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

Effect of 6-week single leg countermovement jump training on force time metrics in elite female youth footballers

Female football participation has grown exponentially. Unfortunately, females exhibit greater injury risk than male athletes, and experience increased mechanical stress during adolescence. Force plates provide accurate and reliable force-time characteristics enabling profiling of injury risk and benchmarking using a variety of jump and isometric tasks. The purpose of this study was to determine whether test-retest reliability and force-time characteristics of SLCMJ, bilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement rebound jump (CMJ-R) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) change with six weeks of SLCMJ training. Twenty-eight elite youth female footballers (13.7 ± 1.1 years, 53.27 ± 8.82 kg, 162.20 ± 5.37 cm) completed six weeks of SLCMJ as part of a routine strength and plyometric training program. SLCMJ training did not influence test-retest reliability and resulted in favourable adaptations indicated through small to large changes in force-time characteristics for SLCMJ. Significant (p < 0.05) yet trivial to small favourable changes were observed for the CMJ and CMJ-R, with small increases observed for IMTP. The results of this study demonstrate that six weeks of SLCMJ training does not influence phase-specific test-rest reliability (i.e. braking and propulsion) and causes weekly fluctuations in force-time characteristics leading to improvements in SLCMJ, CMJ, CMJ-R and IMTP. Practitioners can use such information to inform training design and monitor athlete performance.

Analysis of FIFA 2023 Women's World Cup match performance according to match outcome and phase of the tournament

The aim of the study was to analyze the FIFA 2023 Women's World Cup match performance according to match outcome and phase of the tournament. Match performance data were analyzed from a total of 64 games, which included a total of 32 national teams. The variables collected from the post-match summary reports were calculated according to match time (i.e., data per minute) and were categorized in four groups: key statistics, in possession and out of possession variables, out of possession defensive pressure variables, and physical performance variables. When it comes to match outcome, significant differences were observed in key statistics (e.g., there were significantly greater possession, goals, attempts at goal on target, total passes, total passes completed, defensive line breaks, and receptions in the final third when winning compared to drawing or losing), in possession variables (e.g., wins showed significantly greater build up unopposed compared to losses and draws), out of possession variables (e.g., wins showed significantly greater high press than losses), and out of possession defensive pressure variables (e.g., losses showed significantly greater total pressure, pressing direction outside, and ball recovery time compared to wins or draws). There were no significant differences in any physical performance variable, except for distance covered in zone 1 (losses > draws). When it comes to the phase of the tournament, no significant differences were observed in any variable, except for distance covered in zone 1 (knock-out > groups). Furthermore, significant interactions were observed between match outcome and phase of the tournament in the following variables: attempts at goal on target, pass completion %, progressions, and average pressure duration. Quantifying and comprehending match-play characteristics hold significant importance in guiding practices within women's soccer. Therefore, this study serves as a resource for the staff of national teams to understand performance according to match outcome and phase of the tournament in an international women's soccer tournament.

Data analytics practices and reporting strategies in senior football: insights into athlete health and performance from over 200 practitioners worldwide

Despite the rise of data generation in football, the expertise of data analytics within the sport is relatively underdeveloped. To further understand the landscape, a cross-sectional, observational study design was used to survey practitioners in senior, professional, or semi-professional football. Areas of interest included the personnel involved (the 'who'), the data collected (the 'what'), and the analytical techniques employed (the 'how'). A total of 206 practitioners completed an online survey, with representation from all six FIFA confederations. Of the 206 respondents, 86% were male, 13% female, and 1% preferred not to disclose their gender. Respondents were categorised as working in either the performance (73%), data (18%), or medical (9%) department. Heterogeneity was observed in responses across all departments regarding training load metrics, outcome metrics, methodological attributes, and measurement properties. Evidence sources used prior to implementing a new metric varied between departments, with performance (63%) and medical (67%) staff relying on professional industry and/or community, while data staff (57%) utilised more in-house projects. The analytical approach used most frequently was exploratory data analysis (90%), with modelling, forecasting, and predicting the least frequent (54%). Respondents reported using a mix of solutions for data storage, aggregating and analysing, and reporting and visualising data. Spreadsheets were cited as a popular solution for data wrangling and reporting tasks. The findings provide an overview of current data ecosystems and information systems in modern football organisations. These results can be used to improve data analytics service provision in football by helping identify areas for development and progression.

