Influence of contextual factors on physical demands and technical-tactical actions regarding playing position in professional soccer players

Match-Running Differences Among International Regional Tournaments and the World Cup in Male Para-Footballers With Cerebral Palsy

The aim of this study was to provide a comparative analysis of running responses in official matches in different sport classes of football players with cerebral palsy considering the contextual factors of geographical competition and level. One hundred ninety-one international footballers with cerebral palsy divided according to the tournament geographical competition and level participated in this study. Higher medium- and high-intensity match-running responses were found for the Asia-Oceania tournament in comparison with the American, European, and world competitions. Similarly, players from the World Cup performed more moderate accelerations and decelerations compared with the players in the America's Cup, and players competing in the Asia-Oceania region realized more moderate decelerations than in the America's Cup. Thus, classifiers and coaches may consider the tournament level due to possible differences in the match's physical demands regarding the class status allocation and the physical preparation for those competitions.

Mapping the Knowledge of Research Trends in Sports Performance Asymmetries from 2015 to 2024: A Bibliometric Study and Analysis of the Most-Cited Papers

In recent years, studies related to preventing injuries and improving sports performance have aroused academic interest. However, no bibliometric study has investigated asymmetry. The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to identify trends in research on asymmetries in sports performance through bibliometric analysis, and (ii) to determine the most-cited articles to establish the main lines of research on asymmetries. The final sample consisted of 471 documents. The results show that, during the publication period, there was a considerable increase (73%) in research between 2020 and 2021, with 2022-2023 being the year with the highest production and number of citations. Most of the publications consisted of research articles (93.41%), with a low percentage of review studies (4.24%). The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and Symmetry were the journals with the highest number of documents (n = 57) and citations (n = 1230). The journals that produced the most knowledge were those in the first quartile (Q1) and the second quartile (Q2). The most prolific author was Bishop, C. The countries with the highest number of published documents were England (140 documents and 3039 citations) and the United States (94 documents and 2099 citations). The most common words in the studies were performance (n = 162), strength (n = 167), reliability (n = 118), injury (n = 94), and asymmetry (n = 90). The study of asymmetries in sports performance has focused on two main approaches: one related to analyzing differences between limbs, and the other focused on assessing strength after postoperative processes. The analysis of the existing body of knowledge on asymmetries allows us to incorporate the latest scientific advancements. In turn, this helps us to establish best practices to enhance both sports performance and rehabilitation processes.

A Narrative Review of the Velocity and Acceleration Profile in Football: The Influence of Playing Position

To enhance athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury, load quantification has allowed for a better understanding of the individual characteristics of the physical demands on soccer players during training or competition. In this regard, it appears crucial to summarize scientific evidence to provide useful information and future directions related to the speed and acceleration profiles of male soccer players. This review aims to evaluate the findings reflected in the available literature on both profiles in football, synthesizing and discussing data from scientific articles, while providing insights into quantification methods, employed thresholds, tracking systems, terminology, playing position, and microcycle day. Therefore, it is hoped that this narrative review can support objective decision-making in practice for coaches, sports scientists, and medical teams regarding individualized load management and the appropriate selection of metrics, to explore current trends in soccer player profiles.

The Influence of Playing Position on Physical, Physiological, and Technical Demands in Adult Male Soccer Matches: A Systematic Scoping Review with Evidence Gap Map

BACKGROUND

There has been an increase in studies examining the demands of soccer relative to each playing position in recent years. Understanding the physical, physiological, and technical demands on soccer players according to their positional role during competitive matches is necessary to understand match requirements and develop position-specific training practices. Thereby, there is a clear need to synthesize the information on the different profiles of each playing position.

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to organize the literature investigating physical, physiological, and technical demands according to playing positions and provide a framework to identify gaps and suggestions for future studies.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in October 2023 using four electronic databases: Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed and Scopus. The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR extension for Scoping Reviews. The studies were included if the sample comprised adult male soccer players categorized from Tier 3 to Tier 5 (i.e., highly trained/national level, elite/international level, or world class) and compared the physical, physiological, or technical parameters across playing positions.

