This study investigated the position-specific physical demands of professional Portuguese players. The effects of situational variables on the physical performance demands were also analysed (match location, match half and match result). Match performance observations were collected using Global Navigation Satellite System devices across 11 matches during a competitive season (2019–2020). Data were analysed according to five playing positions: goalkeepers (n = 11), central defenders (n = 42), wide defenders (n = 31), central midfielders (n = 34), open attackers (n = 28), and centre forwards (n = 14). Central midfield players completed the greatest total distance (10,787 ± 1536 m), while central defenders covered the least distance (9272 ± 455; p < 0.001). Open attackers covered the greatest high and very-high-speed distance (1504 ± 363 m), number of high-speed decelerations per match (11 ± 4) and were the fastest players (30.6 ± 1.5 km/h), along with center forwards (30.6 ± 2.0 km/h), versus all other positions (p < 0.05). Greater distances were performed in teams that were winning (9978 ± 1963 m) or drawing (10,395 ± 875 m) versus losing (9415 ± 2050) p = 0.036 and p = 0.006, respectively. Increases in distance covered at walking speeds were observed during the 2nd half (1574 ± 179 m) compared with the 1st half (1483 ± 176; (p < 0.003). A higher number of decelerations across all speeds were performed in the 1st half (144 ± 39) versus the 2nd half (135 ± 37). The distance covered in home matches (10,206 ± 1926 m) far exceeded away matches (9471 ± 1932 m; p < 0.001). The number of faster accelerations were higher in away (7 ± 5) versus home matches (6 ± 4; p < 0.049). The data demonstrate the different physical demands of each playing position and suggest that situational variables influence physical performance. These findings suggest position-specific physical training is required to condition players for the bespoke demands of each playing position.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to analyze the relationships between fitness status (repeated-sprint ability (RSA), aerobic performance, vertical height jump, and hip adductor and abductor strength) and match running performance in adult women soccer players and (ii) to explain variations in standardized total distance, HSR, and sprinting distances based on players’ fitness status. Materials and Methods: The study followed a cohort design. Twenty-two Portuguese women soccer players competing at the first-league level were monitored for 22 weeks. These players were tested three times during the cohort period. The measured parameters included isometric strength (hip adductor and abductor), vertical jump (squat and countermovement jump), linear sprint (10 and 30 m), change-of-direction (COD), repeated sprints (6 × 35 m), and intermittent endurance (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1). Data were also collected for several match running performance indicators (total distance covered and distance at different speed zones, accelerations/decelerations, maximum sprinting speed, and number of sprints) in 10 matches during the cohort. Results: Maximal linear sprint bouts presented large to very large correlations with explosive match-play actions (accelerations, decelerations, and sprint occurrences; r = −0.80 to −0.61). In addition, jump modalities and COD ability significantly predicted, respectively, in-game high-intensity accelerations (r = 0.69 to 0.75; R2 = 25%) and decelerations (r = −0.78 to −0.50; R2 = 23–24%). Furthermore, COD had significant explanatory power related to match running performance variance regardless of whether the testing and match performance outcomes were computed a few or several days apart. Conclusion: The present investigation can help conditioning professionals working with senior women soccer players to prescribe effective fitness tests to improve their forecasts of locomotor performance.

This study aimed to explore the main determinants of repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in women soccer players considering aerobic capacity, sprinting performance, change-of-direction, vertical height jump, and hip adductor/abductor isometric strength. Twenty-two women soccer players from the same team participating in the first Portuguese league were observed. Fitness assessments were performed three times during a 22-week cohort period. The following assessments were made: (i) hip abductor and adductor strength, (ii) squat and countermovement jump (height), (iii) change-of-direction test, (iv) linear sprinting at 10- and 30-m, (v) RSA test, and (vi) Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1. Positive moderate correlations were found between peak minimum RSA and adductor and abductor strength (r = 0.51, p < 0.02 and r = 0.54, p < 0.01, respectively). Positive moderate correlations were also found between peak maximum RSA and adductor and abductor strength (r = 0.55, p < 0.02 and r = 0.46, p < 0.01, respectively). Lastly, a moderate negative correlation was found between fatigue index in RSA and YYIR1 test performance (r = −0.62, p < 0.004). In conclusion, abductor and adductor isometric strength-based coadjutant training programs, together with a high degree of aerobic endurance, may be suitable for inducing RSA in female soccer players.

En respuesta a la aparición del COVID 19 y la pandemia ocasionada, los países tomaron medidas para manejar las curvas de infección. Han obligado a permanecer en confinamiento y esta estrategia afectó a diversos contextos, dentro de los cuales, se encuentra el ámbito deportivo, suspendiendo competiciones, partidos oficiales, entrenamientos en cancha, transmisiones deportivas, etc. Sin embargo, en el caso de los profesionales del fútbol, se mantuvieron en preparación física a través de plataformas tecnológicas. El objetivo de este trabajo es explorar los niveles de ansiedad rasgo, de sensación de bienestar y la relación entre ambas variables en futbolistas profesionales de cuatro clubes de Chile con el fin de contribuir al diagnóstico sobre cómo la crisis de Covid-19 puede haber afectado a la realidad deportiva en cuanto a la salud mental y emocional. Para ello se aplicó el STAI y el PERMA. Como resultados, los futbolistas investigados muestran niveles promedio de ansiedad rasgo y buen nivel de bienestar general. También se encuentra correlación entre ambos. Este estudio permite concluir que si bien la situación actual puede verse como amenazante, mantener las condiciones laborales y en actividad para un deportista parece ser clave para sentir cierto grado de control frente a la incertidumbre, así como estrategias de afrontamiento que permitan tener una alta sensación de bienestar. Abstract. In response to the emergence of COVID 19 and the resulting pandemic, countries took steps to manage infection curves. They have forced them to remain in confinement and this strategy affected various contexts, within which is the sports field, suspending competitions, official matches, training on the field, sports broadcasts, etc. However, in the case of soccer professionals, they remained in physical preparation through technological platforms. The objective of this work is to explore the levels of trait anxiety, feeling of well-being and the relationship between both variables in professional soccer players from four clubs in Chile in order to contribute to the diagnosis of how the Covid-19 crisis may have affected sports reality in terms of mental and emotional health. For this, the STAI and PERMA were applied. As results, the investigated soccer players show average levels of trait anxiety and a good level of general well-being. There is also a correlation between the two. This study allows us to conclude that although the current situation can be seen as threatening, maintaining working and active conditions for an athlete seems to be key to feeling a certain degree of control in the face of uncertainty, as well as coping strategies that allow having a high sensation of wellness.

This study aimed to analyze the variations of fitness status, as well as test the relationships between accumulated training load and fitness changes in women soccer players. This study followed an observational analytic cohort design. Observations were conducted over 23 consecutive weeks (from the preseason to the midseason). Twenty-two women soccer players from the same first Portuguese league team (22.7 ± 5.21 years old) took part in the study. The fitness assessment included anthropometry, hip adductor and abductor strength, vertical jump, change of direction, linear speed, repeated sprint ability, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test. The training load was monitored daily using session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE). A one-way repeated ANOVA revealed no significant differences for any of the variables analyzed across the three moments of fitness assessments (p > 0.05). The t-test also revealed no differences in the training load across the moments of the season (t = 1.216; p = 0.235). No significant correlations were found between fitness levels and accumulated training load (range: r = 0.023 to −0.447; p > 0.05). This study revealed no differences in the fitness status during the analyzed season, and the fitness status had no significant relationship with accumulated training load.