Relation between the physical demands and success in professional soccer players

Abstract

Background: The analysis of the efforts performed during a soccer match and its relation with the competitive success still presents numerous questions. Objective: 1) To describe and compare the physical demands (total covered meters and meters covered at high speed ranges), between the teams of the Spanish First and Second Division league. 2) To determine if the distance covered of the teams is related to the sports success (final classification, the points obtained and the goals in favour and against). Method: A total of 712 games (First and Second Division) were analysed using a computerized multi-camera system (Mediacoach, Mediapro and LaLiga ©). In order to quantify the physical performance, the following distances were recorded: total distance (TD), the distance covered between 21-24 km/h (DHI) and distance covered above 24km/h) (DVHI). In order to quantify the sports success, we considered the final classification, the obtained points as well as the goals in favour and against. Results: The total distance covered by the teams of the First and Second Division Leagues was similar, however, the distance covered at high intensity and distance covered at very high intensity was greater in the teams of the First Division (p<0.05; d of Cohen >1.2). No relations were detected between the meters covered and the recorded success indicators. Conclusion: This data should be taken into account by the coaches and physical trainers when guiding the training process of

The Influence of Antenna Height on the Measurement of Collective Variables Using an Ultra-Wide Band Based Local Positioning System in Team Sports

“…The wide interest in training and competition load variables has led to the design of accuracy tests to validate player movement tracking systems in isolation, resulting in individual variables such as distance covered at different intensities [ 19 , 34 , 35 ]. It has been highlighted that an individual player’s motion can affect the spatial-temporal dynamics of the remaining players involved in a game [ 9 ] and that there is a lack of a relationship between individual variables and success [ 10 , 11 ] leading to collective metrics gaining relevance in team sports [ 2 , 3 , 5 ]. However, the tests designed to validate technology for collective metrics only allow a comparison (or testing the agreement) by using another validated technology or gold standard, highlighting the necessity of tests that enable the determination of the validity of tracking systems for collective variables [ 12 , 13 ].…”

“…Based on these data, technical staff can evaluate tactical behavior during the training process and the competition in team sports [ 7 , 8 ]. As the movement of a single player in a team sport can functionally influence the spatial-temporal characteristics of coordinated movements of teammates and opponents [ 9 ] and considering that the non-relationship between individual variables and success has been highlighted [ 10 , 11 ], collective metrics have gained relevance in team sports [ 2 , 3 , 5 ].…”

The validity of small-sided games in predicting 11-vs-11 soccer game performance

“…Our study further supports these findings; we also found positive and negative correlations between the offensive and defensive performance indicators, and shots on target and shots on target conceded, respectively. In contrast, evidence for the relationship between physiological in-game performance indicators and game success has been mixed [ 60 – 62 ].…”

Analyse Success Model of Split Time and Cut-Off Point Values of Physical Demands to Keep Category in Semi-Professional Football Players

“…There are multiple variables of the situation, such as the competitive level [8], the opponent's level [9], the tactical system [10], the pressure to achieve the objective [11] and the conditions, quantity and the intensity of the efforts demanded during the competition [12]. Recently, several studies relied on these physical demands during a football game to propose metrics that quantify specific aspects of football performance [13][14][15].…”

“…Recently, several studies relied on these physical demands during a football game to propose metrics that quantify specific aspects of football performance [13][14][15]. This performance and their connection with competitive success (i.e., to win a match) have been the focus of attention in several studies [12,15,16]. Thus, a positive relation has been found between greater physical demand and match success, i.e., for the English Premier League [1], the Spanish La Liga [12] or elite women football players [17].…”