the match. Moreover, the number of offensive actions played through the wings could affect the physical performance of external defenders.

A Comparison of Match Demands Using Ball-in-Play versus Whole Match Data in Professional Soccer Players of the English Championship

This is the first study to report the whole match, ball-in-play (BiP), ball-out-of-play (BoP), and Max BiP (worst case scenario phases of play) demands of professional soccer players competing in the English Championship. Effective playing time per soccer game is typically <60 min. When the ball is out of play, players spend time repositioning themselves, which is likely less physically demanding. Consequently, reporting whole match demands may under-report the physical requirements of soccer players. Twenty professional soccer players, categorized by position (defenders, midfielders, and forwards), participated in this study. A repeated measures design was used to collect Global Positioning System (GPS) data over eight professional soccer matches in the English Championship. Data were divided into whole match and BiP data, and BiP data were further sub-divided into different time points (30-60 s, 60-90 s, and >90 s), providing peak match demands. Whole match demands recorded were compared to BiP and Max BiP, with BiP data excluding all match stoppages, providing a more precise analysis of match demands. Whole match metrics were significantly lower than BiP metrics (p < 0.05), and Max BiP for 30-60 s was significantly higher than periods between 60-90 s and >90 s. No significant differences were found between positions. BiP analysis allows for a more accurate representation of the game and physical demands imposed on professional soccer players. Through having a clearer understanding of maximum game demands in professional soccer, practitioners can design more specific training methods to better prepare players for worst case scenario passages of play.

The distribution of match activities relative to the maximal intensities in elite soccer players: implications for practice

To determine the distribution of match-activities relative to maximum-intensities during official match in elite soccer players. One hundred and forty-eight Italian Serie A soccer players were monitored during 46 official matches (680 individual-samples). Total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), very high-speed running (VHSR), sprint, acceleration and deceleration were calculated. Maximum-intensities (1-min_peak) were used as the reference value to determine the distribution of relative intensity across the whole-match demands (90-min_avg). Time and distance higher than 90-min_avg (>90-min_avg) were also calculated. The relative (m·min^-1) 90-min_avg vs1-min_peak was 59.6(4.4)% for TD, 26.2(4.4)% for HSR, 16.0(3.5)% for VHSR, 9.3(2.3)% for sprint, 19.2(4.6)% for acceleration and 15.4(5.2)% for deceleration. Total distance covered >90-min_avg was ~61.4(5.0)% for TD, ~68.6(1.9)% for HSR, ~80.2(1.3)% for VHSR, ~95.7(0.4)% for sprint, ~75.5(1.3)% for acceleration and ~64.0(2.6)% for deceleration. With the exception of small [ES: 0.50 (0.26 to 0.73)] difference for acceleration, the relative distance >90-min_avg was largely to very largely (ES: 1.64 to 7.78) higher (P< 0.05) than the 90-min_avg for each metric. While no between-position difference (P> 0.05) was found for total minutes >90-min_avg, between-position differences (P< 0.05) for the total distance >90-min_avg were retrieved across each metric. The distribution of the activities relative to maximal intensities could assist coaches for soccer training prescriptions.

Position Specific Running Performances in Professional Football (Soccer): Influence of Different Tactical Formations

