Football Research Articles

Is Countermovement Jump an Indirect Marker of Neuromuscular Mechanism? Relationship with Isometric Knee Extension Test

Several studies have shown that force application is influenced by different neuromuscular mechanisms depending on the time of force application analysis in isometric knee extension test (IKE), and a countermovement jump (CMJ) has contributions from knee extension, so some CMJ variables could be indicators of such mechanisms. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the level of relationship of variables of IKE and bilateral CMJ tests. Methods: Male college soccer players (n = 25; corporal mass = 72 ± 8 kg; height = 171 ± 5 cm; age = 22 ± 2 years) performed the IKE at two angles (60° and 75°) on an isokinetic machine and the CMJ on two uniaxial force platforms. To determine the level of relationship, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was analyzed between the test variables. Results: Trivial to moderate correlations (r = −0.45 to 0.62; p < 0.05) were found between CMJ variables and IKE in both knee angles (60° and 75°); Conclusions: The variables of IKE have a trivial to moderate correlation with the variables of CMJ, so the variables of CMJ could not be considered interchangeably with those of IKE and therefore considered indicators of neuromuscular mechanisms isolated from the knee extensor function. Longitudinal design (fatigue or training protocols) should be realized to corroborate these results.

Effects of an Instability Training Program Using Global Versus Selective Instability Devices on Dynamic Balance and Ankle Stability in Young Amateur Soccer Players

Background/Objectives: Both Sides Utilized it is one of the most employed global instability devices (GID), but it is difficult to progress and select a particular foot structure. In this sense, the Blackboard has been created as selective instability device (SID). The aim of this study is to compare the effects of both devices on balance and ankle stability. Methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled clinical trial. Twenty healthy amateur soccer players were divided into two groups: GID and SID. Both performed balance training (4-weeks, 3 days/week). Ankle balance and stability were assessed. Paired t-tests were used to analyze the pre-, post-, and between-groups differences. Results: No differences were found between the groups. Significant intra-group changes were found in both groups for posterolateral balance and summation. Moreover, posteromedial balance increased in the GID group. No changes were found in ankle stability results. Conclusions: A balance intervention using GID or SID is effective in improving general and posterolateral balance. Moreover, the GID intervention improved posteromedial balance.

Menstrual cycle performance barriers experienced by elite women football players and their management strategies applied: A semi-structured interview-based study

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the barriers experienced by elite women football players due to their menstrual cycle, and coping strategies utilised against these barriers. Fifteen elite women footballers from two English Women’s Super League clubs (age: 25.2 years [18–33]) were interviewed using semi-structured interviews, developed using piloting and peer review. Data was audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using NVivo. Analysis of 27,438 words unveiled key themes: internal barriers, external barriers, coping strategies, and player needs. Fear of leakage, associated with kit colour (n = 15) and lack of effective sanitary products (n = 12), and injury anxiety (n = 7), associated with ACL injury (n = 5), were the most common barriers. To combat these issues, players use internal (feeling fortunate n = 9) and external (support from teammates n = 6; support from club staff n = 4) coping strategies. The findings indicated that menstruation presents significant barriers to players. Increased awareness of menstruation-related barriers to performance and targeted intervention are achievable through staff and player involvement and by minimising concerns of visible leakage by kit interventions.

Comparative Analysis of the Physical, Tactical, Emotional, and Mood Characteristics of Under-13 Soccer Players by Performance Level

Background and Objectives: Soccer is a sport characterized by various unpredictable situations in which physical abilities are associated with athletic performance. There are several capabilities that young soccer players must develop to adapt to the needs of the competition. This study analyzes the physical characteristics, tactical knowledge, emotional intelligence, and mood states of youth soccer players at different competitive levels. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 36 male soccer players with an average age of 12.65 ± 0.48 years, weight of 44.92 ± 7.49 kg, and height of 157.2 ± 0.08 cm. A cross-sectional correlational study design was selected. Inferential analysis was conducted via the RV coefficient to assess relationships between groups. Two-sample tests (Student’s t test or the Mann–Whitney U test) were used to assess the distribution of the samples. Standardized mean differences (i.e., Cohen’s d) were calculated as effect sizes. Results: For the yo-yo intermittent endurance test level 1, the Premier category showed higher speed (p = 0.01, d = 0.40) and superior estimated VO2max (p = 0.01, d = −0.91). The statistically significant variables included the hamstring strength exercise of the hamstrings for the angle of rupture (p = 0.04, d = −0.04, d = −0.72), the COD-Timer 5-0-5 for contact time—5-0-5 (ms) (p = 0.04, d = 0.69) and 10 m—5-0-5 (s) (p = 0.02, d = 0.79), tactical knowledge of in-game performance (p = 0.01, d = −1.19), support level (p = 0.01, d = −1.27), decision-making ability (p = 0.01, d = 0.59), melancholy (p = 0.01, d = 0.59), confusion (p = 0.01, d = 0.56), and emotional intelligence (p = 0.04, d = 0.77). The Premier category presented slightly higher averages than did category A. In the assessment of running-based anaerobic sprint test power (p < 0.05, d = 0.83) and mood states (p < 0.05, d = 0.59), players in category A presented higher results. Conclusions: The performance capacity of youth soccer players encompasses a multidimensional complexity that includes physical, tactical, emotional, and psychological aspects, which vary among players of the same age.

