Successful Passes Research Articles

Do Different Playing Formats and Aerobic Capacity Influence Variances in Psychophysiological Demands and Technical Performance in Small-Sided Games? A Study among Under-17 Male Soccer Players.

This study aimed to: (i) analyze the variations in psychophysiological demands (mean heart rate, meanHR; rate of perceived exertion, RPE) and technical performance (umber of successful and unsuccessful passes, and occurrences of ball loss) between 2v2 and 4v4 small-sided games (SSGs) formats, and (ii) examine the relationships of aerobic capacity measured in Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YYIRT) on psychophysiological and technical performance during SSGs. This study used a cross-sectional design with repeated measures, where the same players participated in both 2v2 and 4v4 formats across two training sessions per format. Twenty-four talent/developmental male youth soccer players, aged 16.6 ± 0.5 years. The meanHR, measured through heart rate sensors, the RPE, assessed using the CR6-20 scale, and the number of successful and unsuccessful passes, along with occurrences of ball loss, recorded using an ad hoc observational tool, were evaluated in each repetition. Players during the 2v2 format had significantly greater mean HR (+4.1%; p < 0.001; d = 2.258), RPE (+12.2%; p < 0.001; d = 2.258), successful passes (+22.2%; p = 0.006; d = 0.884), unsuccessful passes (+62.5%; p < 0.001; d = 1.197) and lost balls (+111.1%; p < 0.001; d = 2.085) than 4v4 format. The YYIRT was significantly and largely correlated with unsuccessful passes (r = 0.502; p = 0.012) and lost balls (r = 0.421; p = 0.041) in 2v2 format. In conclusion, this study suggests that engaging in 2v2 activities constitutes a more intense form of practice, significantly enhancing individual participation in technical aspects. Moreover, aerobic capacity may influence the smaller formats of play and how players perform key technical actions. Therefore, coaches must consider this to ensure the necessary performance in such games.

Laser Observations of GALILEO Satellites at the CBK PAN Astrogeodynamic Observatory in Borowiec

The laser station (BORL) owned by the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences and situated at the Astrogeodynamic Observatory in Borowiec near Poznań regularly observes more than 100 different objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO). The BORL sensor’s laser observation range is from 400 km to 24,500 km. The laser measurements taken by the BORL sensor are utilized to create various products, including the geocentric positions and movements of ground stations, satellite orbits, the components of the Earth’s gravitational field and their changes over time, Earth’s orientation parameters (EOPs), and the validation of the precise Galileo orbits derived using microwave measurements, among others. These products are essential for supporting local and global geodetic and geophysics research related to time. They are crucial for the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), which is managed by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS). In 2023, the BORL laser station expanded its list of tracked objects to include all satellites of the European satellite navigation system GALILEO, totaling 28 satellites. During that year, the BORL laser station recorded 77 successful passes of GALILEO satellites, covering a total of 21 objects. The measurements taken allowed for the registration of 7419 returns, resulting in 342 normal points. The average RMS for all successful GALILEO observations in 2023 was 13.5 mm.

Ranking the Performances of Goalkeepers By WASPAS Method: AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023

This study aims to evaluate and rank goalkeepers’ performances who competed in the Asian Cup Qatar 2023 according to some parameters. The sample size of the study was 22 goalkeepers. Data were obtained from the official website of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Transfermarkt. Criteria used in the analysis to rank the performances of the goalkeepers were save percentage per match, number of catches and punches, and successful passes percentage per match. The criteria were weighted via the ranking method. Five steps of the WASPAS method among multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques were used to rank goalkeepers. According to the results of the analysis, GKs were ranked from 1 to 22 in terms of their performances, and the mean composite optimal value (Qi) was 0.696. The highest Qi value was 0.866, while the lowest was calculated as 0.310. According to the performance ranking, the top 3 GKs were determined as Rustam Yatimov (Tajikistan), Meshaal Barsham (Qatar), and Mathew Ryan (Australia). On the other hand, the lowest-ranked GKs were determined as Enando Ari (Indonesia), Zion Suzuki (Japan), and Rami Hamada (Palestine). Key Words: Goalkeeper, goalkeeper performance, ranking goalkeeper, WASPAS method, MCDM

