Match Running Performance of Brazilian Professional Soccer Players according to Tournament Types

Abstract

The present study aimed to report different level games in terms of their external game loads, using data collected from GPS performance indicators in Brazilian soccer teams. We used measures of 464 performances of professional soccer athletes during the National Tournament (NT=265), State Tournament (ST=89), National Cup (NC=44), and the International Tournament (IT=66). The performance analysis included the assessment of Total (meters) and Relative (meters/minutes) distances; running (>14km/h), and sprinting (>18km/h) distance; the number of sprints (>18km/h and >24km/h); accelerations (above three m/s2), deceleration (less than three m/s2) and jumps (>30 cm); Total and Relative load – per minute. There were differences (p<0.05) in terms of relative distance between NT and ST (102.2 ±9.5 vs. 98.1± 10.3) and between ST and NC (98.1± 10.3 vs. 103.4 ±9.6). In sprints >18km/h NT differed from ST (60.4 ±5.9 vs 52.7 ±19.9). In sprints >24km/h differences could be found between NT and ST (10.7 ±5.9 vs 8.7 ±5.4). In Total Load NT differed with respect to ST (908.6 ±141.5 vs. 852.7 ±138.5) In Relative Load differences were reported between NT and ST (10 ±1.2 vs. 9.3 ±1.4) and IT (10 ±1.2 vs. 9.4 ±1.4), and between ST and NC (9.3 ±1.4 vs. 10.0 ±1.4). Finally, concerning deceleration, NT differed when compared to ST (36.1 ±9.9 vs. 32 ±11) as well as ST differed from IT (32 ±11 vs. 37.5 ±9.7). The present results make it possible to create specific training games according to tournament level associated with the predominant activities performed during the competition.

Enhancing performance: unveiling the physiological impact of submaximal and supramaximal tests on mixed martial arts athletes in the −61 kg and −66 kg weight divisions

“…Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a comprehensive combat sport that combines techniques from various martial arts disciplines, encompassing striking (e.g., boxing and kickboxing) (Miarka et al, 2020) and grappling (e.g., Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling) (Bello et al, 2019). MMA competitors employ striking and grappling techniques while standing and on the ground (Fernandes et al, 2022). MMA fights are structured into rounds, each lasting several minutes, significantly demanding the athletes' cardiovascular endurance (Spanias et al, 2019;Gottschall and Hastings, 2023).…”

“…Weight divisions are classified as flyweight (−57 kg), bantamweight (−61 kg), featherweight (−66 kg), lightweight (−70 kg), welterweight (−77 kg), middleweight (−84 kg), light heavyweight (−93 kg), and heavyweight (−120 kg) (UFC, 2023b;UFC, 2023a). The main differences between weight categories typically include the fighters' size, strength, and fighting style (Fernandes et al, 2022;Folhes et al, 2023). Time-motion analysis can vary significantly between divisions as well (Miarka et al, 2015).…”

Assessing the Match Physical Responses of International Referees for Footballers with Cerebral Palsy: A Tournaments and Halves Comparative Analysis

“…In this regard, Henríquez et al [ 11 ], explored the difference in the physical response of international footballers with CP, suggesting that players from top-ranked teams playing against teams of similar level reported higher physical demands, as did bottom-ranked teams playing against teams of equivalent rank. In much that same way, the physical responses of the referees who officiated World Cup matches have been higher than the physical responses registered by the referees of the World Championships, given that in conventional football, it has also been observed that the players of higher competitive level register higher physical responses [ 36 , 37 ]. The fact that players belong to a higher competitive level implies that they are exposed to greater physical responses [ 36 , 37 ].…”

“…In much that same way, the physical responses of the referees who officiated World Cup matches have been higher than the physical responses registered by the referees of the World Championships, given that in conventional football, it has also been observed that the players of higher competitive level register higher physical responses [ 36 , 37 ]. The fact that players belong to a higher competitive level implies that they are exposed to greater physical responses [ 36 , 37 ]. The present results suggest that referees must, at minimum, be prepared for the base level requirements demanded by the type of competition but ultimately should be prepared for the highest levels of demands that the competition can provide in order to meet the demand of the players they are officiating.…”

Effects of the competitive standard on external and internal load during the match-play in elite Brazilian professional soccer players

“…The rst study showed that lower divisions (i.e., 3rd and 4th National League) presented higher physical demands than upper state standards (1st São Paulo division) . The second study revelated that International (Libertadores Cup) and National (1st National League) Tournaments exposed higher external load than state-level (1st Rio de Janeiro division) (Freire et al, 2022). Therefore, more studies are needed to inform internal and external load during elite Brazilian national leagues (e.g., 1st and 2nd National League), including other contextual factors.…”