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The aim of this study was to compare weekly accumulative load during the in-season competitive period by professional soccer players according to the amount of time played in official matches (90-min, >60-min, 19.8 km·h-1), sprint meters (SPR; >25.2 km·h-1), high metabolic load distance (HMLD; >25.5 W·kg-1), number of accelerations (ACC; >3 m·s-2) and decelerations (DEC; 60-min vs.

The aim of this study was to compare weekly accumulative load during the in-season competitive period by professional soccer players according to the amount of time played in official matches (90-min, >60-min, <60-min, and 0-min) regarding the players' position. Twenty-four professional outfield football players were monitored by GPS devices during training sessions and official matches and the accumulative weekly load were calculated for the following external load variables: total distance (TD; m), high speed running (HSR; >19.8 km⋅h-1), sprint meters (SPR; >25.2 km⋅h-1), high metabolic load distance (HMLD; >25.5 W⋅kg-1), number of accelerations (ACC; >3 m⋅s-2) and decelerations (DEC; <-3 m⋅s-2). This study revealed that players (as a whole o per demarcation) with more match playing time had a higher accumulative weekly load for most of the variables, but particularly at TD and HMLD (90-min and >60-min vs. <60-min and 0-min), HSR (90-min vs. <60-min and 0-min) and SPR (90-min vs. <60-min and 0-min). In addition, less positional variation was observed in relation to the competition requirements. This information would allow coaches to refine the required load with the objective of optimizing performance to soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the current study were (a) to analyze the characteristics of acceleration efforts using individual relative thresholds according to the initial speed during official matches in elite young soccer players according to player position and (b) to compare the differences between absolute and relative thresholds in assessing high-intensity acceleration. Player acceleration profiles were assessed using an individual relative threshold based on their acceleration capacity at different initial speeds (standing, 6, 10.8, and 15 km⋅h-1), and the number of accelerations (>75% of the maximal acceleration) performed during soccer matches was divided into 3 categories attending to the initial speed. (S1 = 0-7km⋅h-1; S2 = 7.1-14km⋅h-1; and S3 = >14.1 km⋅h-1). Within-group analyses showed that the number of accelerations performed in each category was higher when the effort started from a static or walking position than at moderate- or high-intensity running (S1 > S2 > S3; very likely to almost certain). Between-group analyses revealed substantial differences between some playing positions according to initial speed. In S1 and S3, central defenders had the lowest number of accelerations (likely to almost certain), whereas midfielders had the greatest number of high-intensity accelerations in S1 and S2. There were also substantial differences between the other playing positions (possibly to almost certain). Regarding relative and absolute thresholds (>3 m⋅s-2), the results showed that absolute threshold overestimated the number of high-intensity accelerations compared with the individual relative threshold in S1 and underestimated the results in S2 and S3 (almost certain). The use of an individual relative threshold to measure acceleration demands allows to distinguish between the numbers of accelerations in function of the initial speed and playing positions. In addition, the absolute acceleration threshold could overestimate or underestimate the acceleration demands in young soccer players as a function of the initial speed. Then, the absolute acceleration thresholds should be taken with caution in the assessment of acceleration activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were (a) to assess the relationship between laboratory-measured VO2max with total distance covered in a soccer match, (b) to assess the relationship between laboratory-measured VO2max with the distance covered at a different running intensity in a soccer match, (c) to quantify different intensity running in various playing positions, and (d) to determine the differences of running performance between halves. Analyzed match running performance of the Greek elite (n = 14) soccer players using a global positioning system within the second division professional league. No correlation was found between VO2max and match running performance at any velocity. The players covered greater distances in the first half at all speed levels except walking. In the first half, they covered a greater distance than in the second half (1,533 vs. 1,297 m, p < 0.001; 879 vs. 708 m, p < 0.001; 433 vs. 359 m, p < 001; 185 vs. 152 m, p < 0.01; 81.4 vs. 65.5 m, p < 0.001) when jogging, running, high-intensity running, fast running, sprint and total, respectively. Wide players covered greater distances at fast running (p < 0.001) and sprint zone than the players who played at the axon of the field (348 vs. 297 and 186 vs. 113 m, respectively). In addition, midfielders covered a greater distance at high-intensity running zone and at fast running zone than the defenders and forwards (1,768 vs. 1,372 m, p < 0.01 and 1,768 vs. 1,361 m, p < 0.01; 686 vs. 878 m, p < 0.01 and 709 vs. 878 m, p < 0.05, respectively). The results demonstrate that match running performance and the distance covered depends on the tactical role of each player in the team. These data provide valuable information for coaches regarding the running profile of the Greek elite soccer players that could be used to design a more effective training program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A tactical factor such as playing formation seems to be another influencing factor in the physical performance of elite soccer players during the match. Some researchers have suggested that distances covered during high-intensity running in matches are valid measures of physical performance. They concluded that players covered greater distances of high-intensity activities during some team formations in comparison to others. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine high-intensity patterns of professional soccer players in relation to the positional role with two different playing formations. Methods: Match data were collected during official games systematically playing in 1-3-4-3 and 1-4-2-1-3 formations. Nineteen professional players (age 24.7 ± 4.8 years, body mass 74.5 ± 6.2 kg, height 176.3 ± 5.3 cm, percentage of body fat 9.7 ± 2.5%) were classified into five positional roles: central defender, wide defender, midfielder, wing and forward. Match performance variables included moderate-intensity running (14.9-19.8 km/h), high-speed running (19.9-25.2 km/h) and sprinting (> 25.2 km/h). The number of runs (#HSR, #SPR) and metabolic rates as HILR ([MIR + HSR + SPR]/min) and HSSL ([HSR + SPR]/min) were determined. Results: The statistical analysis revealed that #SPR (p = .045), HILR (p = .022) and HSSL (p = .019) were higher in 1-4-2-1-3 than 1-3-4-3 formation. According to the playing position, significant differences were found in HILR (p = .045) and HSSL (p = .028) for forwards during 1-4-2-1-3 and midfielders amounted more HILR than others in that team formation (p = .047). Additionally, wings amounted significantly higher #HSR (p = .011) and #SPR (p = .010) in 1-4-2-1-3, as long as forwards was the other position with more #SPR during that formation (p = .023). Conclusions: The players performed more high-intensity patterns in 1-4-2-1-3. Attackers and midfielders were the playing positions that held the most statistical differences comparing both team formations. These findings reveal that playing formation seems to be another potential factor of influence with respect to the physical performance of elite players if we consider their high-intensity profile in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aims: The aims of this study were: i) to verify whether player internal load (PIL) monitored via heart rate (HR) varies with game-time and playing position; ii) whether intermittent running capacity (IRC) is related to the maintenance of within-match PIL in elite youth (U-15) soccer players. Method: Twenty-one elite soccer players (14±0.5 yrs, 172±7 cm, 63±6 kg) had their heart rate monitored (beats/min) in five matches and were tested twice for IRC (Yo-YoIR2, distance [m]) over a seven-week competitive season. Percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax) and time spent (TS%) in five zones (Z1[96%]) were our PIL indexes. Data from three complete games in the same position of each player were analyzed and matches halves, time intervals (T1 to T6), and playing positions (fullbacks, central defenders and forwards [N=5 each], midfielders [N=6]) were compared, and the relationship between IRC and within-match PIL was determined. Results: PIL was higher in 1st (86±3%) than in the 2nd half (84±4%; p