The Comparison of Position-Specific Match Performance between the Group and Knockout Stage of the UEFA Champions League

This study aimed to compare match performance in the group and knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) for players in different playing positions. The information on physical and technical performances was collected during all UCL matches (n=125) in the 2022/23 season. Players’ observations (n=1387) were classified according to their playing positions as central defender (CD; n=471), fullback (FB; n=283), central midfielder (CM; n=376), winger (WM; n=137) and forward (FW; n=104). No differences in technical performance between the group and knockout stage were found for CDs, FBs, CMs, and WMs, while only FWs achieved significantly less shots on target (Cohen’s d (d=0.46), total passes (d=0.54), successful passes (d=0.49), and more duels (d=0.39) in the knockout compared to the group stage. The CDs, CMs, and WMs covered greater distance at moderate (d=0.46–0.63) and high (d=0.29–0.38) speeds in the knockout compared to the group stage, while no differences in physical performance between the group and knockout stage were found for FBs and FWs. This study demonstrated that (i) the technical performance of UCL players was in general stable irrespective of the competition stage, (ii) matches played in the knockout stage were characterized by greater match intensity compared to the matches played in the group stage of UCL for CDs, CMs, and WMs. These findings may help football coaches in the decision-making process when selecting the players for specific matches and designing training programs.

Greater Psychophysiological Intensities in Conditioned Games May Impair Technical Performance: An Exploratory Study in Youth Male Soccer Players.

The aim of this study was 2-fold: (1)to examine the relationships between psychophysiological responses and locomotor demands with variations in technical performance during 2v2 and 4v4 conditioned games and (2)to compare psychophysiological and locomotor responses among players exhibiting higher and lower technical performance levels during the conditioned games. Twenty-four male youth soccer players (16.3 ± 0.8y old) participating at the trained/developmental level underwent monitoring for psychophysiological responses (including heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and visual analog scale), locomotor demands (such as distance covered), and technical performance variables (including successful and unsuccessful passes and shots, as well as lost balls) across 2v2 and 4v4 formats. These formats were applied 4 times within a single session and were replicated twice over 2weeks. Large correlations between the number of lost balls per minute and mean heart rate were found in both the 2v2 and 4v4 games (r = .586 and r = .665, respectively). Successful shots were inversely and largely correlated with mean heart rate (r = -.518) in 4v4 games. The number of interceptions per minute was inversely and significantly correlated with the visual analog scale in 2v2 and 4v4 games (r = -.455 and r = -.710, respectively). The frequency of lost balls was significantly higher among players who attained a higher mean heart rate (2v2: +42.9%, P = .031, d = -0.965; 4v4: +57.1%, P < .001, d = -2.072). Coaches should be aware that highly psychophysiologically demanding scenarios may significantly impair technical performance. Therefore, prioritizing technical performance by deliberately adjusting the intensity should be considered.

The variability of physical enjoyment, physiological responses, and technical-tactical performance according to the bout duration of small-sided games: a comparative study between female and male soccer players