High Return to Competition Rate After On-Field Rehabilitation in Competitive Male Soccer Players After ACL Reconstruction: GPS Tracking in 100 Consecutive Cases

Background

Despite published guidelines describing on-field rehabilitation (OFR) frameworks for soccer, available evidence for practitioners who work with players with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is limited.

Purpose

To document the activity and workloads completed by a large cohort of amateur and professional soccer players during OFR following ACLR after completing their indoor rehabilitation and to establish their return to competition (RTC) outcomes.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

OFR measurements/activities, global positioning system (GPS), and heart rate data were collected from 100 male 11-a-side soccer players with ACLR undergoing a criteria-based rehabilitation process, concluding with a 5-stage OFR program. Consent was obtained directly from the players involved in this study before completing a follow-up questionnaire to document RTC outcomes. Differences between the level of play (professional and amateur) and 5 OFR stages were investigated using separate linear mixed models.

Results

A minimum 9-month follow-up was possible for 97 players (97%), with a median time of 2.3 years after ACLR and 84% RTC, with higher rates in professionals (100%) than amateurs (80%). Ten (10%) players sustained an ACL reinjury. Professionals completed more OFR sessions (20.6 ± 7.7 vs 13.2 ± 7.7; P < .001) over a shorter period (44.7 ± 30.3 vs 59.3 ± 28.5 days; P = .044) and achieved higher workloads mostly in the high-intensity GPS metrics in each OFR stage. Typical external workload outputs in the final OFR stage aligned with team training demands for the total distance (TD) (106%), high-intensity distance (HID) (104%), peak speed (PS) (88%), acceleration distance (ACC) (110%), and deceleration distance (DEC) (48%), but they were lower compared with match play demands (TD: 44%; HID: 51%; PS: 82%; ACC: 63%; and DEC: 26%).

Conclusion

High RTC rates were reported in those players who participated in OFR after indoor rehabilitation. Completion of all five OFR stages almost prepared them for team training demands; however, workloads remain low compared to match play.

Analysis of attacking styles and goal-scoring in the 2021/22 Women's Super League

The rapid rise in elite women's football has increased the demand for female specific research to enable more accurate and appropriate assessments of tactical performance. Thereby, this study aimed to describe goal scoring in relation to different attacking styles during a Women's Super League (WSL) season. Specifically, 1179 attacking sequences leading to shots on target performed by all 12 teams in the 2021/22 WSL season were analysed. The style of attack for each attacking sequence was characterised by research guided key performance indicators and recorded with the outcome of the subsequent shot on target. Descriptive results indicated that most shots (27.23%) were originating from combinative organised attacks, while set plays accounted for the most goals (27.08%), with fast organised attacks demonstrating the best goal conversation rates (53.33%). Outcomes of a chi-square test highlighted a significant (but weak) association between attacking styles and shot outcomes ([Formula: see text] = 9.87, P = 0.043) in the considered WSL season, with shots originating from set plays resulting in significantly more goals than expected (AR = 2.45). Overall, the results can be useful for practitioners when formulating tactical game plans and training sessions, while also providing multiple opportunities for future research in tactical analysis of women's football.