Cardiac remodeling in elite young Asian female soccer players

IntroductionAn athlete's heart (AH) varies depending on race, sex, age, and the type and intensity of training. Given that soccer is a common sport, evaluation of cardiac function in soccer players is important; however, few studies have analyzed adolescent soccer players. Therefore, this study, aimed to identify early changes in AH in soccer players by evaluating the echocardiographic findings of adolescent Asian female soccer players for whom existing data are scarce.MethodsWe evaluated 20 Korean female under-20 national soccer team players and 42 age-matched healthy females. Participants provided physical examination data such as height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse, along with echocardiographic results. On echocardiography, parameters related to the morphology of the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) and those related to the systolic and diastolic function of the LV were measured.ResultsThe athlete group had a lower blood pressure and pulse rate than the control group. Echocardiography indicated that both the LA volume index and LV volume in the athlete group were large by approximately 1.5 times compared with those in the control group. The LV wall thickness and mass index were also significantly large in the athlete group. For LV diastolic function, parameters indicating early diastolic filling were substantially higher in the athlete group than in the control group.ConclusionsAdolescent female soccer players exhibited differences in cardiac morphology and an enhanced diastolic function. Therefore, this study suggests that AH begins in adolescence, with changes in both morphology and function.

How do young soccer players train? A 5-year analysis of weekly microcycle training load characteristics in an elite youth academy

This study aimed to describe the distribution of training load (session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), duration, and sRPE-training load) across weekly microcycles of an elite youth academy and assess the differences between four different age groups (U15-U16-U17-U19). Training load variables were recorded during in-season training weeks over 5 competitive seasons (from 2014–15 to 2018–19, evaluating new squads for each age group each season) for a total of 456 player observations. Mixed models assessed the variability of the three load variables across the different training days of a weekly microcycle and between the four different age groups. Estimated marginal means, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and effect sizes (d) were calculated for each training day of the microcycle. The main findings were significant differences in the training load variables three and four days before the next Match Day (i.e., MD-3 and MD-4, respectively), with U15 recording lower sRPE (−2.0 AU, d = 0.43–0.72) and U19 a lower duration (−35 min, d < -1.10). All age groups reduced sRPE-training load in the two days before a match, mainly due to a decrease in training duration (−160 AU & −17 min respectively). Match days provided the highest training loads within the weekly microcycle, with moderate-to-large differences between the four age groups (d = 0.77, 1.16 and 1.38 for U15 vs U16-U17-U19 respectively). The low variability in sRPE values in the three central sessions of a weekly microcycle indicates that training duration is an important factor to control when aiming to manipulate within-week training loads in elite youth soccer players.

The effects of horizontal deceleration training on sprint and countermovement jump neuromuscular performance qualities

ABSTRACT This study examined the effect of 6-week training to improve horizontal deceleration ability on sprint acceleration and countermovement jump (CMJ) neuromuscular performance (NMP) parameters. Twenty male soccer players were divided into the training (TRA), and the control (CON) group. Pre-and post-training players performed an acceleration-deceleration ability test (ADA) and a jump on a vertical axis dual force plate. ADA deceleration parameters were analysed using Kinovea Software. Distance-to-stop (DTS), time-to-stop (TTS), 20 m sprint time (t 20 m), CMJ parameters were measured at pre-post-training. The largest improvement was determined in the TRA in the t 20 m (effect size = 0.88). Despite the increase in the weight of the TRA, t 20 m was shortened by 5.62% in TRA and 1.91% in CON. Deceleration ability was evaluated with CMJ eccentric parameters. While the percentage change of eccentric peak force differed between the groups, eccentric peak power (11.84 vs. 14.57 W·kg–1, ds: 0.72) and velocity (0.91 vs. 1.05 m.s–1, ds: 0.70) increased. Accordingly, it was determined that the improvement in CMJ eccentric and concentric peak velocity was due to speed-based power output. The training improved the maximum horizontal deceleration ability and confirmed that concentric peak velocity, as well as CMJ eccentric parameters, is an important NMP determinant of horizontal deceleration ability.