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare various factors, namely perceived enjoyment (PE), percentage of peak heart rate (%HRpeak), blood lactate (La), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and technical-tactical performance among soccer players across different bout durations (CB: continuous bout, MIB: medium intermittent bouts, and SIB: short intermittent bouts) and between male and female players during four-a-side (4vs4) small-sided games (SSGs) including goalkeepers.Methodssixteen female soccer players (age: 20.1 ± 0.5 years old) and sixteen professional male adults (age: 20.7 ± 0.7 years old) participated in the study. SSGs (4vs4) were performed in a CB: (1 × 12 min), and in an interval format: MIB: (2 × 6 min), and SIB: (3 × 4 min) with 2 min of passive recovery. PE was collected after each SSGs. The players’ heart rate (HR) was continuously measured, whereas ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and, blood lactate concentration ([La]) were determined at the end of each SSGs. Technical-tactical performance were analyzed during each session of SSGs. Pitch dimensions were (length x width) (25 × 32 m), and relative space per players was 100 m2.ResultsFor female soccer players, medium intermittent bouts (MIB) elicited significantly higher perceived enjoyment (PE) compared to continuous bouts (CB) (p < 0.001) and short intermittent bouts (SIB) (p < 0.01). Conversely, for male soccer players, CB resulted in higher PE compared to MIB (p < 0.001) and SIB (p < 0.001). During CB and MIB, peak heart rate (PeakHR) and percentage of peak heart rate (%HRpeak) were significantly higher in female players compared to SIB (PeakHR: CB: p < 0.001; PeakHR: MIB: p < 0.01; %HRpeak: CB: p < 0.001; %HRpeak: MIB: p < 0.01). Blood lactate (La) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were significantly greater in CB compared to MIB (La: p < 0.001; RPE: p < 0.01) and SIB (La: p < 0.001; RPE: p < 0.001) for female players only. For male players, CB resulted in significantly higher PeakHR, %HRpeak, La, and RPE compared to MIB (peak HR: p < 0.01, dunb = 1.35; %HR: p < 0.01; La: p < 0.01; RPE: p < 0.01) and SIB (peak HR: p < 0,01; %HR: p < 0.01; RPE: md = 0.87, p < 0.05). Regarding technical-tactical performance, in female players, the % of successful passes, successful tackles, and successful duels were higher during SIB compared to CB (p < 0.01; p < 0.001; p < 0.001) and MIB compared to CB (p < 0.01; p < 0.001; p < 0.001), while ball loss was lower during SIB compared to CB (p < 0.001) and MIB compared to CB (p < 0.001). In male players, % of successful passes and tackles were higher during CB compared to MIB (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) and SIB (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05), while CB had a lower % of ball loss compared to MIB (p < 0.01) and SIB (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the % of successful duels between the bouts for either gender.ConclusionThis study showed a difference in physical enjoyment between male and female soccer players depending on the bout duration of SSGs. For that, trainers should consider intermittent bouts for female soccer players and continuous bouts for male soccer players when designing SSGs-based training in order to significantly improve PE, training load, and technical-tactical performance.

An eight-season analysis of the teams' performance in the Spanish LaLiga according to the final league ranking.

This study aimed to analyse the performance of 5,518 collective observations of the Spanish LaLiga teams for eight consecutive seasons (from 2011-12 to 2018-19), considering the final league ranking. The teams were divided into four groups: Europe (from 1st to 6th), Upper-Middle (from 7th to 11th), Lower-Middle (from 12th to 17th) and Relegation (from 18th to 20th). The variables recorded were: Passes, Successful Passes, Crosses, Shots, Goals, Corners, Fouls, Width, Length, Height, distance from the goalkeeper to the nearest defender (GkDef), total distance covered (TD) and number of points accumulated. The main results were that: 1) Europe, being superior to the rest of the groups, showed lower values of Length from 2015-16, and lower values of GkDef from 2014-15; 2) Upper-Middle showed lower values of Length from 2015-16; 3) Lower-Middle showed fewer Shots from 2013-14, and lower values of Length, GkDef and TD from 2014-15; and, 4) Relegation barely showed significant differences between seasons in any variable. The study concludes that the teams of the Europe, Upper-Middle and Relegation groups showed quite stable performance, while the teams of the Lower-Middle group presented a worsening in different dimensions as the seasons progressed. The information provided in this study makes it possible to have reference values that have characterized the performance of the teams for each group.

Performance analysis of the teams that remained in the top-tier division of the Spanish LaLiga during eight consecutive seasons

The present study aimed to analyse the performance of 2212 collective observations of the eight teams that remained in the Spanish men’s top professional football division (Spanish LaLiga) for eight consecutive seasons (from 2011–2012 to 2018–2019), intending to understand the reference values of these teams. The variables recorded were passes, successful passes, crosses, shots, goals, corners, fouls, width, length, height, distance from the goalkeeper to the nearest defender (GkDef) and total distance covered (TD). A linear mixed model was performed for each dependent variable ( p &lt; 0.05). The main results were: (1) the eight teams, to a large extent, maintained a stable performance throughout the eight seasons analysed; (2) the length values decreased significantly from the fifth season (from 2015–2016 to 2018–2019); (3) the GkDef values decreased significantly from the fourth season (from 2014–2015 to 2018–2019); and 4) the TD values decreased significantly from the third season (from 2013–2014 to 2018–2019). The study concludes that within the framework of a performance stability, the teams over the seasons increased the density of players (e.g. less effective playing space), playing with the goalkeeper closer to the nearest defender of his team and covering less total distance.

