Time-motion characteristics of match-play in elite Polish youth soccer players of various playing positions

Abstract

Background:The aim of this study is to examine and compare the distance covered with high-intensity running and to determine differences in maximum velocities achieved in a match by 15-19-year-old elite Polish soccer players depending on their age and playing positions. Material and methods:The current study monitored and analyzed 528 matches of youth soccer players of six tactical positions (12 goalkeepers, 24 fullbacks, 24 central backs, 24 wide midfielders, 36 central midfielders and 12 forwards) from four age categories (U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-19) from three top Polish soccer academies, using a MinimaxX device. Results:It was found that in every age category, central midfielders covered the longest total distance, while wide midfielders covered the greatest distance with high-intensity running. Maximum velocities of players of U-17 and U-19 were significantly higher than players of U-15 and U-16. The highest maximum velocities were achieved by the wide midfielders and forwards of U-19 players. Conclusions:The selection of players for certain positions in the game must take into account the players' ability to perform high intensity running, sprints and ability to repeat very high intensity running.

Is the Field Test of FUT-SAT a Better Experimental Design to Identify the Specific Characteristics of Tactical Performance according to Youth Male Soccer Players' Positional Roles?

“…In this way, assessment of soccer players in SSGs is necessary to understand the specificity of each design, being a useful tool to improve the training sessions ( Serra-Olivares et al, 2016 ). Moreover, the assessment of soccer players’ performance in SSGs is also used to identify their skill proficiency through technical performance in order to help coaches identify the potential of each player and select the best players for each team ( Bennett et al, 2018 ; Dolański et al, 2018 ; Fenner et al, 2016 ).Besides these possibilities, assessment of soccer players’ tactical performance in SSGs provides information on the management of their tactical actions on the field ( Gréhaigne et al, 1999 ). Each player in SSGs is part of a positional role, which are categories that regulate players’ playing positions within a system of play in each field sector and are divided into defenders, midfielders, and forwards.…”

Weekly Training Load Differences between Starting and Non-Starting Soccer Players

“…If the match load is added to the training load, the total weekly load will probably increase even further. Subsequently, the differences are primarily determined by the amount of time spent on the match ( Casamichana et al, 2022 ; Dolański et al, 2018 ). Therefore, it is recommended for non-starters to compensate for the insufficient load with compensatory training ( Hills et al, 2020a ).…”

Associations of Masticatory Muscles Asymmetry and Oral Health with Postural Control and Leg Injuries of Elite Junior Soccer Players

“…As the MNT has also a neuronal connection to the vestibular nuclei, the information from the masticatory muscles may affect the vestibular nuclei which play an essential role in maintaining postural control (Bieniek et al, 2019;Cuccia and Caradonna, 2009;Dolański et al, 2018;Gangloff and Perrin, 2002;Karimizadeh et al, 2020).…”

“…Another connection between the masticatory muscles and muscles activities responsible for postural control, is based on the anatomical connections between afferent neurons associated with masticatory muscles and the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminus (MNT). As the MNT has also a neuronal connection to the vestibular nuclei, the information from the masticatory muscles may affect the vestibular nuclei which play an essential role in maintaining postural control ( Bieniek et al, 2019 ; Cuccia and Caradonna, 2009 ; Dolański et al, 2018 ; Gangloff and Perrin, 2002 ; Karimizadeh et al, 2020 ).…”