RESULTS

A total of 178 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The number of teams, players, and matches analyzed per study varied considerably. Although a range of classifications were reported across studies, 59% of studies classified players as central defenders, full-backs, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and forwards. The findings suggests that central and external midfielders, and external defenders cover greater total and high-speed distance than forwards or central defenders. Sprint distance was higher in external midfielders versus all other positions. Defenders and central midfielders perform more passes than external midfielders and forwards. Heart rate was the most commonly reported physiological variable across playing positions. When expressed as a percentage of maximal heart rate, midfielders presented higher mean values than all other playing positions.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review demonstrates that there are differences in the demands on players across playing positions in soccer. Training practices in soccer should be based on the specific requirements of each positional role to ensure players can fulfill their tactical responsibilities during the game.

How Do Technical and Tactical Demands of Football Matches Affect the Physical Performance of Elite Football Referees? Exploring the Role of Experience

ABSTRACT

Martinez-Torremocha, G, Alonso-Callejo, A, Garcia-Unanue, J, Gallardo, L, Sanchez-Sanchez, J, and Felipe, JL. How do technical and tactical demands of football matches impact the physical performance of elite football referees? Exploring the role of experience. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): e664-e669, 2024-This study aimed to analyze whether the physical demands on elite football referees during matches are influenced by both the physical intensity of the game and the technical-tactical context, to assess the impact of elite experience on the physical demands of referees, and to compare the physical performance of the referees with the performance of the players divided by positions in each match analyzed. Physical demands were recorded on 20 Spanish male football referees during the 2020/21, 2021/22, and 2022/23 seasons over a total of 73 official matches, using Global Positioning Systems for physical demands (total distance [TD], high-speed running [HSR], sprint, and high-intensity acceleration [HI ACC] and deceleration) and WyScout for technical-tactical actions (ball circulation, possession, shot, passes, total turnovers, quick turnovers, and long passes). Referees showed lower values for all variables except in TD (p < 0.05). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in referees' physical demands based on experience. Low-experience referees correlated HSR and sprint distances with high-intensity decelerations distances in matches. Medium-experience referees linked HSR, sprinting, and HI ACC distances with greater sprint distances in matches. High-experience referees correlated HSR distance with HSR, sprint, and HI ACC distances match demands. Low-experience referees positively correlated HSR and sprint distances with ball circulation, passes, quick turnovers, and forward passes. In conclusion, referees' experience influenced the adaptation of their physical demands to the technical-tactical and physical factors of competitive matches. This information will help professionals working with referees to develop training programs that better prepare referees for specific challenges.

Influence of contextual factors on most demanding scenarios in under-19 professional soccer players

This study aimed to compare the most demanding scenarios (MDS) of under-19 professional soccer players during official matches, controlling for contextual factors such as playing position, the level of opponent teams, playing venue, match status, playing surface, pitch size, and playing status of players. A total of 42 players were monitored across 27 games using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to collect the external loads, including total distance covered, high-speed running, sprint distance, accelerations, and decelerations. MDS were calculated across 1-minute, 5-minute, and 10-minute time windows for each variable. Significant differences were found based on the contextual factors. (i) Opponent level did not show significant differences; (ii) full-backs covered more distance at 1 minute in home games; (iii) midfielders in winning vs. drawing scenarios exhibited higher decelerations at 1 minute but less distance at 10 minutes; (iv) in drawing vs. losing scenarios, central defenders had greater distance at 5 minutes and accelerations at 5 minutes, while midfielders showed greater distances at 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes; (v) offensive midfielders and forwards displayed specific performance differences; (vi) no significant differences were found for the playing surface; (vii) regarding pitch size, full-backs covered more distance at 5 minutes on larger pitches, while midfielders covered more distance at 5 minutes and 10 minutes; and (viii) starters generally outperformed non-starter players across various variables depending on the playing positions. The findings suggest that contextual factors have a significant impact on soccer player performance across different playing positions.

How Match-Related Variables Influence the Physical Demands of Professional Female Soccer Players during the Regular Season

To investigate how contextual or environmental factors may influence the athletic performance of female soccer players during competitions, this study aimed to assess the impact of match-related variables (playing surface; opponent levels; opponent result trends; match status, and match outcomes) on the athletic performance of professional female soccer athletes. Seventeen athletes (25.5 ± 4.3 years of age) from the same team competing in the Italian second division were divided into two groups according to their roles and athletic characteristics: Group A (central defenders and forwards) and Group B (right/left full-backs and midfielders). Total distance (TD) and sprint distance (SD); high-speed running (HSR), acceleration (ACC), and deceleration numbers (DEC); average and maximal heart rate (HR_avg; HR_max); and match-related factors were collected during the 22 regular season matches. A T-test and ANOVA were used to calculate the differences between groups in GPS and HR variables and the effects of match-related factors, respectively. Results showed higher running performance in the B group compared to the A group during matches. Increased ACC number was seen in matches played on artificial turf; winning was associated with decreased HR_max and increased DEC number. Athletes covered higher TD reaching lower HR_max when playing against lower-ranking opponents while matches lost/drawn resulted in higher HSR. High HRs (max and avg) were found when playing against a team with a positive performance trend. In summary, match-related factors and opponents' characteristics can affect athletic performance in female soccer athletes. These factors should be considered during in-seasonal training to personalize match preparation and optimize athlete performance.