Energetic and Neuromuscular Demands of Unresisted, Parachute- and Sled-Resisted Sprints in Youth Soccer Players: Differences Between Two Novel Determination Methods

The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in terms of (1) muscle activation patterns; (2) metabolic power (MP) and energy cost (EC) estimated via two determination methods (i.e., the Global Positioning System [GPS] and electromyography-based [EMG]); and (3) the apparent efficiency (AE) of 30-m linear sprints in seventeen elite U17 male soccer players performed under different conditions (i.e., unloaded sprint [US], parachute sprint [PS], and four incremental sled loads [SS15, SS30, SS45, SS60, corresponding to 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg of additional mass]). In a single testing session, each participant executed six trials (one attempt per sprint type). The results indicated that increasing the sled loads led to a linear increase in the relative contribution of the quadriceps (R2 = 0.98) and gluteus (R2 = 0.94) and a linear decrease in hamstring recruitment (R2 = 0.99). The MP during the US was significantly different from SS15, SS30, SS45, and SS60, as determined by the GPS and EMG approaches (p-values ranging from 0.01 to 0.001). Regarding EC, significant differences were found among the US and all sled conditions (i.e., SS15, SS30, SS45, and SS60) using the GPS and EMG methods (all p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, MP and EC determined via GPS were significantly lower in all sled conditions when compared to EMG (all p ≤ 0.001). The AE was significantly higher for the US when compared to the loaded sprinting conditions (all p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, muscle activation patterns, MP and EC, and AE changed as a function of load in sled-resisted sprinting. Furthermore, GPS-derived MP and EC seemed to underestimate the actual neuromuscular and metabolic demands imposed on youth soccer players compared to EMG.

The Importance of Preventing and Managing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Soccer Players

The Article Abstract is not available.

Testing in Football: A Narrative Review

Football clubs regularly test and monitor players, with different approaches reflecting player age and competitive level. This narrative review aims to summarise justifications for testing and commonly used testing protocols. We also aim to discuss the validity and reliability of specific tests used to assess football players and provide a holistic overview of protocols currently used in football or those demonstrating potential utility. The PubMed, SportDiscus, and Google Scholar databases were screened for relevant articles from inception to September 2024. Articles that met our inclusion criteria documented tests for several purposes, including talent identification or the assessment of growth/maturation, physiological capacity, sport-specific skill, health status, monitoring fatigue/recovery, training adaptation, and injury risk factors. We provide information on specific tests of anthropometry, physical capacity, biochemical markers, psychological indices, injury risk screening, sport-specific skills, and genetic profile and highlight where certain tests may require further evidence to support their use. The available evidence suggests that test selection and implementation are influenced by financial resources, coach perceptions, and playing schedules. The ability to conduct field-based testing at low cost and to test multiple players simultaneously appear to be key drivers of test development and implementation among practitioners working in elite football environments.

One-Side Weight Sports and the Impact of Their Load on the Feet and the Occurrence of Posture Disorders in Professional Football and Handball Players

