Examining tactical sprint actions and distribution among playing positions attending to match status in soccer: Implications for specific training.

The study aimed to analyze the tactical sprint actions performed by Spanish professional soccer players, considering their playing positions and the match status at the time of each action. Thirty-two Spanish male professional soccer players from a LaLiga Spanish Second Division (LaLiga SmarthBank) team participated in this study. Actions above 85% of the players' maximum velocity during 42 official matches were collected by an optical tracking system ChyronHego® and were synchronized using Mediacoach software (LaLiga, Madrid, Spain). Then, actios were analyzed trough an observation instrument designed to assess the type of tactical action performed by players. Central defenders (CD) and wide defenders (WD) were mainly involved in recovery runs. Central midfielders (CM) also frequently performed recovery runs and pressing actions. Wide midfielders (WM) were often engaged in runs in behind/penetrate actions, while forwards (F) had a diverse range of sprint actions, including pressing, runs in behind/penetrate, and breaking into the box. It was observed that F performed fewer chase actions than expected. On the other hand, CD, WD, and CM engaged in a greater number of recovery run actions than expected. CD also performed more close down/interception actions than expected, while CM, WM, and F performed fewer close down/interception actions than expected. When their team was losing, WM performed more recovery run actions than expected. CM made more runs with the ball when their team was winning CD showed a higher frequency of breaks into the box when their team was winning. These findings provide valuable information regarding the tactical aspects of sprinting in soccer, facilitating the design of specific training tasks that not only address the physical demands associated with each playing position but also considering the tactical context in which sprints occur.

The influence of match status on the conditional characteristics of tactical sprint actions in professional soccer players.

This study aimed to analyse the influence of the match status on the conditional characteristics of tactical sprint actions among Spanish professional soccer players, considering playing positions. Thirty-two Spanish male professional soccer players from a LaLiga Spanish Second Division (LaLiga SmarthBank) team participated in this study. Actions above 85% of the players' maximum velocity were analysed based on their tactical purpose. These findings provide valuable information regarding the tactical aspects of sprinting in soccer, emphasizing the influence of playing positions and match status on the distribution of tactical sprint actions. No effects of match status were observed for any game phase. However, when tactical actions were individually studied, it was observed that the maximum velocity in Chase actions was higher when the team was winning, while in Press actions, the maximum velocity was higher when the team was losing and in in Run in behind/Penetrate, the maximum velocity was higher in drawing situations compared to losing situations. No effects of match status on the distance covered during sprinting were observed, and regarding duration, significant differences were only observed in Recovery run actions. In addition, the influence of match status is higher when playing positions are considered, although the within playing positions analysis revealed significant differences only in CM players. These findings provide valuable information for the design of specific training drills considering playing positions, suggesting the need to analyse the previous match in order to structure the training load of the microcycle in a comprehensive manner.

Relationship between relative age measured through decimal age, physical variables and anthropometry in elite youth soccer players.

INTRODUCTION: Age differences between athletes born in the same year, as well as an over-representation of older players, are known as the Relative Age Effect (RAE). Players born at the beginning of the selection year have a physical and anthropometric advantage over their younger peers. Experts keep looking for new prediction variables for talent identification. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to correlate anthropometric, strength and power variables with the relative age (RA) and the level of the teams in which players played in each age category. METHODS: All players (N = 366) from an elite soccer academy of a Spanish club volunteered to participate in the study (U23-U10). RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the RA of the players and the level of the team in which they played in each age category but no correlation between trimester of birth and level of the team. We found significant correlations between the players' physical capacities, anthropometry, RA and the level of the team in which they played for the same age category, mainly from U16 to U10. U23 did not show any correlation between RA and physical or anthropometric variables. CONCLUSION: Coaches should be cautious of choosing players based only on anthropometric or physical attributes.

Relative Individual Sprint in Most Demanding Passages of Play in Spanish Professional Soccer Matches.