Radially adjustable stent retriever for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: Improved first-pass effect with rapid-inflation deflation technique.

Evidence for improved first-pass effect with the novel radially adjustable radio-opaque stent retriever Tigertriever is lacking. To compare improvement in first pass success with Tigertriever using two different techniques-rapid inflation deflation (RID) and suction thrombectomy (ST). Retrospective analysis of patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with Tigertriever at a single comprehensive stroke center. Thirty patients were included. Mean age was 72.8 years. Twelve patients (48%) experienced successful first passes with Tigertriever. Successful revascularization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) 2b/3) was achieved in all (100%) patients who received RID or ST technique for thrombectomy. Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin score = 0-2) was noted in 40% (n = 10). Total mortality in the cohort was 8% (n = 2). RID and ST groups comprised of 10 and 15 patients, respectively. Five patients underwent MT with Tigertriever as a rescue device. No difference was noted in mean age (p = 0.27), gender (p = 0.29), location of occlusion (p = 0.46), and device used for first pass (p = 0.57). A 70% first-pass success rate in RID group and 37.5% in ST group was noticed (p = 0.06). Mean time from groin puncture to reperfusion (TICI 2b//3) was statistically similar (p = 0.29, RID: 19.9 min vs ST: 25 min). Both groups noted a 100% complete recanalization rate. The rate of mortality between the two groups were not statistically different (p = 0.46). The preliminary first-pass success rates of RID technique with Tigertriever compared to ST technique, are encouraging. Longitudinal studies with longer follow up are needed to elucidate the smaller learning curve with this device.

Visualization for Easier Recognition of Low-risk and Successful Passes in a Basketball Match

Visualization for Easier Recognition of Low-risk and Successful Passes in a Basketball Match

Performance Analysis of the Spanish Men's Top and Second Professional Football Division Teams during Eight Consecutive Seasons.

The present study aimed to analyse the performance of the Spanish men's top (LaLiga1) and second (LaLiga2) professional football division teams for eight consecutive seasons (from 2011-2012 to 2018-2019). The variables recorded were Passes, Successful Passes, Crosses, Shots, Goals, Corners, Fouls, Width, Length, Height, distance from the goalkeeper to the nearest defender (GkDef) and total distance covered (TD). The main results were that (1) LaLiga1 teams showed lower values of Length from 2013-2014, and lower values of GkDef and TD from 2014-2015; (2) LaLiga2 teams showed fewer Passes and lower values of GkDef and TD from 2014-2015, and fewer Goals and lower values of Length from 2015-2016; and (3) LaLiga1 teams showed more Passes, Successful Passes, Shots and Goals and higher values of TD compared to LaLiga2 teams during the eight-season period. This study concludes that LaLiga1 teams showed fewer final offensive actions, LaLiga2 teams showed fewer Passes and Goals and the teams of both leagues played in a space with greater density (meters by player), covering less distance as the seasons passed. The information provided in this study makes it possible to have reference values that have characterised the performance of the teams.

The effect of COVID-19 lockdown on ball possession performance in Spanish professional soccer leagues

ABSTRACT This research analysed the influence of lockdown and interruption of competitions due to COVID-19 on different ball possession-related variables. Also, match location and the differences between divisions were considering between the pre- and post-lockdown. A total of 144,689 records from 842 soccer matches during the 2019/20 season of the First (n = 380) and Second Spanish Division (n = 462) were collected. Match data were collected using the ChryonHego video-tracking system. Pre-lockdown (1st–27th matchday in First Division and 1st–31st matchday in Second Spanish Division) and post-lockdown periods (28th–38th matchday in First Division and 32nd–42nd matchday in Second Spanish Division) were compared. The match location contextual-related variable was also considered for the analysis. Linear mixed models showed that the number of outplayed players by ball possession (3.1%), successful passes (17.5%) and total passes (18.9%) increased during the post-lockdown period (p < .001). In addition, match location and league significantly influenced the successful and total passes in all situations (p < .001), increasing in the post-lockdown period. In conclusion, the lockdown period has led changes in the ball possession of the soccer teams. These results help to understand the impact that a particular and unusual situation as the interruption of the league due to COVID-19 lockdown had on the performance of professional soccer teams.