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.

Examining tactical sprint actions and distribution among playing positions attending to match status in soccer: Implications for specific training

The study aimed to analyze the tactical sprint actions performed by Spanish professional soccer players, considering their playing positions and the match status at the time of each action. Thirty-two Spanish male professional soccer players from a LaLiga Spanish Second Division (LaLiga SmarthBank) team participated in this study. Actions above 85% of the players' maximum velocity during 42 official matches were collected by an optical tracking system ChyronHego® and were synchronized using Mediacoach software (LaLiga, Madrid, Spain). Then, actios were analyzed trough an observation instrument designed to assess the type of tactical action performed by players. Central defenders (CD) and wide defenders (WD) were mainly involved in recovery runs. Central midfielders (CM) also frequently performed recovery runs and pressing actions. Wide midfielders (WM) were often engaged in runs in behind/penetrate actions, while forwards (F) had a diverse range of sprint actions, including pressing, runs in behind/penetrate, and breaking into the box. It was observed that F performed fewer chase actions than expected. On the other hand, CD, WD, and CM engaged in a greater number of recovery run actions than expected. CD also performed more close down/interception actions than expected, while CM, WM, and F performed fewer close down/interception actions than expected. When their team was losing, WM performed more recovery run actions than expected. CM made more runs with the ball when their team was winning CD showed a higher frequency of breaks into the box when their team was winning. These findings provide valuable information regarding the tactical aspects of sprinting in soccer, facilitating the design of specific training tasks that not only address the physical demands associated with each playing position but also considering the tactical context in which sprints occur.

Analyzing the impact of non-participation in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on LaLiga players' physical performance

Background

Monitoring external load demands in soccer is crucial for optimizing performance and reducing injury risk. However, events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and unexpected interruptions can disrupt load management strategies. Understanding the impact of such events on player performance is essential for effective training and recovery strategies.

Objective

This study retrospectively assessed the impact of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on the physical performance of LaLiga elite soccer players who were not part of the tournament. The aim was to analyze various external load parameters and determine the direction of their changes post-tournament.

Methods

Data from 239 LaLiga players who were not selected for the World Cup were analyzed. External load parameters from 8 matches before and after the tournament were compared. Statistical analyses, including repeated measures ANOVA, were conducted to evaluate changes in performance metrics.

Results

Minutes played and total distance covered showed no significant changes post-tournament. However, maximal speed decreased significantly (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.117). High-speed running parameters improved significantly (p < 0.05), except for HSRRelCount (p = 0.074; η2p = 0.013). Sprint-related variables demonstrated significant enhancements, except for SprintAbsAvgDuration, SprintMaxAvgDuration, and Sprints >85% Vel Max. Acceleration metrics showed significant improvements in Accel_HighIntensityAccAbsCount (p = 0.024; η2p = 0.021), while Accel_Accelerations showed no significant changes. Deceleration metrics remained unchanged, but Accel_HighIntensityDecAbsCount and Accel_HighIntensityDecAbsDistance increased significantly post-tournament (p = 0.002; η2p = 0.040, p = 0.001; η2p = 0.044, respectively).

Conclusion

Non-participant LaLiga players demonstrated enhanced performance in most external load metrics after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. These findings highlight the importance of effective load management during periods of competition interruption and suggest strategies to optimize performance and reduce injury risk. Further research should consider holistic performance metrics and internal load parameters to provide comprehensive insights into player response to mid-season tournaments.