(1) Background: The objective of this research was to analyse the most demanding passages (MDP) considering the sprint variable relative to the maximum level of sprint ability of each player as a function of player position, final outcome and part of the match during the competitive phase of a professional soccer season. (2) Methods: Global positioning system (GPS) data were collected from 22 players according to their playing position in the last 19 match days of the Spanish La Liga professional soccer in the 2020/2021 season. MDP were calculated from 80% of the maximum sprint speed of each player. (3) Results: Wide midfielders covered the greatest distance at >80% of the maximum speed (2.4 ± 1.63 seg) and the longest duration (21.91 ± 13.35 m) in their MDP. When the whole team was losing, it demonstrated greater distances (20.23 ± 13.04 m) and longer durations (2.24 ± 1.58 seg) compared to games in which it was winning. When the team ended up drawing, the relative sprint distance covered in the second half was significantly greater than in the first (16.12 ± 21.02; SD = 0.26 ± 0.28 (-0.03/-0.54). (4) Conclusions: Different demands of MDP, according to the sprint variable relative to the maximum individual capacity in competition, are required when contextual game factors are considered.

Workloads of Different Soccer-Specific Drills in Professional Players.

Soccer is a predominantly tactical sport and, therefore, tactical training has become the most widely used strategy to improve players' performance. The objective of the present study was to assess the workload of soccer-specific drills in professional players over a two-season period in an established context. GPS technology was used to record the data. One hundred and thirty-two (n = 132) soccer-specific drills were studied and grouped by categories. The individual demands of each task were related to the individual competitive profile of each player. The level of physical demand was significantly different in relation to the specific soccer drills analysed. Total distance covered, high-speed running, and the total number of high accelerations and decelerations were significantly higher in competition than in drills used for training sessions (p < .001). The Large-Sided Games (LSG), Big-Position Games (BPG) and Position Games (PG) showed higher maximum running speed values than the rest of the exercises (p < .01). The sum of high accelerations and decelerations values was greater in the Small-Sided Games (SSG) than in BPG (p < .001), Small-Position Games (SPG) (p < .001) and Physical-Technical Circuits (PTC) (p < .001). Significant differences were observed in the exercises analysed according to the player's position. The current findings provide a detailed description of conditional demands placed on soccer players in different soccer-specific drills during training sessions, in a professional soccer context and according to their playing position, which may be helpful in the development of individualized training programs in other contexts.

Comparison of training and match load between metabolic and running speed metrics of professional Spanish soccer players by playing position.

The aims of this study were to compare the training and match load of professional soccer players according to the playing position, and analyse the relationship between the metabolic and running speed metrics. Thirty professional male soccer players belonging to a Spanish First Division team were analysed using global positioning system devices (GPEXE Pro 18.18 Hz) during training and competition (n = 36 training weeks and n = 41 matches). The results showed significant differences between positions on match day; central midfielders covered higher total distance and low- and medium-speed running distance (moderate to large effect size) than central defenders, external defenders and forwards; forwards performed more metabolic power events than central defenders, central midfielders and wide midfielders; and central defenders showed the lowest very-high-speed running. Different patterns were observed in training. Furthermore, the equivalent-distance index showed a strong correlation with accelerations and decelerations events. The main findings were that the physical responses found in training did not correspond with match demands by position; both metabolic and traditional approaches should be used together for load monitoring in professional soccer players; and finally, metabolic power events and the equivalent-distance index seem to be variables that help to differentiate more clearly the characteristics of the player, taking into account their playing position.

Structure of the training program during the COVID-19 confinement in spanish professional football, a coach survey.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and analyze the training programs carried out during the COVID-19 forced confinement in men´s professional football in Spain. METHODS: Observational Study based on a telematic ad-hoc questionnaire developed to meet the objective of the study. The sample consisted of thirty-six coaches representing thirty-six professional men's soccer teams in the Spanish first and second division. RESULTS: Training programs developed during confinement prioritized conditioning and functional emphasis, in addition to general and nonspecific resistance training, due to contextual limitations. CONCLUSION: The structure of training during the COVID-19 confinement was limited by contextual circumstances. This study has made possible to record the training and strategies used in professional football during a confinement due to a worldwide state of alarm, with the aim of resuming competitive activity in the best possible conditions.

The Effect of Weekly Training Load across a Competitive Microcycle on Contextual Variables in Professional Soccer.

Analysis of the key performance variables in soccer is one of the most continuous and attractive research topics. Using global positioning devices (GPS), the primary aim of this study was to highlight the physiological response of a professional soccer team across competitive microcycles in-season according to the most influential contextual performance variables. Determining the training load (TL), a work ratio was established between all recorded data within the training sessions and the competitive profile (CP). Each microcycle was classified in accordance with the contextual variables: opponent level (high, medium, low), match location (home and away) and score (win, draw, lose). Results revealed that the team were significantly more successful (games won) in competitive games against high-level opponents and when played at home. Cumulative microcycle/weekly training load (WTL) was significantly lower when the team won. In addition to the opponent level and the match location, WTL could condition the athlete's performance in the competition. Competitive performance responses are the main source of information for the planning of training programs. The results of this study could be used as a reference to structure TL and WTL according to contextual variables in the competition. This study, which is the first of its kind, revealed that WTL effects the performance of the players in the competition.