Body Composition Changes over a Collegiate Playing Career in NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Players

ABSTRACT

Tinsley, GM, Meyer, MK, Ptak, SM, Yu, D, Provost, JA, Hansen, NJ, and Carbuhn, AF. Body composition changes over a collegiate playing career in NCAA Division I women's soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 39(1): e40-e55, 2025-Although body composition is known to influence success in organized sport, the longitudinal body composition changes produced by sport specialization are not well characterized for women's soccer. To address this need, this study reports the body composition changes of NCAA Division I women's soccer players over their entire collegiate playing career. Serial dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were performed throughout players' involvement in collegiate women's soccer. Analyses of all players with multiple DXA scans (n = 80) and players with ≥3 years of DXA data (n = 17) were performed using linear mixed-effects models that included effects of time, playing position, game minutes, and interactions. In all athletes (n = 80; 2.1 ± 1.2 years of participation), significant increases in bone mass (1.4%), total lean mass (1.7%), and fat-free mass index (0.3 kg·m-2) occurred. These changes coincided with increased arm and leg bone mass, increased lean mass in all regions, and decreased body fat percentage and leg fat mass. In athletes with ≥3 years of collegiate data (n = 17; 3.5 ± 0.4 years of participation), larger increases in bone mass (3.0%), bone mineral density (2.2%), total lean mass (2.5%), fat-free mass index (0.4 kg·m-2), and segmental bone and lean mass were observed. Larger decreases in body fat percentage and leg fat mass were also noted. Although playing position was related to body composition characteristics, changes in outcomes were generally unrelated to position or game minutes. In summary, beneficial changes in multiple aspects of body composition were observed over years of participation in a collegiate women's soccer program.

Effects of Soccer Match-Play on Muscle Strength, Physical Performance, and Perceptual Responses in Elite Female Players

ABSTRACT

Gereduz Agapito, L, Brownstein, CG, and Maffiuletti, NA. Effects of soccer match-play on muscle strength, physical performance, and perceptual responses in elite female players. J Strength Cond Res 39(1): 79-85, 2025-The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of actual soccer match-play on muscle strength, physical performance, and perceptual responses in elite female players. Twelve Swiss elite players were tested before (pre), after (post) and 48 hours after a 90-minute soccer match for knee and hip muscle strength, vertical jump height, and sprint time. Perceptual responses were also evaluated up to 72 hours postmatch with a self-reported questionnaire. Muscle strength, jump, and sprint performance were impaired at post compared with pre (p < 0.001), but fully recovered at 48 hours. Percent strength losses were higher for knee flexors (∼20%) compared with both hip adductors (∼12%; p = 0.005) and abductors (8-12%; p < 0.001), and for knee extensors compared with hip abductors (p = 0.013). Regardless of muscle group, strength losses were higher on the dominant than on the nondominant side (p = 0.010). Most perceptual responses were altered after the match (p < 0.001) and some items such as motivation to train and readiness to play remained unrecovered at 72 hours (p < 0.01). Soccer match-play induced a significant decline of knee and hip muscle strength in elite female players that was more marked for knee flexors than for hip muscles. This was accompanied by performance impairments and by altered perceptual responses that still persisted 72 hours after the match. These findings offer implications for the optimization of postmatch recovery strategies in elite female soccer players.

Metabolomics analyses and physical interventions in soccer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Soccer is the most recognized sports worldwide. It is a fertile ground for the use of metabolomics analyses, considering the multifactorial nature of soccer's physical demands on the body. Although scientific studies have tried using it to better understand the impacts of soccer into different contexts of the sport, no systematic review is available on metabolomics analyses in soccer athletes subjected to physical exertion interventions.

