Elite Football Research Articles

Impact of hamstring flexibility on functional performance of collegiate football players

Introduction: Football is the most popular high-intensity intermittent team sport that requires speed, strength, agility, and endurance. During official matches, elite football players perform 150–250 short-lasting, energy-demanding intense actions interspersed with periods of low-intensity jogging or running. Collegiate football programs place great importance on controlling player's body weight, body composition, muscle strength, and length. Of all the muscle strains associated with competitive sport, hamstring strains are the most common and problematic. Objectives: To determine the correlation between hamstring flexibility and functional performance of collegiate football players.Methods: 100 subjects who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Once the baseline data was collected the subject's hamstring flexibility was assessed by the Active knee extension test (AKE) and limb length was measured. Subjects were then asked to perform Illinois Agility Test, 30m Sprint Test and Wall Mount test, and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Three trials of each test were performed, and the mean was taken for statistical evaluation. Result: There exists weak correlation between sprint, agility, SEBT, and hamstrings length; however, results indicate a moderate correlation between posterolateral reach distance and hamstring flexibility and a statistically significant relationship between hamstring length and vertical height of jump with p< 0.05.Conclusion: Hamstring flexibility has a weak correlation with functional performance of collegiate football players. However, it has positive correlation with vertical jump height and posterolateral reach distance of SEBT.

Body composition and physical performance measures in elite female football players: differences across playing positions and associations with kicking velocity and curve sprint performance

This study aimed to: i) analyze the differences in anthropometric, body composition, physical, and technical parameters in elite female football players across distinct playing positions; ii) examine the correlations between kicking velocity (KV) and physical performance, and the relationships between linear sprint and curve sprint (CS) times. Twenty-six female players (n = 26, age: 27 ± 4 years) of an elite football team completed the following assessments: anthropometric, body-composition, squat one-repetition maximum (1RM), 30-m linear sprint, 17-m CS, vertical jump, endurance, and KV measurements. In terms of body composition, only muscle mass was significantly different (P = 0.046) in favor of forwards compared to midfielders. Regarding physical performance, overall, jump and sprint capacities were superior in defenders and forwards compared to midfielders (P &lt; 0.05). Linear and CS times (P &lt; 0.05, r = −0.450 to −0.573) and load at 1 m · s−1 in the squat (P &lt; 0.05, r = 0.508) were significantly correlated to KV. Lastly, moderate to strong correlations were observed between linear and CS times (r = 0.396 to 0.916). In conclusion, in this international team, physical performance was higher for defenders and forwards compared to midfielders, especially in terms of sprint and jump abilities. Additionally, significant relationships were detected between strength- and speed-related qualities and KV.

РЕЗЕРВНІ МОЖЛИВОСТІ КАРДІОРЕСПІРАТОРНОЇ СИСТЕМИ У ФУТБОЛІСТІВ З РІЗНИМИ ІНДИВІДУАЛЬНО-ТИПОЛОГІЧНИМИ ВЛАСТИВОСТЯМИ НЕРВОВОЇ СИСТЕМИ

ntroduction. The factors that are decisive in achieving high sports results in football and have a significant impact on the game activities of players, are technical, tactical, moral and volitional characteristics and physical performance of players. In our opinion, the individual typological properties of the central nervous system and the functional state of the cardiorespiratory system can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game and the game activity of football players. We suggest that there may be a functional relationship between individual typological traits that are highly genetically determined features of the central nervous system and the reserve capacity of the cardiorespiratory system.Purpose. To find out the reserve capabilities of the cardiorespiratory system of football players with different individual-typological properties of the nervous system.Methods. The individual-typological properties of the CNS and the functional characteristics of the cardiorespiratory system were studied in the elite football players. Results. In the course of our research, the indicators of the properties of the main nervous processes, namely, functional mobility (FMNP), strength (SNP) and balance (BNP) of nervous processes, were determined. The reserve capabilities of cardiorespiratory functions of sportsmen were established according to the following indicators: respiratory coefficient (RC), heart rate (HR, beats ·min-1), systolic (CO, ml) and minute blood volume (Q, l. min-1), indicators of minute tidal volume (VE, l. min.-1), oxygen consumption (VO2, ml · min.-1, ml · min.-1· kg. -1), carbon dioxide emissions (VCO2, ml · min.-1, ml · min.-1· kg.-1) and blood lactate (HLa). Correlation links have been established between individual-typological properties on the example of FMNP and functions of the cardiorespiratory system (r = 0.37-0.51). Originality.It was found that the balance of nervous processes (BNP) was characterized by the greatest reserve capabilities among individual-typological properties. Among cardiorespiratory functions, the greatest reserve capabilities were found for indicators - Hla, VE and VO2. The results of correlation analysis indicate that the cardiorespiratory functions of highly qualified football players depend on the individual-typological properties of the nervous system.Conclusion.We have determined reserve capabilities among individual-typological and cardiorespiratory properties. The greatest reserve capabilities are the balance of nervous processes and indicators of lactate in the blood, the minute volume of respiration and oxygen consumption. 42 Серія «Біологічні науки», 202 2During physical activity in groups of elite football players with a high level of development of typological properties of the nervous system, the characteristics of cardiorespiratory functions are much more pronounced. There are relationships between individual-typological property - FMNP and indicators of cardiorespiratory functions - НLa, VE and VO2 (r = 0.37-0.51).Thus, the functional mobility of nervous processes determines the reserve capabilities of the cardiorespiratory system, which in turn limits the physical performance of football players.Key words: individual-typological properties of the CNS; cardiorespiratory functions; reserve capabilities of functional systems.