Effects of coach encouragement on psychophysiological responses and technical actions in different small-sided soccer games

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of coach encouragement (CE) on psychophysiological responses and technical actions in different small-sided soccer games (SSGs) in young soccer players. Twenty male soccer players (17.3 ± 1.4 years of age) performed four bouts of 2, 3 and 4-a-side SSGs with two minutes of rest between bouts at three-day intervals. Heart rate (HR) responses and technical actions were continuously monitored and recorded during all SSGs. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE), enjoyment (PACES), and mood (Profile of Mood of States: POMS) were also determined at the end of the last bout of each SSGs. Results demonstrated that CE + SSGs induced higher psychophysiological responses such as HR, RPE, and PACES responses (p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 0,76 to 2,25 [moderate to very large effect]). Furthermore, the CE + SSGs demonstrated significantly higher technical actions in terms of successful passes and shots (p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 0,84 to 3,25 [moderate to very large effect]) when compared to SSGs without CE (CE-SSGs). Conversely, the CE-SSGs induced higher unpleasant mood responses in terms of tension, anger, and fatigue in young soccer players. The results of this study suggest that if coaches want players to perform under higher-intensity conditions, they should encourage players in game-based training.

Interpreting match performance in elite futsal: considerations for normalizing variables using effective time.

This study aimed to investigate the physical and individual technical-tactical performance of elite futsal players. Thirteen National Team futsal players (27.4 ± 4.7 years, 70.3 ± 7.6 kg, 176.3 ± 5.5 cm) competed in 15 official matches in three distinct competitions. Session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) and player load (PL) were measured for assessing physical internal and external load, respectively. Individual tactical actions were analyzed using Instat Scout®, considering variables such as fouls, shots, shots on target, goals, successful dribbles, passes, successful passes, ball losses, ball recoveries, and challenges won. The cluster analysis classified the players into two groups: "high-involvement" (HIGH) and "low-involvement" (LOW), based on their average effective playing time, sRPE, and PL. A linear mixed model was used to examine the differences in external and internal load and technical-tactical variables between the two groups, accounting for individual repeated measures. Considering absolute values, HIGH players presented higher sRPE, RPE, total PL, shots, goals, passes, successful passes, ball losses and recoveries, and challenges won (p = 0.001-0.039; ES = 0.43-2.48), when compared to their LOW counterparts. However, when analyzed relative to effective time, LOW players reached higher total PL and shots per minute (p = 0.001-0.012; ES = 0.39-0.93) when compared to HIGH players. Non-significant differences were found for the rest of the variables. In summary, these results emphasize the importance of normalizing internal and external load variables and technical-tactical performance variables per effective playing time in futsal. The current findings indicate that players with lower involvement can present the same or even higher physical and technical-tactical performance compared to teammates with more playing time.

Verbal Encouragement Improves Game Intensity, Technical Aspects, and Psychological Responses During Soccer-Specific Training.

Soccer match outcomes rely on technical accuracy, intensity of play, and athlete motivation, and these parameters can be developed during sport-specific practice such as during small-sided games (SSGs). Verbal encouragement as a coaching technique improves exercise intensity and athlete enjoyment (indicative of motivation), but the impact on technical performance alongside these critical parameters remains unknown. To examine the effects of verbal encouragement on technical performance, exercise intensity, and enjoyment during SSGs. Sixteen male youth soccer players (mean [SD]; age: 17.2 [0.4]y; height: 176.3 [7.0]cm; body mass: 68.0 [4.1]kg; body fat: 11.9% [2.2%]) completed 4 sessions of 4-per-side SSG without a goalkeeper. Two sessions were conducted as SSGs with verbal encouragement and 2 without verbal encouragement. Each SSG lasted 25minutes (4 × 4-min work, 3-min passive recovery between bouts) on a 25 × 35-m pitch. Heart rate (HR) was continuously recorded, and rating of perceived exertion was collected after each SSG. Video analysis was used to quantify technical actions during SSG. Enjoyment was assessed after each SSG using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. Paired t tests revealed that SSGs with verbal encouragement induced higher HR (% maximum HR and mean HR), rating of perceived exertion, and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale score than SSGs without verbal encouragement (all P < .001, all d ≥ 0.92, large). Compared with SSGs without verbal encouragement, SSGs with verbal encouragement resulted in an increased percentage of successful passes (P < .001, d = 0.73, medium) and number of interceptions (P < .001, d = 0.89, large) and fewer lost balls (P < .001, d = 0.68, medium). Coaches should use verbal encouragement during SSGs to improve physical effort, technical performance, and psychological status in soccer players.

