Contextual Factors and Running Demands in Elite Female Soccer: A Comparison Between Starters and Non-Starters

maximized (Castagna, Chamari, Stolen, & Wisloff, 2005).Thus, proper and continuous monitoring of the training load is important to determine the applied training load and implement interventions in subsequent sessions (i.e., increases or decreases

BackgroundField test performance is a key indicator of soccer match performance, offering insights into aerobic and anaerobic capacities. This study investigated the relationship between field test performance and match performance in young soccer players.MethodsThirty-eight elite male soccer players (mean ± SD: age 17.1 ± 1.01 years; height 177.17 ± 5.38 cm; body mass 71.18 ± 5.60 kg) participated in the study. Aerobic endurance was evaluated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 test (YIRT1), the 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT), and the Circular Field Test (FTcir). Anaerobic capacity was assessed through the Repeated Sprint Test and the 40 m Maximal Running Speed Test (MRS40). Match performance was determined using GPS data, with metrics including total distance covered and distances in different speed zones: walking (0–6.9 km.h−1), low-intensity running (7–12.9 km.h−1), moderate-intensity running (13–17.9 km.h−1), very high-intensity running (18–20.9 km.h−1), sprinting (≥ 21 km.h−1), and high-intensity actions (≥ 13 km.h−1).ResultsSignificant positive correlations were observed between YIRT1 results and total match distance (r = .524–.546, p < 0.01), as well as high-intensity actions (r = .490–.518, p < 0.01). The 30-15IFT showed moderately positive correlations with total distance (r = .401, p < 0.05) and high-intensity actions (r = .455, p < 0.01). Anaerobic Threshold Running Speed (AnERS) demonstrated a weak to moderate relationship with low-intensity running (r = -.397 to .312, p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn conclusion, among the tests examined, YIRT1 emerged as the most consistent predictor of match-related running performance. While the 30–15IFT showed a moderate correlation, the relationship with anaerobic tests was limited. These findings highlight the usefulness of YIRT1 in assessing match performance but also reveal that no single test fully reflects the complexity of match performance.

Sánchez-Abselam, O, González-Fernández, FT, Castillo-Rodríguez, A, and Onetti-Onetti, W. External load of professional female soccer players in the competitive microcycle: Influence of playing position and contextual variables. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Women's soccer has experienced substantial growth in recent years, accompanied by increased scientific interest in performance-related variables. This study aimed to analyze the external load across competitive microcycles in a professional women's soccer team and to examine the influence of playing position and contextual factors (match location, outcome, and opponent quality) on physical demands. Eighteen professional players (age: 24.5 ± 5.6 years; body mass: 58.8 ± 14.8 kg; height: 165 ± 5.7 cm) from a Spanish second-division team were monitored across 13 microcycles using 10 Hz Global Positioning System devices. Players were categorized into 5 positions: central defenders, external defenders, midfielders, wingers, and forwards. Significant differences were observed across microcycle days ( p < 0.001), with match day (MD) presenting the highest external load values, and MD-1 the lowest. Playing position significantly affected explosive distance, high-speed running, and high metabolic load distance ( p < 0.001), with forwards showing the highest values and central defenders the lowest. In addition, greater physical demands were recorded when competing against lower-ranked opponents. These findings provide relevant insights for physical performance staff, highlighting the importance of adjusting training loads based on both positional profiles and contextual factors to optimize performance and recovery strategies in elite women's soccer.

Modric, T, Esco, M, Perkovic, S, Basic, Z, Versic, S, Morgans, R, and Sekulic, D. Artificial turf increases the physical demand of soccer by heightening match running performance compared with natural grass. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2222-2228, 2023-This study aimed to determine differences in match running performance (MRP) of elite soccer players (n = 31) during matches played on artificial turf (AT) and natural grass (NG). The players' MRP (AT; 131 observations, NG; 135 observations) were collected during official matches (n = 32) using global positioning system and classified according to their playing positions as central defenders, central midfielders, fullbacks, forwards, and wingers. The MRP variables included total distance covered (TD), low-intensity running (LIR), moderate-intensity running (MIR), high-intensity running (HIR), total (Tacc) and high-intensity accelerations (Hacc), and total (Tdec) and high-intensity decelerations (Hdec). The influence of match outcome, location, and opponent quality was controlled for as contextual factors. Playing matches on AT resulted in (a) increased TD (Cohen's d (d) = 0.55, 0.61, and 0.28, respectively), MIR (d = 0.91, 0.79, and 0.49, respectively), and HIR (d = 0.67, 0.44, and 0.38, respectively) for central defenders, central midfielders, fullbacks; (b) increased Tacc (d = 0.38, 0.37, and 0.4, respectively) and Tdec (d = 0.31, 0.34, and 0.31, respectively) for central defenders, central midfielders, and wingers; and (c) decreased Hdec (d = -1.5) for forwards. These results show that playing on AT is more physically demanding for defensive and midfield players than playing on NG. Soccer coaches should consider implementing preparatory strategies that mitigate the increased demands of playing on AT for these players, especially before a competitive period when transitions between pitch surfaces routinely occur.

