Analysis of Speed Performance In Soccer by a Playing Position and a Sports Level Using a Laser System

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the kinematic variables that identify the quality of velocity in soccer players at different competitive levels and playing positions. This study had two independent variables: 1) a competitive level (competitive and non-competitive players); and 2) a playing position, with four levels (central defenders, wide defenders/midfielders, central midfielders and forwards). Forty-two soccer players took part in a 30 m sprint-test, which was measured using a laser sensor-type 1 (LDM301-Jenoptik) at 2000 Hz. Absolute and relative times, average velocities and absolute and relative maximum velocities over 10 m sections were analyzed at 200 Hz with BioLaserSport®. There were no significant differences in average velocity between competitive and non-competitive players; however, the former reached a greater maximum velocity in the 10–20 m section. Average velocity in the 0–10 m section identified specificity among playing positions in competitive players. The forwards were the fastest followed by the central midfielders, the wide defenders/midfielders and the central defenders. No differences were found among the non-competitive players. Average velocity over the 0–10 meter section may be an important indicator when assigning a playing position for competitive players. These results support the use of more accurate systems, such as a laser system, to identify soccer players’ speed qualities (including maximum velocity) during short sprints.

The anaerobic speed reserve of high-level soccer players: a comparison based on the running speed profile among and within playing positions

“…Mendez-Villanueva et al [16] observed MSS values compatible with the above ones for wide defenders (30.2 km • h -1 ), but for all other positions, the results were higher: 35 km • h -1 for central defenders, 34.3 km • h -1 for wide midfielders, and 31.2 km • h -1 for central midfielders in elite youth soccer players. In amateur soccer players, Ferro et al [25] showed higher values for MSS in relation to this study for all playing positions (ranging from 31.4 to 33 km • h -1 ). On the other hand, the present study revealed superior results for MSS in comparison with Al Haddad et al [26], whose study, conducted among youth elite soccer players, demonstrated that defenders, midfielders, and forwards had a mean MSS near 28.7 km • h -1 and wide defenders and central defenders exhibited the mean value of 27.7 km • h -1 .…”

Reference values for the sprint performance in male football players aged from 9–35 years

“…The somatotype and the body composition can also influence an individual's performance in football [47]. Among the physical parameters, the sprint ability, especially combined with short periods of recovery [2,49], is one of the most important as it can discriminate football players into different levels [17,21,24,31]. Sprinting has been suggested as the most frequent action performed before a goal [21].…”

The Relationship between Pre-Season Testing Performance and Playing Time among NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Athletes Over a Competitive Season: A Pilot Analysis

“…Previous studies have found that athletic performance, specifically the physical attributes of each athlete in soccer, may be influenced by positional differences, level of play (Division I vs. II vs. III), and sex. 10,14,16,28,[32][33][34] This study only involved DII male's soccer players; thus, the present findings may not be generalizable to female soccer players or athletes in different divisions. Further, the focus of this study was to investigate pre-season performance testing only.…”