Introduction. The aims of the present study were to determine the activity profiles of a large sample of Polish Premier League soccer players during elite-standard soccer matches depending on their position on the pitch and the intensity range of physical activity. Material and methods. The study sample comprised 1,178 players in 5 outfield positions: external defenders (ED, n = 289), central defenders (CD, n = 307), central midfield players (CM, n = 327), external midfield players (EM, n = 152), and forwards (F, n = 103). Altogether, 81 Polish League games held during four domestic seasons (2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, and 2013-2014) were used in the analysis. A semi-automatic computerised player tracking system (Amisco Pro®, version 1.0.2, Nice, France) was applied to create the match activity profiles of the teams. Results. The results of statistical analysis revealed that the average total distance covered by all the players (n = 1,178) was 11,313 ± 852 m. With respect to the players' position on the pitch, the central midfielders travelled the longest average distance (11,894 ± 765 m) during the game. The longest distance was covered in the V1 intensity range (62%), followed by V2 (15%), V3 (10%), V4 (8%), V5 (3%), and V6 (2%). Conclusions. The objective of this study was to verify the differences among playing positions and to quantify the demands placed on elite Polish soccer players in each individual position during match play. While analysing elite-level match play in terms of the overall distance covered in different categories of intensity, we found a number of statistically significant differences between different playing positions. The data presented in this study can be regarded as norms for elite soccer players, serve for present and future comparison, and represent the scientific basis for developing position-specific conditioning/training protocols in soccer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the variation in physical and physiological characteristics according to playing position in adolescent and adult female volleyball players. Adolescent (n=62, aged 15.6±1.1 years) and adult volleyball players (n=58, aged 24.9±5.3 years) were examined for anthropometric characteristics and body composition, and they performed a physical working capacity test, a 3-minute step test, the Wingate anaerobic test, sit-and-reach test, handgrip strength test, and countermovement vertical jump with arm-swing test (CMJa). Adult players were taller and had a higher percentage of fat-free mass, better performance in cardiorespiratory power, anaerobic power, handgrip muscle strength and CMJa than adolescents (Cohen's d>0.45). Positional differences in body height (centers were the tallest, whereas liberos were the shortest, p<.001) were found for both age groups. However, positional differences in body mass and fat-free mass were observed only in adolescents (centers were heavier than liberos, p<.05), whereas differences in CMJa were only in adults (hitters jumped higher than liberos, p<.05). Thus, the differences in body mass, fat-free mass and CMJa among playing positions in female volleyball were age-dependent. These findings might help coaches and trainers to develop position-specific training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on the use of a graded shuttle run test for evaluating physiological differences between elite female basketball players in varying playing positions. Topics explored include the measurement of physiological parameters such as oxygen consumption, respiratory quotient, and pulmonary ventilation, the heart rate and maximal lactate values recorded during the intermittent fitness testing, and the factors being considered in determining basketball playing positions.