Temporal changes in the total running demands of professional football competition have been well documented, with absolute running demands decreasing in the second half. However, it is unclear whether the peak match running demands demonstrate a similar decline. A total of 508 GPS files were collected from 44 players, across 68 matches of the Australian A-League. GPS files were split into the 1st and 2nd half, with the peak running demands of each half quantified across 10 moving average durations (1-10 min) for three measures of running performance (total distance, high-speed distance [> 19.8 km · h-1] and average acceleration). Players were categorised based on positional groups: attacking midfielder (AM), central defender (CD), defensive midfielder (DM), striker (STR), wide defender (WD) and winger (WNG). Linear mixed models and effect sizes were used to identify differences between positional groups and halves. Peak running demands were lower in the second half for STR across all three reported metrics (ES = 0.60-0.84), with peak average acceleration lower in the second half for DM, WD and WNG (ES = 0.60-0.70). Irrespective of match half, AM covered greater peak total distances than CD, STR, WD and WIN (ES = 0.60-2.08). Peak high-speed distances were greater across both halves for WIN than CD, DM and STR (ES = 0.78-1.61). Finally, STR had lower peak average acceleration than all positional groups across both halves (ES = 0.60-1.12). These results may help evaluate implemented strategies that attempt to mitigate reductions in second half running performance and inform position specific training practices.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the internal load of amateur soccer players during official championship matches when playing with the 1-4-3-3 formation. Additionally, the possible relationship between internal load variables and external load indices was explored. The study involved 18 amateur soccer players, and the Polar Team Pro GPS system was used to record external load and heart rate (HR) during official championship matches. Internal load was assessed using %HRmax and Edward’s training impulse (TRIMPEdw). External load indices included total distance (TD), pace (distance/min), number of sprints, distance covered in different speed zones, accelerations (&gt;2 m/s2), and decelerations (&lt;−2 m/s2). Players were categorized as central defenders (CD), side defenders (SD), central midfielders (CM), side midfielders (SM), and forwards (F). The results indicated no differences in internal load indices among playing positions. During matches, SM performed the most sprints, while CD performed the fewest (p &lt; 0.05). CD covered the shortest distances in speed zones &gt;7.20 km/h, whereas CM and SM covered the longest distances (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, CD had fewer accelerations and decelerations compared to SM (p &lt; 0.05). In the first half, differences were observed in pace (distance/min) (p &lt; 0.05), but not in the second half. Between halves, differences in %HRmax were observed for all positions, while TRIMPEdw differed in CM and F. CM showed the most differences between halves. Throughout the matches, a high correlation was found between %HRmax and pace (distance/min), while TRIMPEdw correlated with TD, as well as distances in high-speed zones (14.40–25.19 km/h). This suggests that TRIMPEdw is a comprehensive indicator dependent on volume (TD) and on high-intensity actions, which are crucial in soccer, influencing players’ and teams’ performances. Therefore, for assessing the internal load of amateur soccer players, TRIMPEdw may be a more useful indicator. This study provides valuable information for coaches of amateur soccer teams using the 1-4-3-3 formation regarding running profiles, accelerations/decelerations, and the profile of internal load in each playing position. This information can be used to individualize training based on players’ playing positions.