AIM OF REVIEW

Retrieve scientific articles that conducted metabolomics analyses on soccer athletes subjected to physical exertion interventions.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

Initially, 271 studies were screened, and 48 were retrieved for abstract analysis. Of these, 26 met the eligibility criteria, but 5 failed to meet inclusion criteria. The 21 studies included in this systematic review demonstrate that responses from physical training or acute exercise sessions, followed by the effects of soccer matches, have been the primary focus of researchers to date, highlighting alterations on metabolites from the energy metabolism, immunological pathway, purines, tryptophan/phenylalanine metabolism, as well as oxidative species and antioxidant capacity. Other studies suggest, albeit preliminarily, that organic metabolites have the potential to distinguish soccer players' performance and physical fitness, as well as provide valuable insights into diet, physical condition, training load, and recovery throughout the season. Despite metabolomics great potential to understand physiological alterations provoked by soccer as shown by the included studies, future studies should consider female athletes, explore the cause-and-effect relationship between metabolites and soccer performance more deeply, and examine the effects of different training periodizations on these markers.

Very high-speed running (VHSR) profile in elite female football: An update

The aim of the present study it's a providing an update of the profile of very high-speed running (VHSR) of professional female football players. In this study 23 official matches of the Spanish First Division of Women´s Football were analysed. A total of 15 players participated, who were classified according to their location on the matches played: central-corridor (CCP, n = 7), and lateral-corridor (LCP, n = 8). The variables recorded were: 1) Very High-Speed Running (VHSR), considering the accumulated distance, duration, and frequency, and the individual characteristics of the efforts (distance and duration); 2) Recovery between efforts (VHSRe) and; 3) VMAX. The results show that LCP described higher values in accumulative VHSR and VHSR by distance bands, with greater distances, durations and VMAX of VHSRe, with less recovery between efforts. There seems to be an evolutionary trend in the distribution of the efforts, with a higher % of efforts in the 10-20 m band. The results provide useful information that coaching staff of professional women's football teams could use to design specific very high-speed running training to optimize performance in competition.

Talent identification and development strategies in elite women's soccer: a pan-European perspective

The question of how best to identify and develop youth soccer players has received considerable attention from the scientific community. Existing literature has, however, largely focused on male players, with comparatively little exploration of the specific approaches employed within women's soccer. Accordingly, we sought to investigate the key factors deemed important by elite women's soccer clubs concerning the: 1) identification of potential talent; 2) development of players within the player pathway; and 3) selection of players for the next age group or senior team. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews with 11 key representatives from seven elite women's soccer clubs. Clubs were purposefully sampled to include the highest performing teams (38 domestic titles and 10 UEFA Women's Champions League titles) from five European nations (Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, and Italy). Data were analysed using thematic content analysis, resulting in six higher-order themes: 1) prioritising local talent; 2) recruitment from mixed grassroots leagues; 3) creating challenging developmental environments; 4) ensuring player wellbeing; 5) patience in decision-making; and 6) facilitating the youth-to-senior transition through a top-down approach. A total of 17 lower-order themes were subsequently identified. The present study offers novel insights of key strategies deemed important by some of the most successful women's clubs in top-performing European nations. Future research examining the efficacy of such approaches could help inform the development of evidence-based practices for nurturing the next generation of elite female players.

Physical performance and technical specific skills of women football players with cerebral palsy

This study aimed to determine the physical performance profile (ability to change direction, vertical and horizontal jump, sprint ability, and dribbling-specific skills) of the first women football players with cerebral palsy (CP) who participated in an international CP football competition, accounting for their sport classes. We also examined the relationships between the different physical performance variables. Forty-five female players with CP (24.9 ± 7.5 years) were categorised into three sport classes based on their impairment severity: 19 were FT1 (severe impairments); 21 FT2; and 5 FT3 (mild impairments). Various physical performance tests were conducted, including the 505 change of direction test; vertical and horizontal jumps; 10 m sprint test; and the dribbling speed test. Significant correlations were observed between the change of direction ability, sprint (r = 0.89; p < 0.01), and dribbling tests (r = 0.71; p < 0.01), as well as between horizontal jump and sprint time (r =  - 0.74; p < 0.01). FT1 players demonstrated poorer performance compared to FT3 in the 505 test and standing broad jump (p < 0.05; dg = -1.79 and 1.22 respectively), but also lower vertical jump heights (p < 0.05; dg = -0.91 to -1.57) and increased time required for sprint (p < 0.05; dg = 0.88 to 1.16) and dribbling tests (p < 0.05; dg = 0.85 to 1.44) compared to both FT2 and FT3 players. These findings offer valuable insights into the physical performance characteristics of female footballers with CP, which can guide training and sport enhancement programs for this unique para-sport population.

