Analysis of work-rate in soccer according to playing positions

Is the Field Test of FUT-SAT a Better Experimental Design to Identify the Specific Characteristics of Tactical Performance according to Youth Male Soccer Players' Positional Roles?

This study aimed to compare soccer players' tactical performance according to their positional roles in the field test of FUT-SAT. The sample consisted of 54 male players from elite youth clubs (Medellín-Colombia), U16 and U17 categories. Participants trained five times per week (Tier 3). We used the System of Tactical Assessment (FUT-SAT), which evaluates tactical behaviour and performance through core tactical principles of soccer. The field test is structured in a numerical configuration of a goalkeeper + 3 players vs. 3 players + a goalkeeper played during 4 min on a playing field 36 m long by 27 m wide. All teams were structured with one player in each positional role (one defender, one midfielder, and one forward).To determine the differences between the positional roles, the following factors were analysed: the number of actions, the percentage of correct actions, the place of action related to the principles, and the Tactical Performance Index of core tactical principles. A total of 2891 tactical actions distributed in nine games were analysed. A Kruskal-Wallis test for the independent groups (defenders, midfielders, and forwards) or a one-way ANOVA was used. There was no difference in soccer players' tactical performance and behaviour between players of different positional roles in the field test of FUT-SAT.Therefore, teams need to be evaluated with the system of play with players in all field sectors in medium or large sided games. The system of play can be chosen according to the category given that competitions are held in reduced spaces and with fewer players.

High-intensity Actions in Elite Soccer: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Over the years, soccer has become more physically demanding; the number and frequency of high-intensity actions have increased, and these activities are decisive in determining the match outcome. Importantly, the reductionist approach commonly used to analyze high-intensity actions does not contemplate a more contextualized perspective on soccer performance. Traditionally, most investigations have only provided quantitative data regarding sprints (i. e. time, distances, frequency) without examining "how" (e. g. type of trajectory or starting position) and "why" (e. g. tactical role) soccer players sprint. In fact, other high-intensity actions, apart from running, are not even mentioned (i. e. curve sprints, change of direction, and specific-jump tasks). This has led to the use of tests and interventions that do not accurately reflect real game actions. Given the true technical-tactical-physical demands of each playing position, this narrative review collected a wide-spectrum of current soccer-related articles and provided a discussion regarding high-intensity actions, with a positional-based approach. In this narrative review, practitioners are encouraged to contemplate and consider the different elements that characterize high-intensity actions in soccer, in order to assess and train soccer players under a more sport-specific and integrative perspective.

Classified metabolic power-based measures in professional football players: comparison between playing positions and match period

Objective

The aim of this study was (i) provide reference data of metabolic power-based measures during professional football matches; and to (ii) analyze the between-position and between-halves differences of power-based measures during professional football matches.

Methods

Forty-six professional male players from two Turkish Super League teams were observed during two seasons, and 58 matches were analyzed. Total distance, equivalent distance, Low Power (LP), Intermediate Power (IP), High Power (HP), Elevated Power (EP), Max Power (MP) and power metabolic measures P_met at different match moments were considered.

Results

Significant between-position differences were observed for IP (p: 0.000; d: 0.284), HP (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.45), EP (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.44), and for MP (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.56), with the central defenders (CD) showing the lower values, and the central midfielders (CM) showing the higher values for the overall measures.

Conclusion

Power-based measures are dependent on playing positions. While the CD have lower P_met values when compared to all positions, the CM have the greatest values. Training and recovery strategies must be ensured for CM players, especially those who have greater match participation.

Impact of Possession and Player Position on Physical and Technical-Tactical Performance Indicators in the Chinese Football Super League

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of high (HPBPT) and low percentage ball possession teams (LPBPT) on physical and technical-tactical performance indicators in the Chinese Football Super League (CSL). Eight physical performance indicators and 26 technical-tactical performance indicators from all 240 matches from season 2018 were analyzed, as well as three contextual variables (team strength, quality of opposition, and match location). Players were divided according to five positions: fullbacks, central defenders, wide midfielders, central midfielders, and attackers. A k-means cluster analysis was conducted to classify all match observations into two groups: HPBPT (n = 229) and LPBPT (n = 251). A mixed linear model was fitted with contextual variables as covariates. When significant interactions or main effects were detected, a post hoc comparison was used to compare physical and technical/tactical differences between HPBPT and LPBPT. Results showed that central defenders and fullbacks covered more high-intensity and sprint running distance in the high possession teams, while wide midfielders and forward covered more high-intensity and sprint running distance in the low possession teams. Meanwhile, players from high ball possession teams were strong in technical indicators, especially in attacking organization. These results may help coaches to understand current football development trends and develop suitable training plans and tests for elite football players.