What are the key performance indicators related to winning matches in the German Bundesliga?

ABSTRACT This study investigated the influence of match-related variables on teams’ winning probabilities during the 2021/2022 Bundesliga. The sample comprised 240 matches. The Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) captured the competition data through the semi-automatic camera system (TRACAB, ChyronHego, New York, U.S.A). The data were merged and processed post-match at Kinexon Sports App® (Kinexon Sports & Media GmbH). Match variables regarding physical, technical, and tactical actions were analysed and compared between winning and losing teams using a MANOVA. In addition, a stepwise multiple linear regression was performed with the goal difference as the predicted variable and all match-related statistics as predictor variables. Results indicated that winning teams performed more accelerations, ball possessions, passes, successful passes, and shots than losing ones. The regression analysis indicated that increasing the number of shots, close-pressure actions, recovered ball possessions, and successful passes predict winning. On the other hand, increasing the values of running-to-pressure actions, crosses, long goal kicks, and lost ball possessions is likely to reduce the value of the goal difference. Successful performances in the Bundesliga are explained by safely keeping the ball in possession, progressing towards the opposing goal through short passes and creating goal-scoring opportunities through the central corridor of the pitch.

Relationship between performance, heart rate variability and clinical symptoms in elite football: A case study

Introduction&#x0D; Matches and high-intensity training put important load on elite football players, which may result in performance decrease and physiological alterations (Meeusen et al., 2013).&#x0D; Positive correlations between heart rate variability (HRV) athletic performance have been reported (Buchheit et al., 2012) but the measurements were not related to match performance. Studies investigating the relationship between HRV and in-match performance data are scarce and none identified typologies of fatigue (Schmitt et al., 2015).&#x0D; This is a case study of one elite football player that showed a typical autonomic dysfunction corresponding to a fatigue state with associated clinical symptoms.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; A male elite football player playing in French Ligue 1 and continental competitions recorded his beat-to-beat heart rate (Polar H10) during an orthostatic test (5 min supine followed by 5 min standing) systematically 2 days before every match during a series of 8 matches at the rate of 1 match/week. These recordings allowed the assessment of mean heart rate (HR), power spectrum in the low- and high-frequency bands (LF and HF). During each match a GNSS sensor (Vector S7, Catapult) allowed the recording of total distance, acceleration/deceleration above 2m/s. Moreover, the number of passes, passes to the final thirty meters and number of duels and duels won were quantified by video analysis.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; The player played the entirety of the 8 games mostly as a midfielder and sometimes as a left back. Heart rate in the supine position was inversely correlated to the number of passes and successful passes to final third (R = -0.67, p &lt; 0.05) whilst LF in the standing position was correlated to the duels and duels won (R = 0.75, p &lt; 0.05). In addition, log(HF) was correlated to the number of acceleration during the match whilst log(LF) was correlated with the total distance ran. The player displayed on several occasions a fatigue profile characterized by a parasympathetic hypertonia in the standing position, which ultimately resulted in the player fainting on the pitch.&#x0D; Discussion/Conclusion&#x0D; HRV during an orthostatic test two days before a match could be useful in identifying fatigue profiles associated with decreased performances and clinical symptoms. Such methods should be used on an entire season and entire squad to better characterize the fatigue profiles in elite football and may help better adapt training sessions.&#x0D; References&#x0D; Buchheit, M., Simpson, M. B., Al Haddad, H., Bourdon, P. C., &amp; Mendez-Villanueva, A. (2012). Monitoring changes in physical performance with heart rate measures in young soccer players. European Jopurnal of Applied Physiology, 112, 711–723. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2014-0&#x0D; Meeusen, R., Duclos, M., Foster, C., Fry, A., Gleeson, M., Nieman, D., Raglin, J., Rietjens, G., Steinacker, J., &amp; Urhausen, A. (2013). Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the overtraining syndrome: Joint consensus statement of the European College of Sport Science and the American College of Sports Medicine. Medicine &amp; Science in Sports &amp; Exercise, 45(1), 186–205. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e318279a10a&#x0D; Schmitt, L., Regnard, J., Parmentier, A. L., Mauny, F., Mourot, L., Coulmy, N., &amp; Millet, G. P. (2015). Typology of “Fatigue” by heart rate variability analysis in elite nordic-skiers. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(12), 999–1007. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1548885