The Effects of Match Congestion on Physical Performance in Football Referees.

We examined the changes in performance during congested (two matches within a 7-day interval) and non-congested (one match within≥7-day interval) fixtures in 17 elite football (soccer) referees during 181 official matches. External demands comprised 20 GPS-based metrics. Internal load was assessed by heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Compared to non-congested fixtures, referees decreased their running distance at 21-24 km·h-1 (p=0.027, effect size [ES]=0.41) and > 24 km·h-1 (p=0.037, ES=0.28), the number of sprints (p=0.012, ES=0.29), and distance sprinting (p=0.022, ES=0.29) in congested matches. Most play metrics were lower in congested versus non-congested fixtures with low-to-moderate ES. During the 2nd half of non-congested fixtures, referees covered larger distances at low-speed running (p=0.025, ES=0.47). Match congestion due to officiating two matches less than a week apart caused a notable decrease in match running activity in professional football referees, especially at above 21 km·h-1. These data reiterate the need for specific conditioning and post-match recovery strategies in high-level referees to ensure optimal judgment performance favouring the quality of the competition. Governing bodies should take these outcomes into account when designating referees for a match.

Maturational effect on physical capacities and anabolic hormones in under-16 elite footballers: a cross-sectional study

PurposeThe purposes of this study were to describe the fitness and hormonal levels according to playing time (PT) (i.e., PT during season less (PT1) or more (PT2) than 50% of the total time) and maturation level (ML) (i.e., normal (ML1) and early maturity levels (ML2)), and to analyze the differences between groups for the measures of aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, power performance, and hormonal concentrations.MethodsTwenty-four youth footballers of a U16 team participated in this study. Anthropometric measures, maturity status, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), maximal oxygen uptake, fatigue index, and countermovement jump were collected.ResultsSignificant differences were found between both PT and ML groups for maturational status, aerobic capacity, power performance, and IGF1 concentrations. The interaction of PT and ML revealed significant differences for maturity offset and power performance. When using the skeletal age as a covariant, the previously significant differences found were reduced only to the fatigue index measure.ConclusionsThe response variables analyzed in the present study seem to be influenced by PT and ML. This must be considered when planning training, and coaches must be sensible to these effects as they may assume a preponderant role in PT.

Recruitment in elite football: a network approach

ABSTRACT Research Question Contemporary football (soccer) is a competitive industry. Some football clubs have enacted new roles, such as the Sporting Director, to gain a competitive advantage through effective recruitment of non-playing staff. This qualitative research examines the recruitment strategies of Sporting Directors through the lens of network theory. Research Methods An empirical qualitative study was conducted, involving semi-structured interviews with 25 Sporting Directors in football clubs in England (English Premier League n=12; English Championship, n=13). The qualitative data was thematically analysed. Results and Findings The study contributes novel evidence on recruitment in elite-level football, revealing the theoretical underpinnings and practical nature of this marketplace unique to the football industry. The evidence shows that whilst normally in recruitment weak ties are essential for getting a job, in football, trust and knowing people is the most critical aspect in recruitment, and recruiters rely on strong ties. This homophily creates several unintended implications for business and performance. Conclusions This study responds to a gap in our theoretical and practical understanding of recruitment in elite-level football. The findings raise important questions for those managers and leaders involved in securing talent, as the over-reliance on closed networks may constrain the flow of information and innovation and ultimately limit the potential performance of the organisation. Homophily in recruitment processes may have unintended consequences that require further research, notably for player welfare, inequalities and performance.