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted professional football in the 2019/2020 season, and football experts anticipate that the consequences of lockdown measures will negatively affect the physical performance of players once competition restarts. This study aimed to evaluate position-specific match running performance (MRP) to determine the effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on the physical performance of professional football players. Players’ MRPs (n = 124) were observed in matches before and after the COVID-19 lockdown in the 2019/2020 season of the highest level of national competition in Croatia and were classified according to player position: central defenders (CD; n = 42), fullbacks (FB; n = 20), midfielders (MF; n = 46), and forwards (FW; n = 16). The MRPs were measured using Global Positioning System, and included the total distance covered, low-intensity running (≤14.3 km/h), running (14.4–19.7 km/h), high-intensity running (≥19.8 km/h), total accelerations (>0.5 m/s2), high-intensity accelerations (>3 m/s2), total decelerations (less than –0.5 m/s2), and high-intensity decelerations (less than –3 m/s2). The results indicated that, in matches after the COVID-19 lockdown, (i) CDs and FBs featured lower running and high-intensity running (t-value: from 2.05 to 3.51; all p < 0.05; moderate to large effect sizes), (ii) MFs covered a greater distance in low-intensity running and achieved a lower number of total accelerations, and total and high-intensity decelerations (t-value: from –3.54 to 2.46; all p < 0.05, moderate to large effect sizes), and (iii) FWs featured lower high-intensity running (t-value = 2.66, p = 0.02, large effect size). These findings demonstrate that the physical performances of football players from the Croatian first division significantly decreased in matches after the COVID-19 lockdown. A combination of inadequate adaptation to football-specific match demands and a crowded schedule after the competition was restarted most likely resulted in such an effect.

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

This study aimed to compare the maximal anaerobic power (Pmax), mean anaerobic power (Pm) and fatigue index (FI) among soccer players of different tactical positions. For this purpose, 248 professional soccer players (25.8±1.72 years old, 77.52±4.90 kg and 178.48±5.63 cm) from the 1st and 2nd division of the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, participated in this study. They were evaluated between 1999 and 2010 and divided into five positions: goalkeepers (GK) (n=28), external defenders (ED) (n=35), central defenders (CD) (n=54), midfielders (MF) (n=81), and forwards (F) (n=50). The RAST test was performed to evaluate their Pmax, Pmed, and FI. ANOVA one-way and Tukey's post hoc were used to evaluate the relationship between the variables; significant level was p<0.05. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found for Pmax of ED compared to GK, CD and MF. Similarly, Pm of ED also presented significant difference when compared to GK, CD and MF, as well as of F and MF compared to GK (p<0.05). In the relative power of each sprint, the athletes maintained the velocity during the 1st and 2nd sprint regardless of their positions, except for MF, and during the 5th and 6th sprint. There was no decrease in power performance for all positions. Since significant differences were found in Pmax and Pm of ED compared to GK, CD and MF, we conclude that athletes of different tactical positions presented variation regarding the characteristics of their actions.

This study aimed to identify positional differences in the running performance (RP) of professional women soccer players. Seventy match performances were observed during the official matches (n = 13) over the course of half of a season at the highest levelof national soccer competition in Slovenia. Players’ RP were obtained using global positioning system technology and were classified into five playing positions: central defender (CD; n = 11), fullback (FB; n = 15), central midfielder (CM; n = 9), winger (WM; n = 25) and forward (FW; n = 10). RP variables included total distance, high-intensity running, high-metabolic load distance, high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, and maximal running speed. Univariate and multivariate differences in RP among playing positions were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and discriminate canonical analysis, respectively. Significant univariate differences were found for all RP variables (f = 3.77 –8.68, μ = 0.19 –0.33). Specifically, WMs, FBs, and CMs covered more total distance than CDs or FWs. High-intensity running, high metabolic load distance, high-intensity accelerations, and decelerations were greater for FBs or WMs compared to the players in all other playing positions. Analysis of multivariate differences showed significant differentiation between FBs and CMs, CDs, and FWs in high-intensity running distance, high-metabolic load distance, and high-intensity decelerations (CanR= 0.4 –0.77, all p &lt; 0.01), respectively, with higher occurrence in FBs. These findings demonstrated the differing physical demands placed on national-level women's soccer players in different playing positions, offering valuable insights for their preparation