Differences and variability of physical and technical characteristics among rugby union small-sided games performed within a preseason

This study aimed to investigate the differences in physical and technical characteristics among three specific rugby union small-sided games (SSG) and to examine the variability of these characteristics over three weeks within a preseason of a professional rugby union club. Eighteen backs and 22 forwards were recruited for the study. The three SSG designs were: backs only (SSG-B), forwards only (SSG-F) and both backs and forwards (SSG-BF). Physical characteristics were quantified using external (e.g., total distance covered [m·min−1]) and internal (i.e., Stagno's training impulse [AU·min−1]) load measures. Technical characteristics were quantified using the number of rucks, successful passes, unsuccessful passes, line breaks and tries per minute. The SSG-BF produced a greater high speed (&gt;61%) running distance covered in comparison with SSG-B (1.97 vs. 1.32 m·min−1) and SSG-F (1.26 vs. 0.94 m·min−1), and more successful passes (9.47 vs. 9.36 count·min−1) and line breaks (0.98 vs. 0.65 count·min−1) than SSG-F. Conversely, all the other physical and technical characteristics were higher in SSG-B and SSG-F. All the physical and technical characteristics, except high speed (&gt;61%) distance covered in forwards and unsuccessful passes and tries per minute, changed over days showing either a linear or quadratic pattern. Based on these findings, practitioners may implement position-specific SSG (i.e., SSG-B and SSG-F) to expose players to greater physical and technical characteristics. Furthermore, if SSGs were to be repeated across multiple days, practitioners should be aware of the possible variability in physical and technical characteristics due to potential adaptations to the constraints or the onset of fatigue.

The effect of ball possession on physical and technical performance in UEFA Champions league matches

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the effects of low-percentage ball possession teams (LPBPT) and high-percentage ball possession teams (HPBPT) on the physical and technical performance of UEFA Champions League (UCL) players. All data were obtained from group stage matches of UCL during the 2020/21 season using a semi-automatic optical tracking system. Linear mixed model was fitted with contextual variables as covariates. Wide midfielders and forwards in LPBPT covered more total distance, low-intensity running, and achieved greater average speed than in HPBPT (all large effect sizes [ES]). Central defenders and fullbacks covered more high-intensity running (small ES), while CMs covered more sprinting (medium ES) in HPBPT than in LPBPT. Players on all playing positions produced greater number of passes and successful passes in HPBPT than in LPBPT (large ES), except forwards who produced more passes in LPBPT than in HPBPT (small ES). Both physical and technical performance were highly dependent on ball possession percentages, with evident position-specific changes, indicating that the effect of ball possession is highly position-dependent. These findings provide information for soccer coaches on physical and technical demands across teams with varying percentage ball possession, which could be used to individualise training programs based on playing style and position.

Exploring goalkeepers’ technical-tactical performances according to match location, team quality and nationality in the English Premier League

This study aimed to examine the influence of match location, team quality and players’ nationality on technical and tactical performance indicators in elite goalkeepers. The sample was composed by 87 goalkeepers from the English Premier League during five seasons (from 2011/12 to 2015/16). Twenty-four variables were selected in order to characterize offensive, defensive and disciplinary goalkeeper’s behavior. Different non-parametric test (p&lt;0.05) showed statistically significant differences in all the variables in terms of match location, excepting interceptions, fouls and unsuccesful short distributions. Moreover, statistically significant differences were also found amongst teams’ level in terms of successful passes, goals received inside the box and successful long distribution, both in national and foreign goalkeepers. Finally, only national players exhibit a significant increase in goals received outside-box (top level teams), saves inside-box (intermediate level teams) and unsuccessful long distribution regardless teams quality. The data provided in this study might help goalkeepers’ coaches to modulate the frequency and number of actions performed by goalkeepers during training sessions, and help managers to make decisions when signing goalkeepers according to their nationality.