The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Self-Confidence: The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence: A Study in Elite Athletes

Aim: Emotional intelligence has been examined as a critical performance determinant in sports psychology. Besides, self-efficacy and self-confidence are seen as vital constructs to promote athlete performance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of emotional intelligence between self-efficacy and self-confidence in team sports. Methods: Elite team athletes, including baseball, volleyball, and football, were recruited for the study group. Research data was collected with emotional intelligence inventory in sports questionnaire, general self-efficacy scale, and self-confidence scale. In addition, data were analyzed with mediation analysis. The model hypothesized, indicating that emotional intelligence was a mediator between self-efficacy and self-confidence. Results: The results showed that emotional intelligence had a mediator role between self-efficacy and self-confidence. Result revealed the positive effect of self-efficacy on self-confidence. Increasing self-efficacy provides team athletes with a high level of emotional intelligence, leading them to have increased self-confidence. Conclusion: This study provides significant evidence to expand our knowledge on the role of emotional intelligence in team sports, explaining how self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence are associated.

The burden of injuries according to maturity status and timing: A two-decade study with 110 growth curves in an elite football academy

ABSTRACT Injuries have a negative impact on the development of football players. Maturation is a potential risk factor for football injuries but available data on this topic provide limited evidence due to methodological shortcomings. The aim of this study was to describe the injury burden of male academy football players according to growth curve-derived maturity status and timing. Injury and growth data were collected from 2000 to 2020. Longitudinal height records for 110 individual players were fitted with the Super-Imposition by Translation and Rotation model to estimate age at peak height velocity (PHV). Players were clustered according to maturity status (pre-, circa-, post-PHV, or adults) and timing (early, on-time, late maturers). Overall and specific injury burdens (days lost/player-season) and rate ratios for comparisons between groups were calculated. Overall injury burden increased with advanced maturity status; pre-PHV players had 3.2-, 3.7-, and 5.5-times lower burden compared with circa-PHV, post-PHV, and adult players, respectively. Growth-related injuries were more burdensome circa-PHV, while muscle and joint/ligament injuries had a higher impact post-PHV and in adults. Further, in the pre-PHV period, late maturers showed lower burden of overall, growth-related, anterior inferior iliac spine osteochondrosis, and knee joint/ligament injuries compared with on-time maturers. In adult players, however, injuries were less burdensome for early maturers than on-time and late maturers. In addition, joint/ligament injuries of adult late maturers were 4.5-times more burdensome than those of early maturers. Therefore, monitoring maturity seems crucial to define each player’s maturation profile and facilitate design of targeted injury prevention programmes. Highlights Injury burden is significantly lower in football players at pre-peak height velocity (PHV). Growth-related injuries are most burdensome circa-PHV, while muscle and joint/ligament injuries are more burdensome post-PHV and especially in adults. Before PHV, growth-related and knee joint/ligament injuries have lower burden in players who mature late than those who mature on-time. Adult late maturers have greater burden of overall and joint/ligament injuries than early maturers. Football academies should regularly assess the maturity status and timing of young football players, as the impact of injuries varies with maturation status and timing. Management of the maturity-related injury risk profile, in combination with other relevant factors (training load, neuromuscular and biomechanical factors, physiotherapy, coaching, communication, psychosocial factors …), might help improve the success of player development programmes and protect the health of young football players.

Nutritional optimization for female elite football players—topical review

Women's football is an intermittent sport characterized by frequent intense actions throughout the match. The high number of matches with limited recovery time played across a long competitive season underlines the importance of nutritional strategies to meet these large physical demands. In order to maximize sport performance and maintain good health, energy intake must be optimal. However, a considerable proportion of female elite football players does not have sufficient energy intake to match the energy expenditure, resulting in low energy availability that might have detrimental physiologic consequences and impair performance. Carbohydrates appear to be the primary fuel covering the total energy supply during match-play, and female elite football players should aim to consume sufficient carbohydrates to meet the requirements of their training program and to optimize the replenishment of muscle glycogen stores between training bouts and matches. However, several macro- and micronutrients are important for ensuring sufficient energy and nutrients for performance optimization and for overall health status in female elite football players. The inadequacy of macro-and micronutrients in the diet of these athletes may impair performance and training adaptations, and increase the risk of health disorders, compromising the player's professional career. In this topical review, we present knowledge and relevant nutritional recommendations for elite female football players for the benefit of sports nutritionists, dietitians, sports scientists, healthcare specialists, and applied researchers. We focus on dietary intake and cover the most pertinent topics in sports nutrition for the relevant physical demands in female elite football players as follows: energy intake, macronutrient and micronutrient requirements and optimal composition of the everyday diet, nutritional and hydration strategies to optimize performance and recovery, potential ergogenic effects of authorized relevant supplements, and future research considerations.