This research explores the influence of playing with different recovery times between matches on physical activity and technical performance. The sample was composed by 4496 professional players who participated in German professional league (Deutsche Fußball Liga – DFL) during the season 2011–2012. Data were collected using a semi-automatic optical tracking system (VISTRACK, by Impire Corp., Germany). Differences on work rate profiles of soccer players were analysed for the following variables: total distance covered, number of fast runs, number of sprints and percentage of successful passes. The main finding of this study suggests that the total distance covered, the number of fast runs and the number of sprints decreased in professional soccer players in microcycles with length of <4 days during the mid-season. Central defenders, external defenders and external midfielders covered less total distance in microcycles of <4 days, and this effect was more evident during the mid-season. During three-day microcycles in comparison to four-day cycles, central defenders and external defenders reduced the total distance covered. No differences were observed between teams according to the team quality and match location. Coaches should pay extra attention to adapt recovery strategy according to playing position and period of season.

The development of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has contributed in various ways to improving the physical condition of modern football players by enabling the quantification of physical load. Previous studies have reported that the running demands of matches vary depending on playing position and formation. Over the past decade, despite the widespread use of GPS technology, studies that have investigated the running performance of young football players within the 1-4-3-3 formation are particularly limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to create the match running profile of playing positions in the 1-4-3-3 formation among high-level youth football players. An additional objective of the study was to compare the running performance of players between the two halves of a match. This study involved 25 football players (Under-19, U19) from the academy of a professional football club. Data were collected from 18 league matches in which the team used the 1-4-3-3 formation. Positions were categorized as Central Defenders (CDs), Side Defenders (SDs), Central Midfielders (CMs), Side Midfielders (SMs), and Forwards (Fs). The players’ movement patterns were monitored using GPS devices and categorized into six speed zones: Zone 1 (0.1–6 km/h), Zone 2 (6.1–12 km/h), Zone 3 (12.1–18 km/h), Zone 4 (18.1–21 km/h), Zone 5 (21.1–24 km/h), and Zone 6 (above 24.1 km/h). The results showed that midfielders covered the greatest total distance (p = 0.001), while SDs covered the most meters at high and maximal speeds (Zones 5 and 6) (p = 0.001). In contrast, CDs covered the least distance at high speeds (p = 0.001), which is attributed to the specific tactical role of their position. A comparison of the two halves revealed a progressive decrease in the distance covered by the players at high speed: distance in Zone 3 decreased from 1139 m to 944 m (p = 0.001), Zone 4 from 251 m to 193 m (p = 0.001), Zone 5 from 144 m to 110 m (p = 0.001), and maximal sprinting (Zone 6) dropped from 104 m to 78 m (p = 0.01). Despite this reduction, the total distance remained relatively stable (first half: 5237 m; second half: 5046 m, p = 0.16), indicating a consistent overall workload but a reduced number of high-speed efforts in the latter stages. The results clearly show that the tactical role of each playing position in the 1-4-3-3 formation, as well as the area of the pitch in which each position operates, significantly affects the running performance profile. This information should be utilized by fitness coaches to tailor physical loads based on playing position. More specifically, players who cover greater distances at high speeds during matches should be prepared for this scenario within the microcycle by performing similar distances during training. It can also be used for better preparing younger players (U17) before transitioning to the U19 level. Knowing the running profile of the next age category, the fitness coach can prepare the players so that by the end of the season, they are approaching the running performance levels of the next group, with the goal of ensuring a smoother transition. Finally, regarding the two halves of the game, it is evident that fitness coaches should train players during the microcycle to maintain high movement intensities even under fatigue.

The study aims were to describe positional differences in the acceleration and sprint profiles of professional football players in match-play, and analyse start speeds required based on the intensity of accelerations and decelerations. This longitudinal study was conducted over thirteen competitive microcycles in a professional football team from LaLiga 123. Data were collected through electronic performance tracking systems. Every player was categorised based on the playing position: central defender (CD), full-back (FB), forward (FW), midfielder (MF), and wide midfielder (WMF). In respect of acceleration profile, positional differences were found for all variables (p < 0.05), except average magnitude of accelerations (ACCAVG, p = 0.56) and decelerations (DECAVG, p = 0.76). The sprint profile also showed positional differences for all variables (p < 0.05), apart from sprint duration (p = 0.07). In addition, although low-intensity accelerations required significantly greater start speeds (Vo) than high-intensity accelerations in WMF (0.4 ± 0.2 km/h; p < 0.05) and FW (0.4 ± 0.2 km/h; p < 0.05), no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in CD, FB, and MF. However, high-intensity decelerations were performed at significantly higher Vo than low-intensity decelerations in MF (2.65 ± 0.1 km/h; p < 0.05), FW (3.3 ± 0.1 km/h; p < 0.05), FB (3.9 ± 0.4 km/h; p < 0.05), WMF (4.3 ± 0.3 km/h; p < 0.05), and CD (4.1 ± 0.7 km/h; p < 0.05). Therefore, positional differences exist for most variables of the acceleration and sprint profiles. In addition, different Vo were observed between high-intensity and low-intensity accelerations as well as high-intensity and low-intensity decelerations.

