Physical performance analysis of elite soccer players during the extra-time periods of the 2016 UEFA Euro Championship

Background: Despite the importance of extra-time in determining success in the knockout stages of soccer tournaments, there remains scant information on the physical demands of extra time on elite players. Methods: This study investigated the physical performance profiles of all soccer players (N=59) who completed four matches that went to extra time at the 2016 UEFA Euro Championship. Players were categorised as follows: central defenders (CDs), wide defenders (WDs), central midfielders (CMs), wide midfielders (WMs), and attackers (ATs). Match activities were captured using a validated camera tracking system (InStat®). Results: The findings showed that total distances covered by players during matches consistently decreased by 13% from the first half of the game (112.79±10.17 m) to extra time (103.17±6.39 m). The reduction of the total distance covered, especially in high-intensity running (i.e., high-speed running and sprinting), was more apparent in ATs than players in other positions. Conclusion: Intervention strategies needed to sustain soccer players’ physical performance during extra-time periods and of post-match recovery modalities warrant further investigation.

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Physical performance analysis of elite soccer players during the extra-time periods of the 2016 UEFA Euro Championship

South African Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.17159/2078-516x/2018/v30i1a4842 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

pp. 1-3 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

A Kubayi ◽

A Toriola

Keyword(s):

Performance Analysis ◽

Physical Performance ◽

High Speed ◽

Tracking System ◽

Intervention Strategies ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Camera Tracking ◽

Extra Time ◽

Performance Profiles ◽

Time Periods

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High Speed Running and Sprinting Profiles of Elite Soccer Players

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/hukin-2017-0086 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 169-176 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Javier Miñano-Espin ◽

Luis Casáis ◽

Carlos Lago-Peñas ◽

Miguel Ángel Gómez-Ruano

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

High Intensity ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

High Speed ◽

Tracking System ◽

Camera Tracking ◽

The Real ◽

Multiple Camera ◽

Repeated Measures Analysis

AbstractReal Madrid was named as the best club of the 20th century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. The aim of this study was to compare if players from Real Madrid covered shorter distances than players from the opposing team. One hundred and forty-nine matches including league, cup and UEFA Champions League matches played by the Real Madrid were monitored during the 2001-2002 to the 2006-2007 seasons. Data from both teams (Real Madrid and the opponent) were recorded. Altogether, 2082 physical performance profiles were examined, 1052 from the Real Madrid and 1031 from the opposing team (Central Defenders (CD) = 536, External Defenders (ED) = 491, Central Midfielders (CM) = 544, External Midfielders (EM) = 233, and Forwards (F) = 278). Match performance data were collected using a computerized multiple-camera tracking system (Amisco Pro®, Nice, France). A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for distances covered at different intensities (sprinting (>24.0 km/h) and high-speed running (21.1-24.0 km/h) and the number of sprints (21.1-24.0 km/h and >24.0 km/h) during games for each player sectioned under their positional roles. Players from Real Madrid covered shorter distances in high-speed running and sprint than players from the opposing team (p < 0.01). While ED did not show differences in their physical performance, CD (p < 0.05), CM (p < 0.01), EM (p < 0.01) and F (p > 0.01) from Real Madrid covered shorter distances in high-intensity running and sprint and performed less sprints than their counterparts. Finally, no differences were found in the high-intensity running and sprint distances performed by players from Real Madrid depending on the quality of the opposition.

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Evaluation of match-running distances covered by soccer players during the UEFA EURO 2016

South African Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.17159/2078-516x/2019/v31i1a6127 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

A Kubayi

Keyword(s):

High Speed ◽

Tracking System ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Limited Information ◽

Camera Tracking ◽

Multiple Camera ◽

Shortest Distance ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Successful Team ◽

European Football

Background: Despite a substantial body of literature on match-running distances covered by soccer players in domestic leagues, there appears to be limited information on the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Euro competitions. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the match-running distances covered by soccer players during the UEFA Euro 2016. Methods: A multiple-camera tracking system (InStat Ltd) was used to analyse 228 observations of soccer players who played 15 full matches during the tournament. The outfield players were categorised according to the following playing positions: central defenders (CDs), n=58; wide defenders (WDs), n=45; central midfielders (CMs), n=53, wide midfielders (WMs), n=38; and attackers (ATs), n=34. Data were reported as means with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was undertaken to examine the significant differences among players based on playing positions. Results: The results indicated that the overall total distance covered by players was 10 350 m, ranging from 8 446 m to 12 982 m. ATs covered the longest distance in high-speed running (872 m; 95% CI = 813–931), while CDs covered the shortest distance (542 m; 95% CI = 503–581). A statistically significant difference was observed in high-speed running among players (F (4 223) = 36.92, P=0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study provide soccer scientists and coaches with important information to design and implement training sessions in order to elucidate the physical demands of players in view of successful team performance.

