scholarly journals Evolution of physical performance in professional soccer across four consecutive seasons

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 79-85
Author(s):  
LUKASZ RADZIMINSKI ◽  
ZBIGNIEW JASTRZEBSKI
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Running Performance ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Physical Match

Background: Main purpose of this research was to investigate the changes of physical match performance in Polish Ekstraklasa across four consecutive seasons. Material and methods: A total of 949 official matches from season 2017/2018 to 2020/2021 were analyzed. Such match running performance variables as total distance, high-speed running, sprinting, and number of high-intensity runs were involved. Each season data were divided into two rounds (spring round and autumn round). Due to the pandemic of COVID-19 additional post-lockdown round (Spring I 2019/2020) occurred. Results: Comparison in the results between Spring 2017/2018 and Spring 2020/2021 indicated significant increases in total distance (2.1%, p<0.001), high-speed running (11.9%, p<0.001), sprinting distance (7.7%, p<0.01) and number of high-intensity runs (9.7%, p<0.001). Moreover, within season analysis exhibited that during spring rounds Ekstraklasa teams covered significantly longer (p<0.01) distances in high-speed running than during autumn rounds. Reduction in physical match performance was reported after the 12-week pandemic lockdown. Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed the growing importance of such match activities as high-speed running, sprinting and number of high intensity runs which increased in Polish Ekstraklasa by 8-12% within last 4 years. This growing tendency was disrupted by unexpected off-season period caused by COVID-19 lockdown.

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

Symmetry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1551
Author(s):  
Marek Konefał ◽  
Marcin Andrzejewski ◽  
Paweł Chmura ◽  
Michał Zacharko ◽  
Łukasz Radzimiński
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Playing Time ◽  
The Right ◽  
Physical Match

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.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Association between Running Performance and Game Performance Indicators in Professional Soccer Players

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (20) ◽  
pp. 4032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Modric ◽  
Versic ◽  
Sekulic ◽  
Liposek
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Body Height ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Running Performance ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Performance Statistics ◽  
Game Performance

Running performance (RP) and game performance indicators (GPI) are important determinants of success in soccer (football), but there is an evident lack of knowledge about the possible associations between RP and GPI. This study aimed to identify associations between RP and GPI in professional soccer players and to compare RP and GPI among soccer playing positions. One hundred one match performances were observed over the course of half of a season at the highest level of national competition in Croatia. Players (mean ± SD, age: 23.85 ± 2.88 years; body height: 183.05 ± 8.88 cm; body mass: 78.69 ± 7.17 kg) were classified into five playing positions (central defenders (n = 26), full-backs (n = 24), central midfielders (n = 33), wide midfielders (n = 10), and forwards (n = 8). RP, as measured by global positioning system, included the total distance covered, distance covered in five speed categories (walking, jogging, running, high-speed running, and maximal sprinting), total number of accelerations, number of high-intensity accelerations, total number of decelerations, and number of high-intensity decelerations. The GPI were collected by the position-specific performance statistics index (InStat index). The average total distance was 10,298.4 ± 928.7 m, with central defenders having the shortest and central midfielders having the greatest covered distances. The running (r = 0.419, p = 0.03) and high-intensity accelerations (r = 0.493, p = 0.01) were correlated with the InStat index for central defenders. The number of decelerations of full-backs (r = −0.43, p = 0.04) and the distance covered during sprinting of forwards (r = 0.80, p = 0.02) were associated with their GPI obtained by InStat index. The specific correlations between RP and GPI should be considered during the conditioning process in soccer. The soccer training should follow the specific requirements of the playing positions established herein, which will allow players to meet the game demands and to perform successfully.

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

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8796
Author(s):  
Łukasz Radzimiński ◽  
Alexis Padrón-Cabo ◽  
Marek Konefał ◽  
Paweł Chmura ◽  
Andrzej Szwarc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Playing Time ◽  
Physical Match

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.

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

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.

scholarly journals Associations Between Selected Training-Stress Measures and Fitness Changes in Male Soccer Players

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1050-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Rabbani ◽  
Mehdi Kargarfard ◽  
Carlo Castagna ◽  
Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽  
Craig Twist
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Running Performance ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Body Load ◽  
Training Stress ◽  
Training Impulse