The Influence of Time Winning and Time Losing on Position-Specific Match Physical Demands in the Top One Spanish Soccer League

The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of time winning and time losing on position-specific match physical demands with and without ball possession in the top Spanish professional soccer league. All matches played in the First Spanish soccer league over four consecutive seasons (from 2015/16 to 2018/19) were recorded using an optical tracking system (i.e., ChyronHego), and the data were analyzed via Mediacoach®. Total distance (TD), and TD > 21 km·h-1 covered with and without ball possession were analyzed using a Linear Mixed Model, taking into account the contextual variables time winning and losing. Results showed that TD and TD > 21 km·h-1 covered by central midfielders (0.01 and 0.005 m/min, respectively), wide midfielders (0.02 and 0.01 m/min, respectively), and forwards (0.03 and 0.02 m/min, respectively) significantly increased while winning (p < 0.05). By contrast, TD and TD > 21 km·h-1 covered by central defenders (0.01 and 0.008 m/min, respectively) and wide defenders (0.06 and 0.008 m/min, respectively) significantly increased while losing (p < 0.05). In addition, for each minute that teams were winning, total distance with ball possession (TDWP) decreased, while, for each minute that teams were losing, TDWP increased. Instead, TDWP > 21 km·h-1 obtained opposite results. Total distance without ball possession increased when teams were winning, and decreased when teams were losing. Therefore, the evolution of scoreline significantly influences tactical-technical and physical demands on soccer matches.

Effects of Match Location, Quality of Opposition and Match Outcome on Match Running Performance in a Portuguese Professional Football Team

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of match location, quality of opposition and match outcome on match running performance according to playing position in a Portuguese professional football team. Twenty-three male professional football players were monitored from eighteen Portuguese Football League matches during the 2019-2020 season. Global positioning system technology (GPS) was used to collect time-motion data. The match running performance was obtained from five playing positions: central defenders (CD), fullbacks (FB), central midfielders (CM), wide midfielders (WM) and forwards (FW). Match running performance was analyzed within specific position and contextual factors using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures, standardized (Cohen) differences and smallest worthwhile change. CM and WM players covered significantly greater total distance (F = 15.45, p = 0.000, η² = 0.334) and average speed (F = 12.79, p < 0.001, η² = 0.294). WM and FB players covered higher distances at high-speed running (F = 16.93, p = 0.000, η² = 0.355) and sprinting (F = 13.49; p < 0.001, η² = 0.305). WM players covered the highest number of accelerations (F = 4.69, p < 0.001, η² = 0.132) and decelerations (F = 12.21, p < 0.001, η² = 0.284). The match running performance was influenced by match location (d = 0.06-2.04; CI: -0.42-2.31; SWC = 0.01-1.10), quality of opposition (d = 0.13-2.14; CI: -0.02-2.60; SWC = 0.01-1.55) and match outcome (d = 0.01-2.49; CI: -0.01-2.31; SWC = 0.01-0.35). Contextual factors influenced the match running performance with differential effects between playing positions. This study provides the first report about the contextual influence on match running performance in a Portuguese professional football team. Future research should also integrate tactical and technical key indicators when analyzing the match-related contextual influence on match running performance.

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

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

Compression Stockings Used During Two Soccer Matches Improve Perceived Muscle Soreness and High-Intensity Performance

ABSTRACT

Gimenes, SV, Marocolo, M, Pavin, LN, Pagoto Spigolon, LM, Neto, OB, Côrrea da Silva, BV, Duffield, R, and Ribeiro da Mota, G. Compression stockings used during two soccer matches improve perceived muscle soreness and high-intensity performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 2010-2017, 2021-Evidence on the use of compression stockings (CS) during soccer matches is limited. Thus, we evaluated the acute effects of CS on match-based physical performance indicators and perceptual responses during 2 consecutive soccer matches with 72-hour recovery. Twenty outfield players were randomly allocated to the CS group (20-30 mm Hg) or control group (non-CS) and performed 2 matches (5 players using CS or regular socks per team/match). Match loads {rating of perceived exertion × minutes; CS ∼830 vs. control 843 (arbitrary units [AU])} and heart rate (HR) responses (both CS and control ∼86% HRpeak) did not differ (p > 0.05) between CS and control groups. Although total distance covered did not differ (p > 0.05) between groups, CS increased distances (effect size [ES] = 0.9-1.32) in higher-speed zones (>19 km·h-1 CS ∼550 m vs. control ∼373 m) alongside an increased number of accelerations (-50.0 to -3.0 m·s-2) than control (CS: 33.7 ± 11.2 vs. control: 23.8 ± 7.9; p = 0.003; ES = 1.04). Perceived recovery did not differ (p > 0.05) between groups for either match but was worse in the second match for both groups. Perceived muscle soreness increased in control after match 2 (from 3.1 ± 1.9 to 6.3 ± 1.6 AU; p < 0.0010) but did not in CS (from 2.8 ± 1.4 to 4.1 ± 1.9 AU; p = 0.6275; ES = 1.24 CS vs. control after match). Accordingly, CS use during 2 soccer matches with 72-hour recovery reduces perceived muscle soreness in the second match and increases higher-speed match running performance.