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Do elite soccer players cover longer distance when losing? Differences between attackers and defenders

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching ◽

10.1177/1747954120982270 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 174795412098227

Author(s):

Carlos Lago-Peñas ◽

Anton Kalén ◽

Miguel Lorenzo-Martinez ◽

Roberto López-Del Campo ◽

Ricardo Resta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

High Speed ◽

Large Scale ◽

Tracking System ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Running Performance ◽

Situational Variables ◽

Total Distance ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Score Line

This study aimed to evaluate the effects playing position, match location (home or away), quality of opposition (strong or weak), effective playing time (total time minus stoppages), and score-line on physical match performance in professional soccer players using a large-scale analysis. A total of 10,739 individual match observations of outfield players competing in the Spanish La Liga during the 2018–2019 season were recorded using a computerized tracking system (TRACAB, Chyronhego, New York, USA). The players were classified into five positions (central defenders, players = 94; external defenders, players = 82; central midfielders, players = 101; external midfielders, players = 72; and forwards, players = 67) and the following match running performance categories were considered: total distance covered, low-speed running (LSR) distance (0–14 km · h−1), medium-speed running (MSR) distance (14–21 km · h−1), high-speed running (HSR) distance (>21 km · h−1), very HSR (VHSR) distance (21–24 km · h−1), sprint distance (>24 km · h−1) Overall, match running performance was highly dependent on situational variables, especially the score-line condition (winning, drawing, losing). Moreover, the score-line affected players running performance differently depending on their playing position. Losing status increased the total distance and the distance covered at MSR, HSR, VHSR and Sprint by defenders, while attacking players showed the opposite trend. These findings may help coaches and managers to better understand the effects of situational variables on physical performance in La Liga and could be used to develop a model for predicting the physical activity profile in competition.

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Validation of a Video-Based Performance Analysis System (Mediacoach®) to Analyze the Physical Demands during Matches in LaLiga

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s19194113 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (19) ◽

pp. 4113 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Jose Luis Felipe ◽

Jorge Garcia-Unanue ◽

David Viejo-Romero ◽

Archit Navandar ◽

Javier Sánchez-Sánchez

Keyword(s):

Performance Analysis ◽

Real Time ◽

Tracking System ◽

Maximum Speed ◽

Camera Tracking ◽

Total Distance ◽

Maximum Bias ◽

The Difference ◽

Analysis System ◽

Gps System

The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of a multi-camera tracking system (Mediacoach®) to track elite football players’ movements in real time. A total of 207 observations of 38 official matches from Liga 1, 2, 3™ (2nd Spanish Division, season 2017/18) were included in the study (88 defenders, 84 midfielders, and 35 attackers of the same team). Total distance (TD, m) distance in zone 4 (DZ4) at a speed of 14–21 km/h, distance in zone 5 (DZ5) at a speed of 21–24 km/h (DZ5), distance in zone 6 (DZ6) at a speed of ≥24 km/h, maximum speed (km/h), and number of sprints (actions above 24 km/h) were registered with the Apex® GPS system (STATSports™, Newry, N. Ireland) and Mediacoach® semi-automatic tracking system (LaLiga™, Madrid, Spain). The level of agreement between variables estimated by the two systems was analyzed. Bias was also calculated by deducting the GPS estimated value from the video estimated value, and then dividing the difference score by the GPS estimated value. All variables showed high ICC values (>0.75) and very large correlations (r > 0.70). However the video-based performance analysis system overestimated the results obtained in the different speed zones (DZ5: +16.59 ± 62.29 m; LOA95%: −105.49 to 138.68; DZ6: +93.26 ± 67.76 m; LOA95%: −39.55 to 226.07), the number of sprints (+2.27 ± 2.94; LOA95%: −3.49 to 8.02), and the maximum speed (+0.32 ± 1.25 km/h; LOA95%: −2.13 to 2.77). The maximum bias was found in DZ6 (47%). This demonstrates that Mediacoach® is as accurate as a GPS system to obtain objective data in real time, adapted to physical and movement demands of elite football, especially for total distance and distances traveled at medium speeds.

