Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the change of direction (COD) frequencies and intensities of high-performance soccer players of the German Bundesliga independent of tactical and match context. COD data were collected from 18 German Bundesliga soccer teams (season 2016–2017; 308 fixtures) by an optical tracking system (OTS) (TRACAB). CODs were tracked using a modified algorithm and were sub-categorized by entry velocity (<3.0 m⋅s−1, 3.0–5.5 m⋅s−1, 5.5–7.0 m⋅s−1 and >7.0 m⋅s−1) and COD angle (20–59°, 60–119° and 120–180°). COD metric frequencies were compared between playing positions (goalkeepers, centre backs, full-backs, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and strikers). In general, regardless of entry velocity or COD angle, central midfielders consistently executed the highest number of COD actions during matches compared to the other playing positions. About ≈ 55% and ≈ 38% of CODs were <3.0 m⋅s−1 and <5.5 m⋅s−1, whereas ≈ 7% were >5.5 m⋅s−1. The distribution of COD angle types was ≈ 5% for 20–59°, ≈25% 60–119° and ≈ 70% for 120–180° COD angles. Our data provide insights into the COD demands of high-performance soccer in the German Bundesliga in terms of entry velocity and COD angles and their combination based on a large dataset of OTS data, which provides insights to facilitate the development of physical conditioning strategies, position-specific external load management, and multidirectional speed training with adequate test battery selection and return-to-play protocols for soccer players.

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.