In soccer, it seems relevant to understand the relationship between the ball recovering and the subsequent success or failure of attacking play. However, few studies have considered the links between the type of ball recovery in different pitch zones, the competition stages and the overall teams success. The present study aims to analyze the attacks (n = 1619) carried out by the semi-finalist teams in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in order to explore ball recovery patterns as a performance indicator. SoccerEye observational instrument, SoccerEye recording software, Sequential Data Interchange Standard-Generalized Sequential Querier (SDIS-GSEQ) and SPSS analytic software—one-way analysis of variance, two-way analysis of variance and regressions—were applied. Direct ball recovery, in specific by interception and defensive behavior followed by a pass, was the mostly frequent behavior, with the later inducing attacking play efficacy (p<0.017). Differences were detected between the group and play-off stages with regard to the types of direct ball recoveries. The ball was most often regained in defensive and mid-defensive central zones, evidencing differences to all other pitch zones (p≤0.001). Throw-ins were the only type of ball recovery that differentiated the semi-finalists, namely Germany and Spain (p<0.009). It was found that recovering directly the ball possession in mid-defensive central zones increases attacking efficacy. Consequently, coaches should consider this tactical determinant in order to organize the training process. Specifically, it is fundamental to improve the collective defensive organization protecting central strip zones and simultaneously performing high-pitched pressure to constrain the ball carrier.

Aquino, R, Carling, C, Palucci Vieira, LH, Martins, G, Jabor, G, Machado, J, Santiago, P, Garganta, J, and Puggina, E. Influence of situational variables, team formation, and playing position on match running performance and social network analysis of brazilian professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-The purpose of this study was to investigate the independent and interactive effects of situational variables, opposition team formation, and playing position on running performance and network analysis in Brazilian professional soccer players (n = 22). Global positioning system technology was used to determine total distance covered, mean speed, maximum running speed, and distance covered in 6 speed ranges. Social network analysis was used to assess interpersonal coordination (team interactions characterized as successful passes [n = 3,033] between teammates). Observations of match running performance (n = 129) and network analysis (n = 108) were obtained. The main results were: (a) no interactive effects between team formation and playing position were observed for running and network variables (unclear to possibly); (b) matches played at home or against "weaker" opponents presented greater running demands and individual/global metrics of network analysis (likely to almost certain); (c) match outcome demonstrated influence only for running performance; matches in which the reference team won resulted in higher values than in matches lost; (d) when the reference team competed in 1-4-4-2 formation, this resulted in greater running demands than 1-4-2-3-1 formation (likely to almost certain); (e) reduced values of running performance variables were reported in central defenders compared with other positions. Central/external midfielders reported greater closeness/betweenness centrality, outdegree, and eigenvector compared with central/external defenders and forwards (likely to almost certain). The results from this study provide practical information to potentially impact on physical, tactical, and technical training.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate if player tactical skill level and age category influence team performance and player exploratory behavior in tasks with different difficulty levels. Method: In total, 48 youth male soccer players participated in the study (U15, n = 24, mean age = 13.06 ± 1.53 years; U17, n = 24, mean age = 16.89 ± 0.11 years). Player tactical skills were evaluated through the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT), allowing them to be organized into three groups according to tactical efficiency: Higher tactical skill level (Group 01), Intermediate tactical skill level (Group 02), and Lower tactical skill level (Group 03). Next, Group 01 and Group 03 of both categories performed six Small-Sided and Conditioned Games (SSCG) each, namely three High difficulty SSCGs and three Low difficulty SSCGs. Team performance and players' exploratory behavior were analyzed through the Offensive Sequences Characterization System and Lag Sequential Analysis, respectively. Results: We found that team performance and players' exploratory behavior were influenced both by the age and tactical skill level of the players, as well as by task difficulty level. Conclusion: Therefore, in an attempt to improve player performance, practitioners must carefully manipulate key task constraints to adapt training task difficulty levels to player age and tactical skill level.

Futsal has grown in popularity globally yet additional research is necessary to enhance understanding of the technical, tactical and phyical demands of the game. Anecdotal and scientific evidence suggests that futsal can aid talent development for 11 aside soccer owing to the potential transfer of skills and the game constraints. The aim of this study was to examine physical (internal and external loads) and technical performance characteristics in international futsal match-play and discuss potential returns for soccer talent development. Performance was investigated in players (n=16, 25.7±4.71 years) in a team during an international futsal tournament. Pretournament fitness testing determined maximum heart rate (MHR) via the Yo-Yo IR1 test (194.58±11.08 beats min-1) whichwas then used to examine heart rate during match-play. External load (accelerations and decelerations) was also measured during match-play using an inertial movement unit. Post-tournament match-analysis of technical events was performed. Analysis reported a mean heart rate value during 'court time' of 164.77±22.30 beats min-1 , which as a percentage of participants' MHR was 87.69%±4.44%, with mean peak MHR of 98.30±2.47%. Results showed 2.16±0.25 accelerating () and 2.78±0.13 decelerating () events per minute, a possible key characteristic of futsal. Match analysis of technical performance showed that 77.26% of ball receptions were completed with the sole of the foot. Assessment of two-footedness showed 80.11±16.65% of individual possessions used the dominant foot to receive and 84.13±10.74% to pass the ball thereby displaying strong foot dominance. Team statistics reported substantial numbers of passing, dribbling and set play events. These results have quantified certain characteristics of elite futsal match-play thereby enhancing understanding of the game. Accordingly, the potential learning returns deriving from environmental and task constraints of Commented [CC1]: ? or just anecdotal? Commented [CC2]: Either one decimal or two, be consistent Commented [CC3]: Add definition values Commented [CC4]: High amounts compared to soccer? If so add at end of sentencea possible key characteristic of futsal when compared to values for soccer… Commented [CC5]: Too vague, need numbers