Abstract
Background: A tactical factor such as playing formation seems to be another influencing factor in the physical performance of elite soccer players during the match. Some researchers have suggested that distances covered during high-intensity running in matches are valid measures of physical performance. They concluded that players covered greater distances of high-intensity activities during some team formations in comparison to others. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine high-intensity patterns of professional soccer players in relation to the positional role with two different playing formations. Methods: Match data were collected during official games systematically playing in 1-3-4-3 and 1-4-2-1-3 formations. Nineteen professional players (age 24.7 ± 4.8 years, body mass 74.5 ± 6.2 kg, height 176.3 ± 5.3 cm, percentage of body fat 9.7 ± 2.5%) were classified into five positional roles: central defender, wide defender, midfielder, wing and forward. Match performance variables included moderate-intensity running (14.9-19.8 km/h), high-speed running (19.9-25.2 km/h) and sprinting (> 25.2 km/h). The number of runs (#HSR, #SPR) and metabolic rates as HILR ([MIR + HSR + SPR]/min) and HSSL ([HSR + SPR]/min) were determined. Results: The statistical analysis revealed that #SPR (p = .045), HILR (p = .022) and HSSL (p = .019) were higher in 1-4-2-1-3 than 1-3-4-3 formation. According to the playing position, significant differences were found in HILR (p = .045) and HSSL (p = .028) for forwards during 1-4-2-1-3 and midfielders amounted more HILR than others in that team formation (p = .047). Additionally, wings amounted significantly higher #HSR (p = .011) and #SPR (p = .010) in 1-4-2-1-3, as long as forwards was the other position with more #SPR during that formation (p = .023). Conclusions: The players performed more high-intensity patterns in 1-4-2-1-3. Attackers and midfielders were the playing positions that held the most statistical differences comparing both team formations. These findings reveal that playing formation seems to be another potential factor of influence with respect to the physical performance of elite players if we consider their high-intensity profile in particular.
Highlights
Physical and technical indicators can be seen as individual parameters of match-play, success in soccer is a culmination of suitable tactics completed with the appropriate level of physical and technical performance (Bush et al, 2015)
In relation to positional roles, statistically significant differences were found in high-intensity load rate (HILR) and high speed running/sprints load rate (HSSL) for forwards during 1-4-2-1-3 formation (23.6 vs. 17.9 m/min, p = .045 and 10.7 vs. 6.4 m/min, p = .028, respectively) in comparison with 1-3-4-3 formation (Table 2)
Regarding numbers of running actions, the wings were the players with the greatest number of #high-intensity running (HIR) and #SPR in Variable HILR (m/min) HSSL (m/min) #high-speed running (HSR) #SPR Mean heart rate (HR) Maximal HR
Summary
Physical and technical indicators can be seen as individual parameters of match-play, success in soccer is a culmination of suitable tactics completed with the appropriate level of physical and technical performance (Bush et al, 2015). Some researchers have suggested that distances covered during high-intensity running (HIR; > 14.9 km/h) in matches are valid in order to measure the physical performance in soccer-related to training status (Krustrup et al, 2003, 2005). Some researchers have suggested that distances covered during high-intensity running in matches are valid measures of physical performance. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine high-intensity patterns of professional soccer players in relation to the positional role with two different playing formations. Attackers and midfielders were the playing positions that held the most statistical differences comparing both team formations These findings reveal that playing formation seems to be another potential factor of influence with respect to the physical performance of elite players if we consider their high-intensity profile in particular
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
