Quantifying the High-Speed Running and Sprinting Profiles of Elite Female Soccer Players During Competitive Matches Using an Optical Player Tracking System

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the high-speed running and sprinting profiles of elite female soccer players during competitive matches using a new Optical Player Tracking system. Eight stationary video cameras were positioned at vantage points surrounding the soccer field so that when each camera view was combined, the entire field could be viewed simultaneously. After each match, an optical player tracking system detected the coordinates (x, y) of each player for every video frame. Algorithms applied to the x and y coordinates were used to determine activity variables for 12 elite female players across 7 competitive matches. Players covered 9,220-10,581 m of total distance, 1,772-2,917 m of high-speed running (3.4-5.3 m·s) distance, and 417-850 m of sprinting (>5.4 m·s) distance, with variations between positional groups (p < 0.001; partial η = 0.444-0.488). Similarly, the number of high-speed runs differed between positional groups (p = 0.002; partial η = 0.342), and a large proportion of high-speed runs (81-84%) and sprints (71-78%) were performed over distances less than 10 m. Mean time between high-speed runs (13.9 ± 4.4 seconds) and sprints (86.5 ± 38.0 seconds) varied according to playing position (p < 0.001; partial η = 0.409) and time of the match (p < 0.001; partial η = 0.113-0.310). The results of this study can be used to design match-specific conditioning drills and shows that coaches should take an individualized approach to training load monitoring according to position.

The Physical Demands of NCAA Division I Women’s College Soccer

“…Total distance covered at the Division I collegiate level differs from the international level. Although some overlap is apparent, a total distance of 9486 m (9186-9786 m) covered by college females appears lower than international and professional players from Sweden [4,14,19], Denmark [2,4,14,19], Brazil [22], Australia [12,19], USA [14,19], and other European countries [11,19,31] which ranged from 9630-10,750 m. As a result, we can speculate that the lower physical demands of women's soccer at the collegiate level are likely inadequate to prepare players for international competition.…”

“…However, even with a growing interest in sport science and performance, a thorough understanding of the physical demands of women's college soccer remains to be extensively explored. In general, research into women's soccer has been scarce [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] leaving gaps in the literature regarding depth and breadth of information detailing the physical demands at different standards of play, particularly at the collegiate level [13]. In addition, many of the studies to date which have been published have been completed using small sample sizes with regard to number of players, number of matches, or both [4,6,11,14,15].…”

“…There is a disproportionate amount of literature relating to male players in comparison to female players. This is largely due to the cost associated with tracking and monitoring technology, which is often limited to professional men's teams [12]. Though many aspects of men's and women's soccer are the same, such as pitch dimensions, match duration, number of players, goal size, and ball size, males and females can differ dramatically with regard to physical performance characteristics, with male players performing 30% more high-intensity activities during matches [14] and demonstrating superior performance across a range of fitness assessments [16][17][18].…”

Use of Four Predictive Screening Variables for Determination of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction in Adolescent Soccer Athletes

“…10 This could be due in part that midfielders cover the most distance throughout the game. 58 Upon movement, roles are switched between attacking and defending. This involves increased use of the hip adductors and abductors which may lead to an inflare or outflare of the innominates 59 This may result in a compression of the SIJ and a decrease of mobility in the joint.…”

“…They are also most prone to fatigue as they typically travel the most in game experiences. 58 Together these traits combine to potentially explain why these two positions are at an elevated risk. Experimental Hypothesis 1.…”