Purpose: The main aim of this study was to examine differences in physical and physiological characteristics, with an emphasis on anaerobic power, of male basketball players by age and playing position. Methods: Basketball players ( n = 101), classified into three age groups: under 15 years (U-15, n = 35, 14.28 ± 0.72 years), under 18 years (U-18, n = 35, 16.23 ± 0.74 years) and older than 18 years (Elite, n = 31, 25.66 ± 5.09 years), participated in this study. The variables under examination were anthropometric characteristics, body composition, physical working capacity test, 3-min step test, Wingate anaerobic test, force-velocity test, sit-and-reach test, handgrip strength test and countermovement vertical jump with arm swing. Results: U-15, U-18 and elite players differed for all aforementioned parameters with the older group scoring better than the younger ( η ≥ 0.06, p < 0.048). In Elite group, centers were heavier and taller than guards (22.3 kg and 20.9 cm, respectively) and forwards (14.3 kg and 10.6 cm), and forwards were taller than guards (10.2 cm). Guards' scores were higher than centers in maximal power (3.61 W kg) and in peak power (1.39 W kg). Forwards scored higher than centers in mean power (1.25 W kg). In the U-18 group, guards were stronger in the relative strength than centers (2.4 kg kg). In the U-15 group, centers were taller than guards (17.8 cm) and forwards (9.7 cm), and forwards were also taller than guards (8.1 cm). Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that positional differences, especially in anaerobic power, in male basketball vary by age. Thus, young basketball players should not be regarded as miniature adult basketball players with regard to their physical and physiological characteristics, and their positional specialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was the estimation of anthropometric characteristics of elite male basketball players from four Bosnian first league teams, as well as the identification of possible differences between players who play in different positions in the teams. Fifty-five, healthy players (age: 19.09±3.13 years; body height: 189.13±8.30 cm; body mass: 83.42±12.48 kg) were divided into three different subsamples according to their positional role (twenty two guards, nineteen forwards and fourteen centers). Twenty morphological variables were measured and afterwards one (BMI) was calculated. For all anthropometric characteristics, descriptive parameters (mean, standard deviation and range) were calculated. In order to determine the possible differences between the players that play in different positions in the teams the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferoni post-hoc test for multiple comparisons was used. The results obtained show that there are significant differences between the different groups of players in sixteen out of twenty-one measured variables. Centers (big players) are dominantly heavier, taller, with longer and wider skeletons dimensionality as well as with bigger body circumferences compared to forwards and guards. Forwards are significantly heavier and taller with longer leg and arm lengths compared to guards. There are no significant differences between the groups in terms of body fat percentage, fat free percentage, body mass index and biepicondylar breadth of the femur and humerus. Generally, the values of the measured variables rise from guards to centers, except for body fat percentage and skinfolds. The obtained information can help coaches to indirectly evaluate fitness levels of the players and to design training and nutritional programs for basketball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the activity within English Football Association Premier League soccer match play. The procedure of time-motion analysis system in assessing movement classification scheme is described. Method used to collect data and the use of Shapiro-Wilks tests of normality are detailed. Results indicate shorter durations of high intensity activities such as running, shuffling and football. Walking was observed as the movement with the longest duration.

An abstract of the study "Understanding the Physiological Demands of Netball: A Time-Motion Investigation," by Anna Davidson and Grant Trewartha is presented.

The paper provides a large-scale study into the motion characteristics of top class soccer players, during match play, according to playing position. Three hundred top-class outfield soccer players were monitored during 20 Spanish Premier League and 10 Champions League games using a computerized match analysis system (Amisco Pro®, Nice, France). Total distance covered in live selected categories of intensity, and the mean percentage of playing time spent in each activity were analyzed according to playing position. Midfield players covered a significantly greater total distance (p < 0.0001) than the groups of defenders and forwards did. Analyzing the different work rates showed significant differences (p<0.5-0.0001) between the different playing positions. There were no significant differences between halves in the total distance covered, or in distances covered at submaximal and maximal intensities. However, significantly more distance was covered in the first half compared to the second in medium intensities (11.1-19 km/h). The current findings provide a detailed description of the demands placed on elite soccer players, according to their positional role at different work intensities, which may be helpful in the development of individualized training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the effect of score-line on work-rate in English FA Premier League soccer matches. It mentions the establishment of a typical fatigue pattern using data from the performances of players. It notes the significant interaction between player position and score-line wherein forwards spend greater time of moving when their team was leading than when level while defenders spent a greater percentage of time moving when their team was trailing than when level.

The article examines the relationships between the changes in the performance of English FA Premier League soccer players, the reported injuries and the anthropometric variables. The study shows negative association between the number of path change and body mass and between the number of path change and height. It explains the insufficiency of path change frequency understanding in injury risk assessment. It also notes the significance of investigating the technique used in path changes.