Talent development in female soccer: Developmental activities of professional players in England

The activities soccer players engage in during their formative years are thought to significantly contribute to the acquisition of expert performance. Whilst this area has seen great interest in male players, there has been little research in females. The study examined developmental activities engaged in by professional female soccer players in England. 56 female soccer players that had either progressed to professional status in adulthood (professional), or did not (ex-academy), completed the Participant History Questionnaire. Professional players started engaging in soccer at an earlier age than their ex-academy counterparts, resulting in greater engagement in practice and play during childhood. During adolescence, professional players engaged in higher amounts of practice than ex-academy players. Engagement in competition and practice was rated as high in physical and cognitive effort by all, yet ex-academy players reported higher levels of physical effort during early adolescence, and cognitive effort during late adolescence. Findings provide an illustration of the talent pathways of professional female soccer players in England and may inform future talent development systems. Large interindividual variation in soccer-specific and other-sport activity data highlight the importance of further understanding the environments of individual soccer nations and their potential impact on the talent identification and development processes.

Energy expenditure and dietary intake in professional female football players in the Dutch Women's League: Implications for nutritional counselling

In contrast to male football players, research on the nutritional requirements of female football players is limited. This study aimed to assess total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in professional female football players, along with body composition, physical activity and dietary intake. This observational study included 15 professional football players playing in the highest Dutch Women's League. TDEE was assessed by doubly labelled water over 14 days, along with resting metabolic rate (RMR; ventilated hood), fat-free mass (FFM; dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), and dietary intake (24-h recalls). Physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) was derived from subtracting RMR and estimated diet-induced thermogenesis (10%) from TDEE. TDEE was 2882 ± 278 kcal/day (58 ± 5 kcal/kg FFM) and significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with FFM (r = 0.62). PAEE was 1207 ± 213 kcal/d. Weighted energy intake was 2344 kcal [2023-2589]. Carbohydrate intakes were 3.2 ± 0.7, 4.4 ± 1.1 and 5.3 ± 1.9 g/kg body mass for rest, training and match days, respectively, while weighted mean protein intake was 1.9 ± 0.4 g/kg body mass. In conclusion, the energy requirements of professional female football players are moderate to high and can be explained by the substantial PAEE. To fuel these requirements, sports nutritionists should consider shifting the players' focus towards prioritizing adequate carbohydrate intakes, rather than emphasizing high protein consumption.

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

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

Indicators of Fatigue during a Soccer Match Simulation Using GPS-Derived Workload Values: Which Metrics Are Most Useful?

Research into women's competitive soccer matches has shown distance and high-speed running (HSR) reductions over time, but the effects on some GPS-derived metrics have not been investigated. The purpose of this project was to examine the utility of common GPS metrics for indicating fatigue from the T-SAFT90 match simulation in collegiate soccer players. Unlike in competitive matches, changes to these metrics occurred as early as 15 min, with HSR, average and max speed, and speed intensity (SI) exhibiting significant declines. HSR and SI were even further decreased in later periods, with HSR lower in minutes 30-40 (T30-35 and T35-40) than T15-20 and lower in T70-85 than T45-60. SI showed a similar pattern of continued decline, reaching its lowest value in the last three time segments. Accelerations and decelerations were also decreased beginning at T15-20 and T20-25, respectively, but the fatigue index (FI), dynamic stress load (DSL), and step balance (SB) were unchanged. It can be concluded that in contrast to competitive matches where players can dictate their own intensity, a match simulation may result in a quicker onset of fatigue, but not all GPS-derived values change as expected in fatiguing environments. Coaches and sports scientists may use these findings to properly monitor fatigue in real time.