Global popularity of football (soccer) has led to implementation of scientific and technolog-ical knowledge in its everyday use. One of such things that has been expanding in recent years is the application of various technologies for monitoring running performance during trainings and matches. The aim of this study was to evaluate match running performance of professional football/soccer players during oficial matches by using global positioning sys-tem (GPS) technology, and to compare it among playing positions. One hundred and one match performance of “Hajduk” team in 14 matches of Croatian Football League season 2018/2019 were used for this study. The activities of the players were monitored using GPS technology (Catapult S5 and X4 devices, Melbourne, Australia) with a sampling frequency of 10 Hz. Total distance covered, distance in different speed cat-egories, total and high intensity accelerations and decelerations were analyzed for players in five different playing positions: central defenders (n=26), full-backs (n=24), midfielders (n=33), wingers (n=10), and forwards (n=8). Additionally, running performances were cor-related with InStat index, regular performance indicator which is calculated on the basis of unique set of key parameters for each position (12 to 14 factors). Average total distance covered during match was 10.3 km, with midfielders covering larg-est (11.1 km) and central backs covering smallest average distance (9.3 km). Playing po-sitions differed significantly in high intensity running (F-test = 21.97 and 18.84, p 25 km/h, respectively). The side positions (wingers and full-backs) covered highest-, while central defenders covered lowest-average distance (914, 775, and 376 m, respectively). The wingers had highest number of high intensity accelerations and decelerations (&gt; 3 m/s2; F-test = 16.56 and 17.98, p 0.5 m/s2; F-test = 6.57, and 15.26, p &lt; 0.01, respectively). InStat index was not correlated with data ob-tained by GPS measurement. Results from this study indicate that running demands differ depending on playing positions so these findings should be applied in creating training plan and program. Future studies should evaluate data from multiple teams for getting more applicable findings.

Rey, E, Kalén, A, Lorenzo-Martínez, M, López-Del Campo, R, Nevado-Garrosa, F, and Lago-Peñas, C. Elite soccer players do not cover less distance in the second half of the matches when game interruptions are considered. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 709-713, 2024-This study aimed to analyze quantitative differences in the physical demands of male elite soccer players between the first and second halves during official matches, accounting for effective playing time (the duration of play after subtracting the game interruptions) and playing positions. A total of 4,249 individual match observations of 412 outfield players competing in the Spanish first division league (LaLiga) were undertaken during the 2018-2019 season, using a computerized tracking system (TRACAB, Chyronhego, New York, NY). The players were classified into 5 positional roles: central defenders (CD), external defenders (ED), central midfielders (CM), external midfielders (EM), and forwards (F). The main results showed that in contrast to those observed when total playing time was considered, independent of playing position, there were no significant differences on high-speed running (HSR) (5.5 ± 2.4 vs. 5.5 ± 2.4 m·min -1 ) and sprint (5.3 ± 3.3 vs. 5.4 ± 3.3 m·min -1 ) distances between the first and second halves in professional soccer players when the effective playing time was considered. However, differences in match running performance at HSR and sprint distances between the first and second halves were dependent on players' playing position. Whereas ED and EM maintained HSR and sprint efforts during the second half, CD and CM significantly increased ( p < 0.001) the distance covered at sprint during the second period of the match. Contrarily, F were unable to maintain their HSR (6.2 ± 2.3 vs. 5.9 ± 3.3 m·min -1 ) and sprint (7.0 ± 3.5 vs. 6.5 ± 3.4 m·min -1 ) match running performances during the second half. Such findings demonstrate that total playing time could overestimate fatigue-induced performance declines. Thus, effective playing time and playing position should be taken into account when interpreting the match running performance of professional soccer players.