Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of contextual variables on running performance in Brazilian professional soccer players. Twenty male players from one club participating in the 1st Division of the Brazilian soccer championship were analyzed during 35 matches. Global Positioning System was used to determine total distance (TD) covered, distance covered and actions in high intensity and sprinting, and the number of accelerations, and decelerations. The independent variables used were match location, match outcome, opposition ranking, change of head coach, and distance traveled to play the matches. Total distance was higher in a way than home matches (9,712 vs. 9,533 m; p ≤ 0.05), and losses than draws and wins (9,846 vs. 9,400 vs. 9,551 m; p ≤ 0.05), whereas distance in sprinting was higher in draws than losses (203 vs. 175 m; p ≤ 0.01). Changing the head coach during the season resulted in overall lower distance covered in high intensity, sprinting, high-intensity actions (p ≤ 0.01), and decelerations (p ≤ 0.05). Higher values for distance covered in sprinting and high intensity were found in matches without travel compared to those with long-travel (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, running performance was affected by the location, match outcome, change of head coach, and distance traveled during the season.
Highlights
Match analysis has become a critical process in the prescription of specific and representative training in soccer
Comparisons of running performance in relation to the match outcome showed that total distance (TD) covered during matches lost was higher than for draws and wins (p = 0.03; ES = 0.27, and ES = 0.2, respectively; Figure 2)
The present brief report investigated the effects of several contextual variables on running performance in professional soccer players from one club in Brazil
Summary
Match analysis has become a critical process in the prescription of specific and representative training in soccer. The interest of researchers and practitioners in factors that influence running performance has grown (Castellano et al, 2011; Lago-Peñas, 2012; Moalla et al, 2018), with emphasis on contextual variables, including match location, match outcome, competitive level, and the quality of opponents (Paul et al, 2015; Liu et al, 2016; Aquino et al, 2020). On the other hand, Rampinini et al (2007) observed greater TD and distance covered at high intensity in matches against strong teams. This divergence reinforces the need for research addressing this topic in different leagues worldwide
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