The aim of this study was to evaluate center of pressure (CoP) changes in unilateral sports and examine how these changes affect the athlete’s feet, ankles, knees or posture. The study sample consisted of 40 professional male players (age: 19.4 ± 2.08 years; height: 165.78 ± 4.92 cm; weight: 59.04 ± 4.02 kg; BMI: 21.57 ± 2.22; foot size: 40.9 ± 1.6), divided by type of sport into group H—handball (n: 20) and group F—football (n: 20). To evaluate the monitored parameters, we used the instrumental diagnostic techniques: 3D laser footscan, baropodometric platform FreeStep and 2D Videography. We found no significant differences between the groups in the loading of the right and left foot (F: 8.3 ± 4.22; H: 7.7 ± 6.1) (p = 0.410). We found a significant difference in the load on the front and back of the left (p = 0.0079) and right foot (p = 0.0210) depending on the type of sport performed. Maximum and mean values of CoP (g/cm2) showed statistically significant differences depending on the sport performed (p < 0.0001). The shift in CoP (mm) from the norm depending on the sport performed was confirmed in the latero-lateral direction (p = 0.003), but not in the antero-posterior direction (p = 0.320). We found a difference in the angulation of the knees and heels depending on the sport played. Handball players showed higher knee varosity/valgosity (p = 0.015) and heel values than football players (p = 0.002). The handball players also confirmed a worse postural load and initial forward posture. The one-sided sports, handball and football, showed negative effects on the athlete’s movement system. These changes were more pronounced in handball players. Proper training programs should be applied in athletes’ daily routine to improve the negative effects of unilateral sports.

Acute responses to a potentiation warm-up protocol on sprint and change of direction in female football players: a randomized controlled study.

To evaluate the acute effect of exposure to a potentiation warm-up protocol compared to a usual warm-up program. Randomized parallel control trial. Synthetic grass in the club's facilities (Portugal). Seventeen female football players (age: 23.9 ± 3.9 years), were randomly allocated to a control (n = 8) and an experimental group (n = 9). To allocate the players, a table was computer-generated by a research team member with no involvement in the trial. The control group performed their usual warm-up program, while the experimental group performed a potentiation warm-up protocol with jumps combined with sprints with change of direction. The players were tested pre- and post-intervention for a 40-m linear sprint and pre-planned change of direction using the T-test. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed, with all the participants originally randomized being involved. The normal distribution was verified by the Shapiro-Wilk test. The assumption of sphericity was analyzed. Effect sizes were calculated using partial eta squared. No significant pre-post differences in the T-test and in the 40-m sprint were detected for any group. However, in the T-test, large effect sizes in time increments were observed within the experimental (0.27s; p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.176) and control groups (0.06s; p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.176). Also, in the 40-m sprint, large effect sizes in time increments were observed within the experimental (0.05s; p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.251) and control groups (0.09s; p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.251). The performance-enhancing ability of the potentiation method performed at warm-up was not verified when applied to female football players. Thus, the potentiation methods may not improve sprint and COD ability for this population. However, the lack of statistical significance may have been due to reduced statistical power, as three of four effects suggest acute performance impairment after a supposed potentiation-oriented warm-up. Nevertheless, the presence of a statistical type 2 error cannot be ruled out. NCT06555185; Project URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06555185 .

The role of football video games in boosting cognitive abilities critical to football performance

Background and Aim: Football requires rapid decision-making and quick reaction times, crucial cognitive abilities that traditionally develop through physical training. This study explores whether football video games, which simulate real game scenarios, can enhance these cognitive abilities among college-level male football players. Materials and Methods: The study involved 51 football players from SRM Group of Institutions, divided into three groups: regular video game players (Group A), occasional players (Group B), and non-players (Group C). A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative cognitive abilities tests (decision-making, reaction time, situational awareness). The video game used in the study was eFootball 2024 with participants engaging in gameplay over a period of 6 weeks. Tests were conducted before and after a set period of video game engagement. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation. Results: Significant improvements were observed in Group A across all cognitive abilities tested. Decision-making showed notable group and time effects (F (2, 48) = 5.76, p = 0.005, η² = 0.17; F (1, 48) = 12.54, p < 0.001, η² = 0.25), with interaction effects indicating substantial enhancements over time (F (2, 48) = 3.45, p = 0.035, η² = 0.08). Reaction time and situational awareness followed similar patterns, with significant group, time, and interaction effects. Correlation analysis revealed strong interrelations between the cognitive abilities, indicating that improvements in one area positively influenced others. Conclusion: Regular engagement with football video games significantly enhances cognitive abilities essential for football performance. These findings suggest that integrating video games into training programs could complement traditional methods, offering a valuable tool for cognitive development in sports.