The Effects of Pre-Season and Relationships with Physical, Physiological, Body Composition, and Load Markers: A Case Study Comparing Starters versus Non-Starters from an Elite Female Professional Soccer Team

Background and Objectives: Research on female soccer players that analyzes playing status is scarce and has previously only examined load monitoring, while other markers, such as physical (i.e., strength, power, and agility), physiological (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake), and body composition (i.e., body fat mass, fat-free mass, body water, and phase angle) markers, warrant further investigation. Thus, the study aims were to (a) compare physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers between starters and non-starters; (b) compare measurements pre- and post-training intervention (five weeks); and (c) analyze any relationships between physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers in an elite female soccer team. Materials and Methods: Fourteen first-team players participated in the study (age 23.29 ± 3.19 years, weight 59.14 ± 6.87 kg, height 1.66 ± 0.08 m). Several physical (n = 15), physiological (n = 1), body composition (n = 11), and load markers (n = 14) were collected. In addition, participants were sub-divided into starters (n = 7) and non-starters (n = 7). Results: No differences were revealed between starters and non-starters in any of the examined variables. Moreover, following the training intervention, a significantly lower value was found for total body water/fat-free mass ratio (p = 0.043; ES = 0.582). In addition, there were several correlations detected between load and physical/physiological markers (n = 28); load and body composition markers (n = 6); physical/physiological and body composition markers (n = 34); and physical and physiological markers (n = 42). Conclusions: In conclusion, only a slight tendency of higher load values for starters than non-starters was observed. In addition, no differences in physical, physiological, and body composition markers were found between starters and non-starters, possibly suggesting that five weeks were not enough to improve such variables. Finally, the present results provide novel information assessing the effects of the pre-season in elite female Portuguese soccer players and contribute to a better understanding of the associations between different types of measurements.

Match-Play External Load and Internal Load in NCAA Division II Women's Soccer

ABSTRACT

Choice, EE, Tufano, JJ, Jagger, KL, and Cochrane-Snyman, KC. Match-play external load and internal load in NCAA Division II women's soccer. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): e633-e639, 2023-The purpose of this study was to describe average match-play demands for NCAA DII women's soccer, including positional and time-specific differences, and relationships between variables. External load was assessed using total distance, relative distance, sprint distance, number of power plays, peak speed, and Player Load. Internal load was assessed using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Mixed factor analysis of variance was used to assess time by position (midfielder, forward, or defender) for dependent measures. Correlations were assessed between separate pair groups. Average match-play demands included 9,463 ± 2,591 m total distance, 172 ± 48 m·min -1 relative distance, 531 ± 301 m sprint distance, peak speeds of 26 ± 1.6 kph, 46.71 ± 21.75 power plays, and 457.84 ± 121.78 AU Player Load. Significant ( p < 0.05) positional differences were found for total distance, Player Load, match load, and peak speed. Significant, moderate correlations were found between relative distance and match load, and sRPE and total distance, Player Load, and power plays (all p < 0.001). Results indicate there are positional differences within a women's DII soccer team, with midfielders accumulating the longest distances (10,509 ± 2,913 m) and greatest Player Load (527.79 ± 130.5 AU) and match load (576 ± 343 AU), forwards running the fastest peak speeds (26.8 ± 1.5 kph), and defenders maintaining most consistent performance. Match-play external and internal load data should be monitored by player position and half for DII women's soccer.

Average demands and most demanding passages of national-level female soccer matches: do small- and large-sided games replicate match demands?

Introduction

This study aims to (1) determine the average and most demanding passage (MDP) load of national-level female soccer matches and (2) evaluate the relationship between average and MDP load during small-sided games (SSGs), large-sided games (LSGs), and matches.