[Effect of contextual factors in body composition of professional soccer players. A retrospective study]. / Efecto de factores contextuales en la composición corporal de jugadores profesionales de fútbol. Un estudio retrospectivo.

INTRODUCTION: The requirements of physical demands in soccer have evolved in recent years, determining the need to investigate those aspects that condition athletic performance. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of individualized training, company at meals, race, and demarcation on the anthropometric variables of professional soccer players since these four factors affect body composition, which is considered a predictor of performance and an indicator of lifestyle in these individuals. For this purpose, a retrospective study was developed in 51 professional players of the Spanish Football League Second Division B during the 2015/2016, 2016/2017, and 2017/2018 seasons. The anthropometric assessment was carried out under the technical standards of measurement recommended by the International Working Group of Kinanthropometry, adopted by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). The results revealed that individualized training and company during meals were the factors that most influence exerted on the anthropometric variables that were collected. The values of fat mass and muscle mass, and the sum of fold measurements are sensitive to the effect of the intervention with these factors. The highest levels of interaction occurred between company during the meals and individualized training, and between demarcation and company during the meals. Considering body composition as an aspect to be taken into account in the development of performance, it should be considered that the application of certain training contents according to the individual characteristics and lifestyle of players are factors that may have a significant influence on professional soccer players.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La exigencia de las demandas físicas en el fútbol ha evolucionado en los últimos años, poniendo de manifiesto la necesidad de investigar sobre aquellos aspectos que condicionan el rendimiento deportivo. Es por esto que el objetivo de este estudio fue describir la incidencia del entrenamiento individualizado, la compañía en las comidas, la raza y la demarcación sobre las variables antropométricas en jugadores de fútbol profesional. Para ello se desarrolló un estudio retrospectivo sobre 51 jugadores profesionales de la Segunda División B española durante las temporadas de 2015/2016, 2016/2017 y 2017/2018. La valoración antropométrica se realizó bajo las normas técnicas de medición recomendadas por el International Working Group of Kinanthropometry, adoptadas por la International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Los resultados revelaron que el entrenamiento individualizado y la compañía en las comidas fueron los factores que más influyeron sobre las variables antropométricas. Los valores de masa grasa y de masa muscular, y el sumatorio de pliegues son sensibles al efecto de la intervención sobre dichos factores. Los mayores niveles de interacción se producen entre la compañía en las comidas y el entrenamiento individualizado, y entre la demarcación y la compañía en las comidas. Considerando la composición corporal como un aspecto a tener en cuenta en el desarrollo del rendimiento, se concluye que la aplicación de ciertos contenidos del entrenamiento según las características individuales y el estilo de vida de los jugadores es un factor que posee una influencia significativa sobre los futbolistas profesionales.

Effects of a multifactorial injuries prevention program in young Spanish football players.

BACKGROUND: The high injury rate in football has highlighted the need to research strategies that allow the modification of the dynamic risk factors. Most of the preventive proposals have focused on standardized protocols. However, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multifactorial injuries prevention program (MC-7) in Spanish football players. METHODS: A total of 219 Spanish football male players aged 16-23 were enrolled. The study was conducted over two consecutive seasons (2012-2013, 2013-2014). The first season was the control season (SC) and the second one was the experimental season (ES). Injuries were recorded prospectively during the two seasons in accordance with the criteria established by the consensus statement. During CS the injuries were just observed, while during ES, the players participated in the MC-7: training methodology, specific warm-up protocol (FIFA 11+), basic injury recovery strategies, continuous training of coaches, conferences for parents/family and education sessions for players. RESULTS: The frequency of injuries was significantly reduced by 63.8% in the ES. Muscle-tendon and joint injuries were reduced by 65% and 56.7% respectively, with a significant decrease in the lower-limbs injuries. The incidence of injuries was reduced by 71.4%, with significant differences in the typology, location and severity of injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of injury in football is reduced when multifactorial strategies are applied. Reducing the frequency and severity of injuries allowed players to greatly increase their available for sports practice.