Impact of VO2 Max Capacity And Application of Training Methods on the Effectiveness of Endurance Ability

This research aims to see the effectiveness of training methods and aerobic capacity (VO2 Max) to increase endurance capacity (aerobic capacity). The method used in this research is an experimental method, with the research sample being Karawang district football players. The independent variables of this research are interval training and vo2 max, while the dependent variable is general endurance (aerobic capacity). In carrying out research, the interval method will be given taking into account the high and low aerobic capacity. The results of the research show that the interval method has a significant influence on increasing endurance (aerobic capacity), and the interval method has an interdependence with the level of aerobic capacity in increasing endurance. Extensive intervals are suitable for athletes who have low aerobic capacity and have not been in the process for long. Intensive interval training is suitable for athletes who have moderate aerobic capacity and have been in the training process for quite a long time. And short intervals are suitable for athletes who have a high aerobic capacity and have been training for a long time. Providing the interval method needs to take into account the high and low levels of aerobic capacity, because the interval method is a fairly heavy training method which needs to take into account the aerobic capacity capital of the athlete who will be trained and whether or not they have been involved in the training process for a long time. Keywords: extensive intervals, intensive and short intervals, VO2 Max, Speed ​​Endurance

The Content and Game Action Weight of Senior Football Players as Goalkeeper

Football was and remains the number one sport, being very popular among the youth, both at the amateur and professional level. In recent years, specialists in several sports events, including sports games, have called for the differentiated training of athletes depending on their playing position. The players in the football teams are strictly specialized in playing positions, which are four in number: goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The given article represents an extensive analysis of all the footballers’ actions in the position of Goalkeeper, here being analyzed in detail the content of the actions of the footballers in the position of Goalkeeper, as well as their weight in an official match. The recorded results will allow the design of a differentiated training program for footballers for the Goalkeeper position, which will allow its implementation in the sports training of senior goalkeepers.

Megaformer as a Rehabilitation Modality for Hamstring Strain Injury in Division I American Football: A Case Study

BACKGROUND: With athletes striving for peak performance, noncontact muscle strain injuries are increasingly common. Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) make up the largest portion of noncontact injuries and provide further difficulty because of the high reinjury rate. This case study explores the Megaformer as a modality to treat HSIs with the potential to reduce the return to play timetable and recurrence rate. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old male American football player with a history of hamstring injuries presented with pain in the right proximal hamstring and deficits in strength and mobility testing as a result of sustained hyperflexion of the right hip with full knee extension. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a recurrent proximal hamstring strain. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: Subsequent strength and range of motion testing revealed no impactful tenderness or pain during active participation or palpation after 9 days, and complete alleviation of symptoms at 6 weeks. No reinjury occurred during the remaining football season. DISCUSSION: This case study highlights possible advantageous features of the Megaformer as a recovery modality for HSIs. The Megaformer aims to improve flexibility, strengthen primary and secondary muscles, and enhance neuromuscular coordination to attempt to decrease the return to play timetable and reduce injury recurrence.

Enhancing Acceleration Capabilities in Professional Women’s Football Players: A Comparative Analysis of Game-Based Versus Resisted Sprint Trainings

The recognition of high-speed demands in football has led elite academies to prioritize acceleration capabilities for player selection and promotion, particularly given their fundamental role in the motor skills of professional players and their impact on goal-related opportunities. This study explored the effectiveness of game-based versus resisted sprint training methods in enhancing the acceleration abilities of professional women’s football players. Over the entire competitive period, the training load of 26 athletes (24.2 ± 3.7 years) was assessed using GPS devices, and sprint capabilities were evaluated through four 30-m acceleration tests spaced six weeks apart. Linear mixed models (LMMs) analyzed physical load parameters, including distance covered at high speeds, speed events, and maximum speed, with periods and players as fixed and random effects, respectively. Significant sprint performance improvements were observed across all intervals, particularly when high-intensity distance volumes were combined with resisted sprint training. Conversely, high-intensity running without additional stimuli also led to performance gains, albeit to a lesser extent. Both game-based and resisted sprint training methods were effective in enhancing acceleration capabilities, while the absence of specific sprint focus did not significantly alter sprint performance. These findings support the inclusion of tailored sprint training in athletic programs to optimize acceleration in women’s football players.

