Profile Of Soccer Players Research Articles

Seasonal Changes in the Acceleration–Speed Profile of Elite Soccer Players: A Longitudinal Study

This study aimed to describe the acceleration–speed (AS) profile of soccer players during competition and to analyse their seasonal changes and inter-player differences. The AS profile values (theoretical maximum acceleration (A0) and speed (S0)) of 14 elite soccer players were studied in 18 matches, which were divided into five season periods. The main findings showed the A0 (6.20 ± 0.51 m/s2) and S0 (9.18 ± 0.58 m/s) average team season values. Significant individual changes (p < 0.05 and effect size (Eta-squared, η2) > 0.5) were confirmed for A0 (Players 4 and 8) and S0 (Players 6, 8 and 11). Additionally, standard deviations (SD±) confirmed small (±0.20–0.60) to moderate (±0.60–1.20) seasonal variations for most players in A0 (SD range: ±0.22 to ±0.69 m/s2) and S0 (SD range: ±0.27 to ±0.90 m/s). SD showed small to moderate inter-player differences for each period for A0 (SD range: ±0.39 to ±0.61 m/s2) and S0 (SD range: ±0.53 to ±0.61 m/s). In summary, coaches are recommended to assess the AS profile to diagnose potential player seasonal changes in sprinting performance, especially for A0, which seems to be more sensitive to variations than S0.

The impact of different recovery times between matches on physical and technical performance according to playing positions

This research explores the influence of playing with different recovery times between matches on physical activity and technical performance. The sample was composed by 4496 professional players who participated in German professional league (Deutsche Fußball Liga – DFL) during the season 2011–2012. Data were collected using a semi-automatic optical tracking system (VISTRACK, by Impire Corp., Germany). Differences on work rate profiles of soccer players were analysed for the following variables: total distance covered, number of fast runs, number of sprints and percentage of successful passes. The main finding of this study suggests that the total distance covered, the number of fast runs and the number of sprints decreased in professional soccer players in microcycles with length of <4 days during the mid-season. Central defenders, external defenders and external midfielders covered less total distance in microcycles of <4 days, and this effect was more evident during the mid-season. During three-day microcycles in comparison to four-day cycles, central defenders and external defenders reduced the total distance covered. No differences were observed between teams according to the team quality and match location. Coaches should pay extra attention to adapt recovery strategy according to playing position and period of season.

Changes in the activity profiles of soccer players over a three-match training micro cycle

The aim of this study was to investigate soccer players’ recovery by analyzing activity profiles of 11 Polish professional league soccer players over a period of three intense matches. Activity profiles were collected to evaluate each player, who played 3 matches, within a period of 7 days. The Amisco Pro® system was used to collect these data. The total distance, 6 different motor activity intensity ranges, frequencies of different activities, recovery time, speed and some technical elements were observed. The average total distance was 11,286 m and players covered longer distances during every consecutive match. The players covered a greater distance in the 2nd half of the first and third matches. There was a systematic decrease in covered distance at the high speed running level, and an initial distance increase and decrease at the sprinting level. The findings of the study provide a detailed description of the physical demands placed on elite soccer players during short recovery periods, which will influence the way teams approach their training and preparation process, according to intense playing schedules.