Influence of contextual factors on match running performance of starters and non-starters in elite youth male soccer players

This study investigated the effects of match location, quality of opposition (classified into: strong [1st to 4th position]; intermediate [5th to 15th position]; weak [16th to 20th position]), and match outcome on the match running performance of starters and non-starters from a top elite Brazilian soccer team. Absolute measures were calculated using total distance, high-speed (19.8-25.2 km·h-1), sprinting (≥ 25.2 km·h-1), total distance high-acceleration (> 2m·s2), and deceleration (< -2m·s2) were recorded by GPS units from a sample of young soccer players (N = 25) in a total of 17 matches. Relative measures were calculated by dividing absolute measures by the total duration of the matches. Non-starters covered greater total distance (p = 0.02), sprinting (p = 0.02), high-acceleration and deceleration (p = 0.04), sprinting distance relative per minute played (p = 0.005), and high-acceleration and deceleration relative per minute played (p < 0.001) when the team plays at home, strong opponents, and wins the matches. Starters covered greater total distance in high-speed running (p = 0.04), high-acceleration and deceleration (p = 0.03), and high-speed running relative per minute played (p = 0.04) when the team plays strong opponents and wins the matches. These findings highlight the impact of contextual factors during matches on the locomotor performance of young soccer players.

The impact of crowd effects on home advantage of football matches during the COVID-19 pandemic-A systematic review

This review aimed to (1) analyze whether the home advantage was diminished; (2) investigate the impact of the crowds' support on the match outcome and team performance; (3) explore the bias of the referee without crowds. Based on the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines, this systematic review searched of literature was conducted in December 2022. The keywords related to soccer, COVID-19 and home advantage were used. The search returned 135 articles. After screening the records against set criteria, 28 articles were analyzed. Results showed that the absence of crowds would reduce the home advantage of teams, but the findings varied by country. Most leagues have evidence that without the support of the spectators, their technical, tactical and physical performances would be worse. The referee seems likely to be fairer when the spectators are absent. Therefore, crowd supports is an important factor affecting home advantage, the clubs can at least try to strengthen the home advantage and increase the winning possibility by encouraging spectators to enter the stadium or reducing the ticket price.

Differences in playing style and technical performance according to the team ranking in the Spanish football LaLiga. A thirteen seasons study

This study aimed to explore the differences in playing style and technical performance according to the ranking level in Spanish football teams. The sample comprised 38 professional teams that competed in LaLiga from 2008/09 to 2020/21, with a total of 4940 matches. The teams were grouped by their final ranking position: Champion (1st); Champions League (2nd-4th); Europa League (5th-6th); middle teams (7th-17th); and relegated teams (18th-20th). Linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of the team ranking on variables related to playing style and technical performance. The F2 statistic was calculated as effect size (ES). Regarding the style of play, the Champion teams initiated offensive sequences from a more advanced field position than the remaining ranking groups with a descending effect as the ranking position decreased (p < 0.001; ES = medium). The sequence duration and passes per sequence showed a decreasing effect across ranking groups (both p < 0.001; ES = small). In contrast, the direct speed showed an increasing effect as the ranking position decreased (p < 0.001; ES = small). A decreasing effect was observed in the number of sequences ending in the final third as the ranking position decreased (p < 0.001; ES = large) while no effect was found for the sequences ending in a shot. There was a reduction effect in ball possession, passing accuracy, through balls and crosses as the teams' ranking decreased (all p < 0.001; ES = small-to-large). In summary, higher-ranked teams had an advanced starting position, longer offensive sequences, slower progression speed, more ball possession, higher passing accuracy, and more crosses and through balls than lower-ranked teams. Football coaches should consider that adopting a playing style focused on regaining the ball possession in advanced field zones and using long passing sequences can be an effective tactical strategy to improve the teams' ranking during the season.

Match running performance profiles of amputee football players at the national level