Age at Nomination Among Soccer Players Nominated for Major International Individual Awards: A Better Proxy for the Age of Peak Individual Soccer Performance?

Individual soccer performance is notoriously difficult to measure due to the many contributing sub-variables and the variety of contexts within which skills must be utilised. Furthermore, performance differs across rather specialised playing positions. In research, soccer performance is often measured using combinations of, or even single, sub-variables. All too often these variables have not been validated against actual performance. Another approach is the use of proxies. In sports research, the age of athletes when winning championship medals has been used as a proxy for determining their age of peak performance. In soccer, studies have used the average age of players in top European leagues or in the Champions League to determine the age of individual peak performance. Such approaches have methodological shortcomings and may underestimate the peak. We explore the use of a new proxy, the age at nomination for major individual awards, to determine the average age at peak individual soccer performance. A total of 1,981 players nominated for major awards from 1956 to 2019 were included, and a subset of 653 retired players was extracted, thus including players’ complete careers. Players’ average ages at nomination, at their first nomination, and at their last ever nomination were calculated, and differences across playing positions were calculated together with changes over time in the average age at peak. Based on our proxy, the age of individual peak soccer performance occurs around 27–28 years, varying across playing positions from 26 to 31 years. A player’s first peak, on average, seems to coincide with known peaks of physiological variables; their last-ever peak occurs long after physiological performance has started to decline, indicating that the decline can be compensated for by other variables. The peak age is higher than previously reported for soccer; however, it is similar to those in other team ball sports. The average age at peak performance has increased over time, especially in the last decade. Our approach of using proxies for unearthing information about hidden features of otherwise immeasurable complex performance appears to be viable, and such proxies may be used to validate sub-variables that measure complex behaviour.

Quantifying the High-Speed Running and Sprinting Profiles of Elite Female Soccer Players During Competitive Matches Using an Optical Player Tracking System

The aim of this study was to determine the high-speed running and sprinting profiles of elite female soccer players during competitive matches using a new Optical Player Tracking system. Eight stationary video cameras were positioned at vantage points surrounding the soccer field so that when each camera view was combined, the entire field could be viewed simultaneously. After each match, an optical player tracking system detected the coordinates (x, y) of each player for every video frame. Algorithms applied to the x and y coordinates were used to determine activity variables for 12 elite female players across 7 competitive matches. Players covered 9,220-10,581 m of total distance, 1,772-2,917 m of high-speed running (3.4-5.3 m·s) distance, and 417-850 m of sprinting (>5.4 m·s) distance, with variations between positional groups (p < 0.001; partial η = 0.444-0.488). Similarly, the number of high-speed runs differed between positional groups (p = 0.002; partial η = 0.342), and a large proportion of high-speed runs (81-84%) and sprints (71-78%) were performed over distances less than 10 m. Mean time between high-speed runs (13.9 ± 4.4 seconds) and sprints (86.5 ± 38.0 seconds) varied according to playing position (p < 0.001; partial η = 0.409) and time of the match (p < 0.001; partial η = 0.113-0.310). The results of this study can be used to design match-specific conditioning drills and shows that coaches should take an individualized approach to training load monitoring according to position.

Performance analysis in football: a critical review and implications for future research

This paper critically reviews existing literature relating to performance analysis (PA) in football, arguing that an alternative approach is warranted. The paper considers the applicability of variables analysed along with research findings in the context of their implications for professional practice. This includes a review of methodological approaches commonly adopted throughout PA research, including a consideration of the nature and size of the samples used in relation to generalisability. Definitions and classifications of variables used within performance analysis are discussed in the context of reliability and validity. The contribution of PA findings to the field is reviewed. The review identifies an overemphasis on researching predictive and performance controlling variables. A different approach is proposed that works with and from performance analysis information to develop research investigating athlete and coach learning, thus adding to applied practice. Future research should pay attention to the social and cultural influences that impact PA delivery and athlete learning in applied settings.

Analysis of movement patterns by elite male players of beach volleyball

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare movement pattems and direction of locomotion in professional men's beach volleyball. A quantitative analysis of beach volleyball play was carried out for 10 players in the European Beach Volleyball Championship 2005. Video recordings were made of the 1,997 movements in 4 matches. Analysis showed that male players used more offensive than defensive movement patterns. Defensive movement patterns were more blocks and defense than receptions. Offensive movement patterns were more attack and placements than attack preparation moves. Advance was the direction of locomotion most used. Identifying and understanding such movement patterns are vital to defining specific, effective training strategies for men's beach volleyball players.