Effect of a cervical collar on head and neck acceleration profiles during emergency spinal immobilisation and extrication procedures in elite football (soccer) players: protocol for a randomised, controlled cross-over trial

When immobilisation after a cervical spine or head injury is required, the role of the rigid cervical collar is unclear and controversial. There is a need for further studies investigating...

Return to play after treating acute muscle injuries in elite football players with radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy

BackgroundTo compare lay-off times achieved by treating acute muscle injuries in elite football players with a multimodal therapy approach that includes a specific protocol of almost daily radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) with corresponding data reported in the literature.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of treatments and recovery times of muscle injuries suffered by the players of an elite football team competing in the first/second German Bundesliga during one of the previous seasons.ResultsA total of 20 acute muscle injuries were diagnosed and treated in the aforementioned season, of which eight (40%) were diagnosed as Type 1a/muscular tightness injuries, five (25%) as Type 2b/muscle strain injuries, four (20%) as Type 3a/partial muscle tear injuries and three (15%) as contusions. All injuries were treated with the previously mentioned multimodal therapy approach. Compared with data reported by Ekstrand et al. (Br J Sports Med 47:769–774, 2013), lay-off times (median/mean) were shortened by 54% and 58%, respectively, in the case of Type 1a injuries, by 50% and 55%, respectively, in the case of Type 2b injuries as well as by 8% and 21%, respectively, in the case of Type 3a injuries. No adverse reactions were observed.ConclusionsOverall, the multimodal therapy approach investigated in this study is a safe and effective treatment approach for treating Type 1a and 2b acute muscle injuries amongst elite football players and may help to prevent more severe, structural muscle injuries.

Screening testing for injury prevention in adolescent elite footballers, are we doing the right things?

Purpose: As part of a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy 3rd-year module at the University of Central Lancashire, an assignment was set to present a poster to clinicians and lecturers, based on a small scale service improvement of an area of practice.

Selected 15-year-old boy and girl football players’ continuation with football and competitive level in young adulthood: the impact of individual and contextual factors

This study investigates players who have been selected to a district team in the Swedish Football Association U15 talent programme. Using register data on all selected 15-year-old boy and girl district team players (3943 boys and 4056 girls born between 1986 and 1996) from Sweden’s 24 football districts, we analysed the relationships between club affiliation at age 15, the player population of the district, date of birth, and continuation with football and competitive level as young adults. The results show that a higher percentage of boys than girls continued playing football into young adulthood and that continuation is related to district size. Belonging to an elite club at age 15 reduces the likelihood of girls playing football at age 21, but it has no effect on the likelihood of boys playing football at age 21. In addition, 15-year-old boys and girls from larger districts who played on an elite club at age 15 were more likely to play elite football at age 21. In sum, the study shows that football district size and club affiliation at age 15 affect whether boys and girls continue to play football and whether they play at an elite level as young adults.

Contextual considerations using the ′control-chaos continuum′ for return to sport in elite football - Part 1: Load planning

The ‘control-chaos continnum’ is an adaptable framework developed to guide the on-pitch rehabilitation process in elite football. One of the key objectives of the continuum is to progressively return players to their preinjury chronic running load, while incorporating the qualitative aspects of movement and cognitive stresses integral to competitive match-play. Whilst injury and player-specific considerations are key to an individualised rehabilitation approach, a host of contextual factors also play an important role in return to sport (RTS) planning. In this article, we highlight some key intrinsic and extrinsic contextual factors for the practitioner to consider in the RTS planning process to help mitigate reinjury risk upon a return to team training. While a return to chronic running load is generally a critical component of the framework, we highlight circumstances in elite football where it is a less relevant factor in RTS decision-making.

Elbow Dislocations in the National Football League: Epidemiology and Management.