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

International Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1055/a-1337-2961 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Miguel Lorenzo-Martínez ◽

Francisco J. Corredoira ◽

Carlos Lago-Peñas ◽

Roberto López-Del Campo ◽

Fabio Nevado-Garrosa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Tracking System ◽

Age Groups ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Strength And Conditioning ◽

Maximum Acceleration ◽

Multiple Camera ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Age Related ◽

Acceleration And Deceleration

AbstractThe 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.

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Effect of High-Speed Strength Training on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players of Different Ages

The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research ◽

10.1519/jsc.0000000000001706 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 31 (9) ◽

pp. 2498-2508 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

David Rodríguez-Rosell ◽

Felipe Franco-Márquez ◽

Ricardo Mora-Custodio ◽

Juan José González-Badillo

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Physical Performance ◽

High Speed ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Different Ages

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The Effect of Contextual Variables on Match Performance across Different Playing Positions in Professional Portuguese Soccer Players

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105175 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5175

Author(s):

Joel Barrera ◽

Hugo Sarmento ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Adam Field ◽

António J. Figueiredo

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

High Speed ◽

Satellite System ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Physical Demands ◽

Situational Variables ◽

All Speeds ◽

Global Navigation Satellite ◽

Walking Speeds ◽

Very High

This study investigated the position-specific physical demands of professional Portuguese players. The effects of situational variables on the physical performance demands were also analysed (match location, match half and match result). Match performance observations were collected using Global Navigation Satellite System devices across 11 matches during a competitive season (2019–2020). Data were analysed according to five playing positions: goalkeepers (n = 11), central defenders (n = 42), wide defenders (n = 31), central midfielders (n = 34), open attackers (n = 28), and centre forwards (n = 14). Central midfield players completed the greatest total distance (10,787 ± 1536 m), while central defenders covered the least distance (9272 ± 455; p < 0.001). Open attackers covered the greatest high and very-high-speed distance (1504 ± 363 m), number of high-speed decelerations per match (11 ± 4) and were the fastest players (30.6 ± 1.5 km/h), along with center forwards (30.6 ± 2.0 km/h), versus all other positions (p < 0.05). Greater distances were performed in teams that were winning (9978 ± 1963 m) or drawing (10,395 ± 875 m) versus losing (9415 ± 2050) p = 0.036 and p = 0.006, respectively. Increases in distance covered at walking speeds were observed during the 2nd half (1574 ± 179 m) compared with the 1st half (1483 ± 176; (p < 0.003). A higher number of decelerations across all speeds were performed in the 1st half (144 ± 39) versus the 2nd half (135 ± 37). The distance covered in home matches (10,206 ± 1926 m) far exceeded away matches (9471 ± 1932 m; p < 0.001). The number of faster accelerations were higher in away (7 ± 5) versus home matches (6 ± 4; p < 0.049). The data demonstrate the different physical demands of each playing position and suggest that situational variables influence physical performance. These findings suggest position-specific physical training is required to condition players for the bespoke demands of each playing position.

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Periodization and Physical Performance in Elite Female Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2014-0345 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 664-669 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Jocelyn K. Mara ◽

Kevin G. Thompson ◽

Kate L. Pumpa ◽

Nick B. Ball

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

High Speed ◽

Training Session ◽

Well Being ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Gps Tracking ◽

Endurance Capacity ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Training Demands

Purpose:To investigate the variation in training demands, physical performance, and player well-being across a women’s soccer season.Methods:Seventeen elite female players wore GPS tracking devices during every training session (N = 90) throughout 1 national-league season. Intermittent high-speed-running capacity and 5-, 15-, and 25-m-sprint testing were conducted at the beginning of preseason, end of preseason, midseason, and end of season. In addition, subjective well-being measures were selfreported daily by players over the course of the season.Results:Time over 5 m was lowest at the end of preseason (mean 1.148 s, SE 0.017 s) but then progressively deteriorated to the end of the season (P < .001). Sprint performance over 15 m improved by 2.8% (P = .013) after preseason training, while 25-m-sprint performance peaked at midseason, with a 3.1% (P = .05) improvement from the start of preseason, before declining at the end of season (P = .023). Training demands varied between phases, with total distance and high-speed distance greatest during preseason before decreasing (P < .001) during the early- and late-season phases. Endurance capacity and well-being measures did not change across training phases.Conclusions:Monitoring training demands and subsequent physical performance in elite female soccer players allow coaches to ensure that training periodization goals are being met and related positive training adaptations are being elicited.

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