Even though running performance and positional profiles in football are well described, amputee football (AF) has different characteristics of the movement, pitch dimensions, and time played. There is a gap in the scientific literature about positional profiles based on running performance in AF. This study aimed to investigate the differences between positions, the influence of the amputation level or defect of the lower limb (LD), the differences in running performance between halves, and the relationship with the final match result. Thirteen AF National Team players were monitored by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), tracking 24 official international matches for 17 months. Values of top speed, peak acceleration, peak deceleration, average distance per minute, sprint mean speed, GPS load per minute, inertial load per minute (Gs load/min), number of sprints per minute, and a number of impacts per minute were analyzed for defenders (DEF), midfielders (MID) and forwards (FOR). Additional factors analyzed were amputation level (below the knee, low amputation-LA or over the knee, high amputation-HA or defect of the lower limb-LD) and the match's final result. Midfielders had significantly higher running performance parameters compared to other positions (greater top speed than DEF (+ 0.3 m/s; p < 0.001) and FOR (+ 0.2 m/s; p = 0.045), greater peak acceleration and deceleration than DEF (+ 0.5 m/s2 for both measures; p < 0.001) and FOR (+ 0.4 and + 0.3 m/s2; p < 0.001 and p = 0.036, respectively), greater GPS load/minute than DEF (+ 0.2 load/min; p = 0.001) and FOR (+ 0.3 load/min; p < 0.001), greater Gs load per minute than DEF (+ 2.7 load/min; p < 0.001) and FOR (+ 1.8 load/min; p < 0.001), greater number of impacts per minute than DEF (+ 0.2 n/min; p < 0.001) and FOR (+ 0.2 n/min; p < 0.001). Players with LD had significantly higher running performance than those with LA or HA. In the match's second half, a decrease in running performance was registered. The trend of running more when losing could be observed-AF players had higher running parameters in lost matches, but the differences were not statistically significant. Further research complied with contextual game analysis is needed to assess the running performance of AF players deeply.

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.

Impact of absent crowds on technical and physical performances in the Chinese Soccer Super League

Purpose

Spectators have a significant impact on match performances in soccer, but to what extent crowd support contributes to the technical and physical performances remains unclear. This study aimed to (1) investigate the differences in terms of technical and physical performances with and without spectators; and (2) identify the key factors differentiating between win and loss when playing with and without the presence of an audience.

Methods

Our study examined 794 performance records from 397 matches during the 2019-2020 seasons in the Chinese Soccer Super League. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-logistic regression was utilized to select significant predictors. Using an independent t-test and the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test explores the difference between matches with and without spectators. Key factors between win and loss were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Our study found that cross (p < 0.01, ES = -0.24), shots (p < 0.001, ES = -0.25), and shot accuracy (p < 0.05, ES = -0.18) displayed decreasing trends whereas sprint distances (p < 0.05, ES = 0.16) presented an increasing trend without spectators comparing with the crowd support. Moreover, the above three technical variables were the main factors differentiating between wins and losses. Similarly, team and opponent quality remained important potential factors affecting the match outcome.

Conclusion

Match outcome or team performance is determined by a myriad of factors, but there are clear differences in technical and physical performances between matches with and without the presence of an audience. Similarly, our study provides a better explanation for the impact of crowd support on match performances whereby coaches can deploy players and adjust match strategies for ultimate success.

Effect of plyometric training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation assisted strength training on muscular, sprint, and functional performances in collegiate male football players

Background

The study's objective was to analyze the influence of an 8-week neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with a plyometric (PT) and strength training (ST) program on muscular, sprint, and functional performances in collegiate male football players.

Methods

Sixty collegiate male football players participated in this randomized controlled trial single-blind study. All the participants were randomly divided into two groups: (1) NMES group (Experimental, n = 30) who received NMES assisted ST and (2) sham NMES group (Control, n = 30) who received sham NMES assisted ST. In addition, participants from both groups received a PT program; both groups received intervention on three days a week for 8-weeks. The study's outcomes, such as muscular, sprint, and functional performances, were assessed using a strength test (STN) for quadriceps muscle, sprint test (ST), and single-leg triple hop test (SLTHT), respectively, at baseline pre-intervention and 8-week post-intervention. The interaction between group and time was identified using a mixed design (2 × 2) ANOVA.

Results

Significant difference found across the two time points for the scores of STN: F (1.58) = 5,479.70, p < 0.05; SLTHT: F (1.58) = 118.17, p < 0.05; and ST: F (1.58) = 201.63, p < 0.05. Similarly, the significant differences were found between groups averaged across time for the scores of STN: F (1.58) = 759.62, p < 0.05 and ST: F (1.58) = 10.08, p < 0.05. In addition, after 8-week of training, Cohen's d observed between two groups a large to medium treatment's effect size for the outcome STN (d = 10.84) and ST (d = 1.31). However, a small effect size was observed only for the SLTHT (d = 0.613).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the effect of PT and ST with either NMES or sham NMES are equally capable of enhancing muscular, sprint, and functional performances in collegiate male football players. However, PT and ST with NMES have shown an advantage over PT and ST with sham NMES in improving muscular performance and sprint performance among the same participants.

The influence of maturation, fitness, and hormonal indices on minutes played in elite youth soccer players: a cross-sectional study

Background

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between minutes played (MP) with maturity status, fitness, and hormonal levels, and to quantify their influence on minutes played.