BackgroundCurrently, it is not known how the combined osseous and ligamentous injury of a traumatic elbow dislocation in a National Football League (NFL) athlete affects management and return to play. In this study, we aimed to describe the epidemiology, management, and return to play for elbow dislocations in NFL athletes.MethodologyThis is a descriptive observational study. A retrospective review of all elbow dislocations between 2000 and 2014 (15 seasons) was performed using the NFL Injury Surveillance System (NFLISS).ResultsOver 15 NFL seasons, 82 elbow dislocations were recorded in the NFLISS. Among players who reported surgery (n = 5), players missed an average of 73.8 days of play. Among those who did not report surgery, players missed an average of 36.1 days. The overall incidence was 0.26 dislocation events per 10,000 athlete exposures. The majority of these injuries occurred during regular-season games, in defensive linebackers and linemen, during tackling contact with another player, and most commonly on a running play.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that an elbow dislocation is not a career-ending or season-ending injury in an NFL cohort. Information regarding incidence, positions affected, whether surgical management is utilized, and return to play will help players who sustain and physicians who treat these injuries in elite football athletes understand the impact of their injuries.

Comparison of player performance modifications in elite football in CoVid-19 lockdown: a review

Background: In 2020 many people, including professional sportsmen, were in quarantine for many months around the world. Professional football players change the modality of training. So, it is indispensable to understand the performance modifications after lockdown and think new solutions for future similar situations. Methods: A search was conducted on the main international databases considering the studies conducted in elite football. Results: The studies show a decrease in performance abilities, and a worsening of athletic state. Conclusions: Lockdown degraded performance of professional players, and this coincides with a drastic decrease in technical and tactical training. Therefore, it is important to consider future solutions for similar situations.

Case Study: The Conservative Management and Rehabilitation of Insertional Patella Tendinopathy in an Elite Footballer

Background and Purpose: Chronic insertional patella tendinopathy is a complex condition to manage within elite athletes. Pain and symptoms increase when spikes or changes in relation to training or game load are experienced. These spikes are often seen in football on return to training or in periods of fixture congestion, presenting a contemporary challenge for the sports medicine team. Study Design: Case Study. Case Description: The presented case summarises the conservative rehabilitation and pain free return to play of a 24 years (yrs) old elite professional footballer with a long-standing history of patella tendinopathy. Symptoms returned post a spike in training load during pre-season, with a diagnosis of a 7.4 mm insertional thickening detected through magnetic resonance imaging. Presented is a summary of the assessment process, 24-week treatment and rehabilitation protocol and subsequent 12-week pre-habilitation plan, routinely completed on return to training and game play. Outcomes: The implemented management strategy led to the successful symptom free return to play of the athlete. Conclusion: The management of this injury was facilitated through subjective and objective assessment markers and imaging obtained to manage the athlete’s symptoms. The authors suggest that medical and conditioning based specialists could apply a rounded loading approach with prescribed isometric and isotonic drills before progression to energy release and pitch-based training to advance the athlete through a safe and controlled return to sport clearance. Level of Evidence: 5.

Can small-sided games assess the training-induced aerobic adaptations in elite football players?

The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not SSGs could be used to evaluate the aerobic fitness status and the longitudinal training-induced adaptations in football players. Additionally, the capacity of SSGs to recreate the official match demands was investigated. Twenty-five elite football players were monitored. Total distance (TD), high-speed running, very high-speed running, sprint and accelerations plus decelerations distance were measured during 20 SSGs formats and 25 official-matches; in SSGs, average heart rate was also collected. During submaximal Yo-Yo test, heart rate at peak exercise, heart rate post-60s recovery and rate of perceived exertion were collected. Coefficient of variation, interclass correlation-coefficient and correlation-coefficient analysis were used to calculate validity, reliability, construct validity and, internal and external responsiveness of SSGs demands. In SSGs, a small variability (~6.0%) with moderate reliability (~0.542 to ~0.663) was found in TD and heart rate, while a high variability (~20.8% to ~60.3%) with poor to moderate reliability (~0.358 to ~0.605) was observed in the other metrics; in submaximal Yo-Yo, heart rate showed small variability (~3.7%) with good reliability (~0.933 to ~0.916). The SSGs demands showed poor internal and external responsiveness (P>0.05) to the training-induced aerobic adaptations as assessed by submaximal Yo-Yo. The construct validity of SSGs showed overall large to very large correlations (r=0.53 to 0.90, P<0.05) between SSGs and official match demands across the season. SSGs should not replace standardized field tests to detect the training-induced aerobic adaptations. However, SSGs could be confidently used to recreate specific contextual factors in elite football players.