Running performances (RPs) are known to be important parameters of success in football (soccer), but there is a lack of studies where RPs are contextualized regarding applied tactical solutions. This study aims to quantify and analyze the differences in position-specific RPs in professional football, when games are played with three defensive players (3DP) and four defensive players (4DP). The participants here include professional football players (M ± SD, age 23.57 ± 2.84 years, body height 181.9 ± 5.17 cm, body mass 78.36 ± 4.18 kg) playing at the highest competitive level in Croatia. RPs were measured by global positioning system and classified into four groups based on playing positions: central defenders (CD; n = 47), wide defenders (WD; n = 24), midfielders (MF; n = 48), or forwards (FW; n = 19). Analysis of variance and discriminant canonical analysis are used to identify differences between 3DP and 4DP tactical solutions in terms of the RPs for each playing position. The number of accelerations and decelerations most significantly contributed to the differentiation of 3DP and 4DP among MFs (Wilks λ = 0.31, p < 0.001), with higher occurrences with 3DP. For CDs, total distance, and high-intensity running were higher in 3DP (Wilks λ = 0.66, p < 0.001). No multivariate differences were found for FW and WD players in terms of the RPs between 3DP and 4DP tactical formations. The characteristics and differences shown in this study may provide useful information for coaching staff regarding changing in-season tactical formations. Additionally, the results are useful for optimizing training programs for football players with different playing positions. When changing from 4DP to 3DP tactical formations, WDs training programs should include more of high-intensity running, while MFs training programs should be more based on short intensity activities (accelerations and decelerations).

Kinematic Analysis of the Postural Demands in Professional Soccer Match Play Using Inertial Measurement Units

The development of wearable sensors has allowed the analysis of trunk kinematics in match play, which is necessary for a better understanding of the postural demands of the players. The aims of this study were to analyze the postural demands of professional soccer players by playing position. A longitudinal study for 13 consecutive microcycles, which included one match per microcycle, was conducted. Wearable sensors with inertial measurement units were used to collect the percentage (%) of playing time spent and G-forces experienced in different trunk inclinations and the inclination required for different speeds thresholds. The inclination zone had a significant effect on the time percentage spent on each zone (p < 0.001, partial eta-squared (ηp2 = 0.85) and the G-forces experienced by the players (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.24). Additionally, a significant effect of the speed variable on the trunk inclination zones was found, since trunk flexion increased with greater speeds (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.73), except for midfielders. The players spent most of the time in trunk flexion between 20° and 40°; the greatest G-forces were observed in trunk extension zones between 0° and 30°, and a linear relationship between trunk inclination and speed was found. This study presents a new approach for the analysis of players' performance. Given the large volumes of trunk flexion and the interaction of playing position, coaches are recommended to incorporate position-specific training drills aimed to properly prepare the players for the perception-action demands (i.e., visual exploration and decision-making) of the match, as well as trunk strength exercises and other compensatory strategies before and after the match.

Effect of Playing Position, Match Half, and Match Day on the Trunk Inclination, G-Forces, and Locomotor Efficiency Experienced by Elite Soccer Players in Match Play

The rapid growth of wearable sensors has allowed the analysis of trunk kinematics during the match, which is necessary for having a better understanding of the postural demands of soccer players. However, some contextual variables may have an impact on the physical demands of the players. This study aimed to analyze the effect of three contextual variables (playing position, match half, and match day) on the sagittal trunk inclination, G-forces, and locomotor efficiency experienced by soccer players in match play. Then, wearable sensors were used to collect the trunk kinematics during 13 matches. Firstly, positional differences were found on the trunk inclination (p = 0.01) and the G-forces experienced by the players (p < 0.001). For example, the greatest and lowest trunk inclination was found for FW (~34.01°) and FB (~28.85°) while the greatest and lowest G-forces were found for WMF (1.16 G) and CD (1.12 G), respectively. However, there were no positional differences in the locomotor efficiency (p = 0.10). Secondly, the match half had a significant effect on the trunk inclination (p = 0.01) and the G-forces experienced by the players (p < 0.001) with significantly lower values observed during the second half. No differences between halves were found on the locomotor efficiency for any playing position (p = 0.41). Finally, no significant effect of match day on any variable was observed. This investigation is one of the first steps towards enhancing the understanding of trunk kinematics from elite soccer players. The positional differences found on the trunk inclination and G-forces imply that the development of position-specific training drills considering the postural demands is necessary to prepare the players not only for the physical demands but also for successful performance in the field of regard. The resistance to fatigue needs to be trained given the differences between halves.