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between accumulated global positioning system–accelerometer-based and heart rate–based training metrics and changes in high-intensity intermittent-running capacity during an in-season phase in professional soccer players. Methods: Eleven male professional players (mean [SD] age 27.2 [4.5] y) performed the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT) before and after a 5-wk in-season training phase, and the final velocity (VIFT) was considered their high-intensity intermittent-running capacity. During all sessions, Edwards training impulse (Edwards TRIMP), Banister TRIMP, Z5 TRIMP, training duration, total distance covered, new body load (NBL), high-intensity running performance (distance covered above 14.4 km·h−1), and very-high-intensity running performance (distance covered above 19.8 km·h−1) were recorded. Results: The players’ VIFT showed a most likely moderate improvement (+4.3%, 90% confidence limits 3.1–5.5%, effect size 0.70, [0.51–0.89]). Accumulated NBL, Banister TRIMP, and Edwards TRIMP showed large associations (r = .51–.54) with changes in VIFT. A very large relationship was also observed between accumulated Z5 TRIMP (r = .72) with changes in VIFT. Large to nearly perfect within-individual relationships were observed between NBL and some of the other training metrics (ie, Edwards TRIMP, Banister TRIMP, training duration, and total distance) in 10 out of 11 players. Conclusions: Heart rate–based training metrics can be used to monitor high-intensity intermittent-running-capacity changes in professional soccer players. The dose–response relationship is also largely detected using accelerometer-based metrics (ie, NBL) to track changes in high-intensity intermittent-running capacity of professional soccer players.

Optimal Pretaper Phase on Physical Match Performance in Professional Soccer

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Wassim Moalla ◽  
Mohamed Saifeddin Fessi ◽  
Sabeur Nouira ◽  
Alberto Mendez-Villanueva ◽  
Valter Di Salvo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Training Load ◽  
Match Analysis ◽  
Running Performance ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Daily Training ◽  
Soccer Team ◽  
Analysis System

Purpose: To investigate the optimal pretaper duration on match running performance in a professional soccer team. Methods: The training load was monitored during daily training sessions and matches during 2 seasons according to different periodization strategies. Matches’ running distances were collected using match analysis system. The data were analyzed in 3 types of mesocycle blocks of 5 (M5), 4 (M4), and 3 weeks (M3), concludes all of them by 1 taper week. Results: Significant decreases in the training load during the taper weeks compared to standard weeks were observed in 3 types of mesocycle blocks (d ≥ 5; P < .01). An increase in overall match running performance was observed in matches played after the taper weeks compared to matches played after the standard weeks during M4 for all speed ranges (d ≥ 1.3; P < .05). The increase was only observed in low-intensity running (d = 1.3; P < .04) and total distance, low-intensity running, and intense running (d ≥ 1.3; P < .05) in M5 and M3, respectively. Match running performance following the taper weeks between the 3 different mesocycle durations was significantly higher in M4 for the number of high-speed running, sprinting, and high-intensity running (P < .05). The greatest enhancement of match running performance was observed at M4 when the training load was decreased by approximately 18% during the tapering period. Conclusion: This study suggests that a period of 3 standard weeks of training followed by 1 taper week is the optimal taper strategy when compared to different pretaper durations.

scholarly journals Quantifying and Comparing the Match Demands of U18, U23, and 1ST Team English Professional Soccer Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Reynolds ◽  
Mark Connor ◽  
Mikael Jamil ◽  
Marco Beato
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Individual Player ◽  
Player Game ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the match load demands of U18, U23, and 1ST team players during the official season. A total of 65 matches and 495 (U18 = 146, U23 = 146, and 1ST team = 203) individual player game observations were included in this analysis. A 10-Hz global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and 100-Hz triaxial accelerometer (STATSports, Apex, Northern Ireland) were used to monitor the following metrics during official matches: total distance, high-speed running distance (HSR), sprint distance, high metabolic distance, explosive distance, high-intensity bursts distance, speed intensity, and dynamic stress load (DSL) were analyzed. A multivariate analysis of variance test reported significant (p &lt; 0.001) differences among the groups. HSR during matches was lower (d = small) for U18 players than the U23 and 1ST team players. Sprint distance and high-intensity bursts distance were lower (small) in U18 compared with the U23 and 1ST team. DSL was greater in 1ST compared with U18 (small) and U23 (small). This study reported that the differences between groups were greater for HSR, sprint distance, high-intensity bursts distance, and DSL, while total distance, high metabolic load distance, explosive distance, and speed intensity did not differ between the groups. These findings could be used to design training programs in the academy players (i.e., U18) to achieve the required long-term physical adaptations that are needed to progress into the U23 and 1ST teams.

scholarly journals Relationship Between Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test-Level 1 and Match Running Performance in Soccer: Still on the Right Path?