Methods

Twenty-four elite youth soccer players under-16 years participated in this study, over a full-season period. Anthropometric measures, maturity status, hormonal and physical fitness levels were collected. Participants were monitored during the season. After the end-season, players were assessed in 6 different tests over a four-day period.

Results

The maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O_2max) was strongly correlated with MP (r = 0.75), maturity offset (r = 0.52), and countermovement jump (r = 0.53). Multiple linear regression explained 76% of MP (F (8, 15) = 6.05, p = 0.001), with an R2 of 0.76. Moreover, Growth hormone (GH) and V̇O_2max. were the most influential factors in MP (F (2, 21) = 17.92, p ≤ 0.001), with an R2 of 0.63.

Conclusion

High levels of GH and V̇O_2max have a preponderant role in MP by elite youth soccer players, it appears to be more pragmatic to consider other contextual dimensions, as they can impact selection for competition and minutes of participation in a match.

Relationship between Variations in the Accumulated Workload and the Change of Direction Ability in Elite Young Soccer Players

Background: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between training workload (WL) parameters with variations in the change of direction (COD) in under-16 soccer players. Methods: Twenty-seven under-16 elite soccer players were daily monitored for their WL across 15 weeks during the competitive soccer season. Additionally, players were assessed two times for anthropometric measures (weight, height, sitting height and leg length), COD performance (modified 505 test) and maturity offset measured using the peak height velocity (PHV). Results: A correlational analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the variation in COD performance and accumulated WL parameters. Moreover, a regression analysis was executed to explain the variations in the percentage of COD performance considering the accumulated WL parameters and PHV of the season (r = 0.93; p ≤ 0.01) and training monotony during the early-season (r = 0.53; p ≤ 0.05). There were associations between the acute workload during the start of the season and the COD during the end of the season (r = 0.47; p ≤ 0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that 55% of the variation in COD performance between the early and end of season could be explained by the acute or chronic WL, training monotony or strain and the PHV. Conclusions: This information might be useful for practitioners and coaches aiming to improve the COD performance in youth soccer players during an entire competitive season.

Fluctuations in External Peak Demands Across Quarters During Basketball Games

The purpose of this study was to compare external peak demands (PDs) across quarters (Q) in basketball. Thirteen elite, junior, male basketball players were monitored using electronic performance tracking systems. There were studied intervals for different time windows to determine the external PD for distance (m); player load; distance covered in four different zones; accelerations; and decelerations. A mixed linear model was run to identify differences among quarters, and the auto-correlation function was carried out to determine fluctuations across the whole game. The results showed significant differences between Q1 vs. Q2 for distance, player load, and standing–walking distance; between Q1 vs. Q3 for distance, player load, and HSR; between Q1 vs. Q4 for distance, player load, standing–walking, and HSR; and between Q3 vs. Q4 for distance and player load. These findings suggest that external PD for running-based demands (distance, player load, and high-speed running) decrease across basketball games with the most notable declines occurring between the first and fourth quarters. Nevertheless, it is important to note that non-significant differences were found between quarters for several external PD variables (jogging, running, acceleration, and deceleration) across different time windows. Findings from the present study reinforce the importance of considering specific PD variables for different functions due to the specific insight each provides.

Impact of the Menstrual Cycle Phases on the Movement Patterns of Sub-Elite Women Soccer Players during Competitive Matches

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the menstrual cycle phases on the movement patterns of sub-elite women soccer players during competitive matches over three consecutive seasons. Individual movement data were analyzed and compared in eight players from the second French League at the early follicular (EF), late follicular (LF) and mid-luteal (ML) phases of their menstrual cycle, determined by the calendar method. The movement patterns, expressed as meters per minute, were recorded during competitive matches using devices placed on the player’s ankle. Our results showed significantly lower distances covered at moderate and high velocity in the EF phase than in the LF and ML phases (Cohen’s d effect size = 1.03 and 0.79, respectively). The total distance covered during matches and the number of sprints also were reduced during EF compared with LF (d = 0.78 and 0.7, respectively). Overall, the total distance and distance covered at low velocity were significantly lower during the second half-time of the matches (d = 1.51), but no menstrual cycle phase × game period interaction was noted. In conclusion, our study suggests that EF may impact the movement pattern of sub-elite women soccer players during competitive matches, without any modulation of this effect by the playing time. Despite the low sample size, these results can be useful for coaches and support staff to modulate training loads and player rotation during soccer games.