Relationships between trunk morphology and strength with non-contact lower limb injuries in elite rugby league and Australian football players

Background: Non-contact lower limb injuries (NCLLI) are common within the National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Football League (AFL). Smaller lumbar multifidus at L5 (LM L5) cross-sectional area (CSA) and lower levels of trunk and hip extension and knee flexion strength have been associated with increased NCLLI risk in AFL players. However, such associations have not been reported in the NRL. This study aims to explore relationships between NCLLI, trunk morphology and isometric trunk and hip extension strength in NRL and AFL players. Methods: NRL and AFL players had their LM L2-L5 and quadratus lumborum (QL) CSA (n=238), and isometric trunk and hip extension strength (n=153) measured using ultrasonography and a novel field-based test in preseason. Isometric trunk and hip extensor strength were measured using a 65s maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) protocol (5s MVIC, 5s off, 45s MVIC, 5s off, 5s MVIC). Team medical staff reported all NCLLIs sustained in the subsequent competitive season. The associations between LM and QL CSA, 5s and 45s MVIC, age, and previous injury, and prospectively occurring NCLLI were analysed using univariable and then multivariable logistic regression. Logistic regression analysis was also performed for the most sustained NCLLI (hamstring and knee). Results: Seventy-two players sustained a NCLLI in the 2020 competitive seasons (51 NRL, 21 AFL). From univariable logistic regression previous injury increased the risk of any NCLLI in NRL (OR=2.43, 95%CI=1.16-5.09, p=0.019). Reduced 5s MVIC (OR=1.00, 95%CI=1.00-1.01, p=0.012), increased QL CSA (OR=1.55, 95%CI=1.05-2.38, p=0.033) and lower ratio between LM and QL CSA (OR=0.03, 95%CI=0.01-0.60, p=0.02) increased NCLLI risk in AFL. Pooled hamstring injuries (n=28) were most common and were associated with lower 5s MVIC (OR=0.99, 95%CI=0.99-1.00, p=0.02) and 45s MVIC (OR=0.99, 95%CI=0.99-1.00, p=0.001). Pooled knee injuries (n=21) were associated with both reduced LM CSA (OR=1.35, 95%CI=1.08-1.70, p=0.018) and LM to QL ratio (OR=3.62, 95%CI=1.41- 9.66, p=0.043). Conclusions: Larger QL CSA and reduced levels of trunk and hip extension strength are observed in AFL players in preseason who sustain a NCLLI in the subsequent playing season. Only previous NCLLI was associated with future risk of NCLLI for NRL players. These results suggest that risk factors for NCLLI are football code specific, and prevention strategies should be tailored accordingly. Conflict of interest statement: My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest relevant to the submission of this abstract.

Are there differences in the attention of elite football players concerning playing positions?

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to compare the attention performance, by playing position, in elite Brazilian football players. Methods A total of 66 professional players competing in the first division of the Brazilian Championship were evaluated. They were grouped according to their playing positions into 7 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 15 fullbacks, 8 defensive midfielders, 13 attacking midfielders, and 15 forwards. The attention was evaluated using the QuotientTM ADHD System equipment. The group performances were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis Test and the post-hoc analysis using the Mann–Whitney Test. Results Fullbacks showed less attentive behavior than defenders (U = 9.000, p = 0.001), defensive midfielders (U = 12.500, p = 0.002), offensive midfielders (U = 48.000, p = 0.007) and forwards (U = 27.000, p = 0.001). Fullbacks also had impulsive behavior longer than defenders (U = 10.500, p = 0.001) and defensive midfielders (U = 12.000, p = 0.002), as well as offensive midfielders had impulsive behavior longer than defenders (U = 16.0000, p = 0.004) and defensive midfielders (U = 19.500, p = 0.009). Conclusion Players of defensive positions, as defenders and defensive midfielders, were more attentive and less impulsive than players of hybrid positions, responsible for both defensive and offensive actions, such as fullbacks and attacking midfielders. The present finding indicates that the defenders were the players who maintained the attention level for more time, while the fullbacks maintained for less time. Players in offensive playing positions (fullbacks and attacking midfielders) maintained their impulsive behavior for longer when compared to defensive positions (defenders and defensive midfielders).