A systematic review of match-play characteristics in women’s soccer

Abstract

This review aimed to (1) systematically review the scientific literature evaluating the match-play characteristics of women’s soccer, (2) determine the methods adopted to quantify match-play characteristics of women’s soccer, and (3) present the physical, technical and tactical characteristics of women’s soccer match-play across age-groups, playing standards and playing positions. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted in May 2021; keywords relating to the population, soccer and match-play characteristics were used. Studies which quantified physical, technical or tactical performance of women’s soccer players during match-play were included. Excluded studies included adapted match-play formats and training studies. Sixty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria. Studies predominantly quantified match-play characteristics of senior international (n = 27) and domestic (n = 30) women’s soccer match-play, with only seven studies reporting youth match-play characteristics. Physical (n = 47), technical (n = 26) and tactical characteristics (n = 2) were reported as whole-match (n = 65), half-match (n = 21), segmental (n = 17) or peak (n = 8) characteristics. Beyond age-groups, playing standard, and playing position, fourteen studies quantified the impact of contextual factors, such as environment or match outcome, on match-play characteristics. Distance was the most commonly reported variable (n = 43), as outfield women’s soccer players covered a total distance of 5480–11160 m during match-play. This systematic review highlights that physical match-performance increases between age-groups and playing standards, and differs between playing positions. However, further research is warranted to understand potential differences in technical and tactical match-performance. Coaches and practitioners can use the evidence presented within this review to inform population-specific practices, however, they should be mindful of important methodological limitations within the literature (e.g. inconsistent velocity and acceleration/deceleration thresholds). Future research should attempt to integrate physical, technical and tactical characteristics as opposed to quantifying characteristics in isolation, to gain a deeper and more holistic insight into match-performance.

Differences across Playing Levels for Match-Play Physical Demands in Women’s Professional and Collegiate Soccer: A Narrative Review

“…Research is now trending to explore match-play data at various playing levels for this reason. Recent research supports the argument that there are differences in match-play demands across playing levels in female soccer [ 9 , 33 , 34 ]. A 2008 study [ 33 ] determined top-class international players complete more high-intensity running intervals compared to lower standards of play during match-play.…”

“…The exploration and comparison of these 13 articles was guided by the known differences in physical abilities across playing levels in both male and female soccer athletes [ 9 , 19 , 22 , 23 , 32 , 33 , 34 ], and the known rule differences between professional level and collegiate level play [ 36 , 37 ]. The evaluation of match-play external load data across playing levels in female soccer is necessary to eliminate some of the guess work for coaches and provide more objective data specific to level of play for female soccer athletes in order to train these athletes adequately for competitive season match-play.…”

“…Player Load, number of sprints, and sprint distance have all been shown to decrease from the first half to the second half of match-play [ 1 , 25 , 30 , 34 , 44 ], and further research is warranted to determine if this is due to fatigue levels, in which case fatigue could be managed differently to alter the outcome, or if this is due to number of goals scored, competition level, or tactical strategies used (all variables that have not been assessed in the available literature). With further research to increase understanding of why a decrease in external load variables is seen from first half to second half of the match, training programs and coaching strategies can be altered accordingly.…”

“…A 2021 perspective review [ 9 ] focused on the importance of training appropriate attributes in order to prepare female soccer athletes to play at progressively higher standards due to a linear increase in total distance covered from youth to NCAA to professional level match-play. Finally, a 2022 female soccer systematic review [ 34 ] revealed that physical characteristics of match-play (e.g., total distance) do appear to increase between playing standards (from youth U13 to professional) and differences exist between field positions.…”

Players', head coaches and medical personnel knowledge, understandings and perceptions of injury and injury prevention in elite-level women’s football in Ireland.

“…Harkness-Armstrong et al [51] discussed the current lack of evidence regarding the peak physical characteristics or true worst-case scenarios of match-play in women's football. This makes it di cult for coaches to accurately design training sessions that prepare players adequately for all the demands of match-play.…”