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 16-20
Author(s):  
Toni Modric ◽  
Sime Versic ◽  
Damir Sekulic
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Endurance Test ◽  
Running Performance ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Elite Level ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
The Right ◽  
Test Level

Abstract Introduction. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test-Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) is considered a valuable measurement tool in assessing specific soccer endurance. However, there is a lack of recent research validating this test with regard to match running performance (MRP) in elite-level soccer. Material and Methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of Yo-Yo IR1 in predicting MRP during elite-level soccer matches. The participants were soccer players who competed in the highest-level Croatian soccer league (23.57 ± 2.84 years, 181.9 ± 5.17 cm, 78.36 ± 4.18 kg), and they were all tested using Yo-Yo IR1 in the middle of the season 2019/2020. The players’ MRP (n = 71) was measured using the Global Positioning System over one-half season, and included the total distance covered, the distance covered in different speed zones, accelerations and decelerations. The association between MRP and Yo-Yo IR1 was identified with Pearson’s correlation. Results. The results indicated that central midfielders and fullbacks achieved significantly higher results in Yo-Yo IR1 than forwards and central defenders (F-test: 29.80; p < 0.01; large effect size). Higher results in Yo-Yo IR1 were correlated with the match amount of (i) the total distance covered (r = 0.65); (ii) high-speed running (r = 0.42); (iii) high-intensity distance covered (r = 0.36); (iv) total accelerations (r = 0.37); and total decelerations (r = 0.42). Conclusions. The established associations between Yo-Yo IR1 and MRP in this study confirmed the validity of Yo-Yo IR1 in predicting MRP in professional soccer today.

scholarly journals Match running performance in Brazilian professional soccer players: comparisons between successful and unsuccessful teams

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Aquino ◽  
Luiz Guilherme Gonçalves ◽  
Marcos Galgaro ◽  
Thiago Santi Maria ◽  
Eduardo Rostaiser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Positioning System ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Running Performance ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
High Acceleration ◽  
Independent Analysis ◽  
Global Positioning

Abstract Background This study aimed to compare the match running performance between bottom- and top-ranked teams in professional soccer players over the 2020 season of the Brazilian National 2nd Division League. In addition, this study verified the independent and interactive effects of playing position and contextual factors on running outputs between these teams. Methods Forty-eight professional male outfield soccer players participated in this study (top-ranked team, n = 24; bottom-ranked team, n = 24). The distance- and accelerometry-based measures were recorded during 69 matches using a global positioning system (10 Hz) integrated with an accelerometer (400 Hz). Results The top-ranked team covered greater total distance [median (interquartile range); 10,330.0 m (1430.0)] and high-acceleration [97.0 m (32.0)] than the bottom-ranked team, in home and away matches [p < 0.05, effect size (ES) = small]. The midfielders of the top-ranked team covered higher total distance, high-speed running (> 18 km h−1), high acceleration (≥ 3 m s−2), high-deceleration (≤ −3 m s−2), and performed more sprints [(> 25 km h−1) compared to midfielders of the bottom-ranked team (p < 0.05, η2 = small-moderate]. The matches against top-level opponents required high values of high-acceleration and number of sprints only for the top-ranked team (p < 0.05, ES = small). Independent analysis showed that match outcome (loss vs. draw vs. win) was not influenced by running performance for both bottom- and top-ranked teams (p > 0.05; η2 = small). However, the top-ranked team covered greater total distance, high-acceleration/deceleration than bottom-ranked team in loss matches (p < 0.05, η2 = small). Conclusions These findings should be considered when the coaches and practitioners interpret the match running outputs and when evaluating the effects of training intervention on these performance indicators.

scholarly journals Work-rate Analysis of Substitute Players in Professional Soccer: Analysis of Seasonal Variations

2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Padrón-Cabo ◽  
Ezequiel Rey ◽  
Benjamín Vidal ◽  
Javier García-Nuñez
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Work Rate ◽  
Running Performance ◽  
Rate Analysis ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Competitive Season

Abstract The aims of this study were to evaluate physical performance of substitute players versus those replaced or completing the entire match, determine physical performance of substitute players across different playing positions and examine variations in match-related running performance in substitute players throughout the entire competitive season. The sample was composed of 943 observations of professional players who participated in the first division of the Spanish League (La Liga) during the 2014-2015 season. The players were divided into three different groups: players who completed the entire match (n = 519), players who were replaced (n = 212) and substitute players (n = 212). Substitute players covered greater distances at medium and high intensity compared to the players who played the entire match and those who were replaced. Position-specific trends indicated that attackers and central midfielder increased the distance covered at high-intensity running compared to their peers who played the whole match. During the competitive season, it was observed that substitute players attained greater match running performance during the mid-season period, allowing them to cover more distance for different variables of running performance compared to the start and end of the season.

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