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Manning CN, Sekiguchi Y, Benjamin CL, Spaulding MR, Dierickx EE, Spaulding JM, Davenport DM, Picard-Busky JR, Chiampas GT, Nassis GP, Casa DJ. Deconstructing stereotypes: Stature, match-playing time, and performance in elite Women's World Cup soccer. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:1067190. [PMID: 36589782 PMCID: PMC9795175 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.1067190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recruiting companies recommend elite female soccer players be ≥165 cm (5'5″) in stature. This study investigated if stature limits match-playing time and performance in elite World Cup soccer among players, positions, and countries. We hypothesized stature would not affect match-playing time or performance. Descriptive data were collected on 552 players from 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Odds ratios determined likelihood of starting for players <165 cm and ≥165 cm. ANOVAs compared playing time between stature groups, among positions, and between countries. Performance factors including assists, goals, attempts, corners, shots blocked, and defending blocks were reported. Independent t-tests compared differences between players (≥165 cm, < 165 cm). Data are reported, mean difference [95% confidence interval] [MD (95%CI)] and effect sizes (ES). On average, 32.3% of players were <165 cm. Of total players, no differences existed in total minutes (F = 0.98, p = 0.32), matches (F = 0.27 p = 0.59), or average minutes per match (F = 0.48, p = 0.49) between stature groups, regardless of position. No differences existed in playing time between players <165 cm and ≥165 cm among any positions (p > 0.05), or between countries (p > 0.05). Taller mid-fielders exhibited greater performance in goals, assists, attempts, shots blocked, and defending blocks (MD [95%CI] ES; assists, -0.44[-0.76,-0.11]0.59, p = 0.009; goals, -0.35[-0.69,-0.01]0.44, p = 0.047); attempts, 3.14[1.38, 4.90]0.80, p = 0.001; corners, 2.04[0.12, 3.95]0.48, p = 0.037; shots blocked, 0.96[0.40, 1.51]0.75, p = 0.001; defending blocks, 0.43[0.32,0.82]0.48, p = 0.035), however, actual differences were minimal. Our findings indicate stature does not inhibit playing and performing elite women's soccer, as nearly one-third of players were <165 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara N. Manning
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States,Correspondence: C. N. Manning
| | - Yasuki Sekiguchi
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States,Sports Performance Lab, Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Courteney L. Benjamin
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States,Department of Kinesiology, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - McKenna R. Spaulding
- Department of Health and Physical Education and Recreation, Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA, United States
| | - Erin E. Dierickx
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Jayson M. Spaulding
- Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Dayshia M. Davenport
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | | | - George T. Chiampas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States,Chief Medical Officer, United States Soccer Federation, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - George P. Nassis
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Douglas J. Casa
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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