Methods

A total of 37 national-level female soccer players from a single club senior team and the U18 team participated. The average and 1-, 3-, and 5-min MDP external (total, high-speed, and very-high-speed running distances, acceleration and deceleration distances, average metabolic power, and high-metabolic load distance) and internal loads (average heart rate, rate of perceived exertion) of the 29 league matches, ten 4 vs. 4 + goalkeepers SSGs, and six 8 vs. 8 + goalkeepers LSGs were analyzed by the Polar Team Pro player tracking system.

Results

In matches, the external load variables during 1-, 3-, and 5-min MDPs were 167%-1,165%, 135%-504%, and 126%-359%, of match average values, respectively. In LSGs, all external load variables reached higher average values compared with those during matches, except for the very-high-speed running distance; however, no variable reached higher values of 1-min MDP compared with those during the matches. In SSGs, the average acceleration and deceleration distances were higher compared with those during the matches.

Discussion

The findings from the present study suggest that LSGs and SSGs can be used to overload the average values of the selected external load variables compared with those during the matches; however, other training options must be explored to overload 1-min match MDPs.

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

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

Players', Head Coaches', And Medical Personnels' Knowledge, Understandings and Perceptions of Injuries and Injury Prevention in Elite-Level Women's Football in Ireland

BACKGROUND

To manage injuries effectively, players, head coaches, and medical personnel need to have excellent knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours in relation to the identification of risk factors for injuries, the implementation of injury prevention initiatives, as well as the implementation of effective injury management strategies. Understanding the injury context, whereby specific personal, environmental, and societal factors can influence the implementation of injury prevention initiatives and injury management strategies is critical to player welfare. To date, no qualitative research investigating the context of injuries, has been undertaken in elite-level women's football. The aim of our study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of players, head coaches, and medical personnel in the Irish Women's National League (WNL) to injury prevention and injury management.

METHODS

We used qualitative research methods to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of players, head coaches, and medical personnel in the Irish WNL to injury prevention and injury management. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 17 players, 8 medical personnel, and 7 head coaches in the Irish WNL. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Our study is located within an interpretivist, constructivist research paradigm.

RESULTS

The participants had incomplete knowledge of common injuries in elite-level football, and many held beliefs about risk factors for injuries, such as menstrual cycle stage, which lacked evidence to support them. Jumping and landing exercises were commonly used to reduce the risk of injuries but evidence-based injury prevention exercises and programmes such as the Nordic hamstring curl, Copenhagen adduction exercise, and the FIFA 11+ were rarely mentioned. Overall, there was dissatisfaction amongst players with their medical care and strength and conditioning (S & C) support, with resultant inadequate communication between players, head coaches, and medical personnel.

CONCLUSION

Poor quality and availability of medical care and S & C support were considered to be a major obstacle in the effective implementation of injury risk reduction strategies and successful return-to-sport practices. More original research is required in elite-level women's football to explore injury risk factors, injury prevention initiatives, and contextual return-to-sport strategies, so that players, head coaches, and medical personnel can use evidence that is both up-to-date and specific to their environment.

Training and match load ratios in professional soccer-should we use player- or position-specific match reference values?

Careful load management is needed to optimize the physical capacity, a key performance component, of soccer players. The training load of soccer players is often expressed as a percentage of match load. However, no study has yet evaluated how training match load ratios are affected by using either a player-specific or position-specific reference for match load. Therefore, this study aimed to compare training match load ratios of professional soccer players per day of a microcycle with match load being player-specific and position-specific, respectively. Additionally, the load that players typically experience per day of a microcycle and its variation should be analyzed. Therefore, a retrospective observational cohort study was conducted over a 14-month period, analyzing 11 external load measures during sessions of 20 players belonging to a team competing in the highest Swiss league. Within a microcycle, typical full matches presented a unique load for players, and they experienced higher training loads on days with a greater temporal distance to a match. Load variation proved to be highly associated with the day in a microcycle and the load measure. Substantial differences in typical load were evident in (i) trainings between players, (ii) matches both between players and positions, and (iii) training match load ratios when using player-specific or position-specific match references. The importance of individual load management in professional soccer was reaffirmed. When consulting training match load ratios for that purpose, one should be aware of the aim, select appropriate reference values depending on it, and interpret the ratios accurately to finally draw adequate conclusions.