Investigating the Effect of Dry Needling on Myofascial Trigger Point in Soleus Muscle of Soccer Players with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Introduction: This study investigates the impact of dry needling on myofascial trigger points in the soleus muscles among soccer players with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). Materials and Methods: Soccer players diagnosed with MTSS were enlisted and randomly divided into two groups (11 participants in the experimental group [Group 1] and 11 participants in the control group [Group 2]). Pre-intervention measurements included repeated shuttle sprint ability, MTSS score, and pain pressure threshold (PPT) for both groups. In the experimental group, dry needling was performed on the soleus muscle, followed by active stretching and cryotherapy. The control group underwent active stretching of the soleus muscle and cryotherapy exclusively. Post-intervention measurements of repeated shuttle sprint ability, MTSS score, and PPT were taken for both groups after 2 days. Results: The experimental group exhibited a statistically significant improvement in PPT, MTSS score, and repeated shuttle sprint ability. Conversely, within the control group, statistically significant changes were observed only in PPT values through paired t-test assessment. Between-group analysis using an independent t-test revealed significant enhancement in PPT (P=0.000) and MTSS score (P=0.01) within the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Addressing myofascial trigger points in the soleus muscle through dry needling offers a more effective approach to treating MTSS than relying solely on muscle stretching.

Morphological and Performance Biomechanics Profiles of Draft Preparation American-Style Football Players

Background/Objectives: Using advanced methodologies may enhance athlete profiling. This study profiled morphological and laboratory-derived performance biomechanics by position of American-style football players training for the draft. Methods: Fifty-five players were categorized into three groups: Big (e.g., lineman; n = 17), Big–skill (e.g., tight end; n = 11), and Skill (e.g., receiver; n = 27). Body fat (BF%), lean body mass (LBM), and total body mass were measured using a bioelectrical impedance device. Running ground reaction force (GRF) and ground contact time (GCT) were obtained using an instrumented treadmill synchronized with a motion capture system. Dual uniaxial force plates captured countermovement jump height (CMJ-JH), normalized peak power (CMJ-NPP), and reactive strength. Asymmetry was calculated for running force, GCT, and CMJ eccentric and concentric impulse (IMP). MANOVA determined between-group differences, and radar plots for morphological and performance characteristics were created using Z-scores. Results: There was a between-group difference (F(26,80) = 5.70, p < 0.001; Wilk’s Λ = 0.123, partial η2 = 0.649). Fisher’s least squares difference post hoc analyses showed that participants in the Skill group had greater JH, CMJ-NPP, reactive strength, and running GRF values versus Big players but not Big–skill players (p < 0.05). Big athletes had greater BF%, LBM, total body mass, and GCT values than Skill and Big–skill athletes (p < 0.05). Big–skill players had greater GCT asymmetry than Skill and Big players (p < 0.05). Asymmetries in running forces, CMJ eccentric, and concentric IMP were not different (p > 0.05). Morphological and performance biomechanics differences are pronounced between Skill and Big players. Big–skill players possess characteristics from both groups. Laboratory-derived metrics offer precise values of running and jumping force strategies and body composition that can aid sports science researchers and practitioners in refining draft trainee profiles.

Forecasting extremes of football players’ performance in matches

This study evaluates the use of simple linear or piecewise linear predictive models to predict extreme performance metrics in soccer matches, based on historical training and to match data of soccer players from RKS Raków Częstochowa football club. The data were collected from January to June 2023. The collected training and matched data average is 9000 records per month. A standard workweek at the RKS Academy consisted of 5 training units and at least 1 match. The best individual models found predict selected game performance metrics with a relative error of 2.3%, suggesting an excellent model fit between prediction and the actual value. This is illustrated by input data metric called “Metabolic Time Zone 5 and 6 Per Distance”, and output data by “Decelarations Total Distance in Zone 5 and 6 Per Distance”—calculated for in 3 min sliding window and characterized by the highest value of the generated parameter based on High Metabolic Load Distance (HMLD). The result concerns models run on aggregated performance metrics developed in APEX-PRO system using expert knowledge in soccer training, while raw GPS location-based models performing worse but still acceptably. Although we believe that the accuracy of the models still has limited reliability, their clarity and up-to-date quality make them useful in the daily planning of training activities and the management of workloads that affect player performance in the upcoming match, as well as the tactical decisions of the coach. More accurate predictions are given by individual models compared to aggregated models (player position), but there are exceptions where group models also perform very well. Adding a second metric to the input did not show a significant difference in the analyzed examples (the results are very similar). Our findings indicate that the model based on metrics from the last match also effectively predict extreme motor performances occurring in the game. In the case of the analyzed player, it was at the input “Accelerations Total Time Per Distance in Zone 6” at the output “Distance in Zone 6”. Specific training or match parameters can be key in predicting exceptional soccer performance, but they can also vary depending on the analyzed player. This confirms the need for further analysis of this issue.