Seasonal analysis of match load in professional soccer players: An observational cohort study of a Swiss U18, U21 and first team

The aim of this study was to quantify and compare various external match load measures in three age groups and leagues in male soccer (U18 in highest league of their age group vs U21 in fourth highest league vs first team in highest league). In this retrospective observational cohort study accelerations, decelerations, absolute and relative high-speed running as well as sprint distance, dynamic stress load, explosive distance, high intensity bursts total distance, high metabolic load (HML) distance, speed intensity, total distance, total time, and total loading were assessed in 416 individual player matches of 59 players. All these external load measures showed large inter-individual variability. At a group level, one-way ANOVAs or Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed statistically significant differences between the three teams for all measures analyzed (all p < 0.05), except accelerations. The first team displayed statistically significant higher dynamic stress load, explosive distance, HML distance, speed intensity, total distance and total loading compared to the two youth teams (all p < 0.05). The U18 featured statistically significant higher number of decelerations, absolute and relative high-speed running distance, high metabolic load distance, speed intensity, relative sprint distance, total distance, and total time than the U21, while for U21 higher dynamic stress load was observed than for U18 (all p < 0.05). Based on our data we conclude a routinely monitoring of match loads of different age groups and competitive settings to be required to 1) provide an indication of what players need to be prepared for, 2) track the athletic and match evolution, and 3) individually tailor training programs allowing players to fulfill the short- and long-term sport-specific requirements.

Ten questions in sports engineering: technology in elite women’s football

The use of technology in football is increasing, although, products predominantly focus on men’s football in performance, safety, comfort, and fit considerations. A recent scoping review identified just 32 published scientific articles on technology in women’s football, despite demands of those playing/working in the women’s game increasing. We wish to highlight the progressions made so far and barriers remaining in the elite women’s football technology to shed a light on this topic and prod researchers and manufacturers to help support the evolution of women’s-football-focussed technological considerations. The ten questions presented in this paper address the generic question on whether women’s specific tailoring is needed (Question 1) as well as addressing specific questions on football technology and engineering, such as the progressions made and ongoing issues in the following areas: football kits, religious considerations (hijab designs), sports bras, football boots, balls, football pitches, performance tracking devices, menstrual cycle tracking devices (Question 2–10). It is evidence that certain areas have received more attention than others and with these ten questions we hope to steer readers towards research and engineering gaps for future work.

Differences across Playing Levels for Match-Play Physical Demands in Women’s Professional and Collegiate Soccer: A Narrative Review

Advancements in sport technology have made quantifying match-play external load (e.g., total distance, sprint distance, number of sprints) a popular option for athletics personnel. These variables of volume and intensity are useful for both objectively monitoring training in field-based sports and for designing training programs. As physical abilities differ across playing levels, match-play demands likely also differ. This narrative review compiles and compares the match-play external load data for women’s soccer at the professional and collegiate levels. Databases were searched through July 2022, yielding 13 primary articles that assessed the match-play demands of women’s soccer (3 professional, 8 Division I, 1 Division II, and 1 Division III). The results indicate that the average total distance covered were similar between the professional, Division I and Division III levels, but the variability was greater among Division III compared to professional and Division I players. Data for Division II are scarce, but the total distance covered appears to be less than for professional, Division I and Division III. There was also large variability for sprint distance and number of sprints across data at all playing levels. Considering the lack of studies of Division II and Division III players, more research is necessary to determine how playing level may affect external load profiles, as isolated studies likely only reflect data from isolated teams.