Analysis of Sprinting Activities of Professional Soccer Players

Abstract

The aim of the study was a detailed analysis of the sprinting activity of professional soccer players. The study involved 147 players who played in 10 matches of the 2008-09 and 2010-11 UEFA Europa League seasons. The number of performed sprints and total sprint distances covered by the players were examined using collected statistical material. Two types of sprints were distinguished based on their duration: S, short-duration sprint (below 5 seconds) and L, long-duration sprint (above 5 seconds). Additionally, sprints were classified according to their distance: 0-10, 10.1-20.0, and >20 m, respectively. The analysis of the sprinting activity of soccer players also involved their respective positions of play. The study was carried out using Amisco Pro (version. 1.0.2), one of the most comprehensive up-to-date computer systems for match analysis. The statistical analysis revealed that the mean total sprint distance covered by players (≥24 km·h) amounted to 237 ± 123 m. With regard to the position of play, the forwards covered the longest sprint distance (345 ± 129 m), that is, 9% longer than midfielders (313 ± 119 m) and over 100% longer than central midfielders (167 ± 87 m). The average number of sprints performed by the soccer players was 11.2 ± 5.3. It should also be emphasized that about 90% of sprints performed by professional soccer players were shorter than 5 seconds, whereas only 10% were longer than 5 seconds. Analysis of physical loads of soccer players during matches can be useful for individualization of training of soccer players' speed capabilities. It is an essential instrument of modern planning and application of training loads.

Profile, Correlation and Structure of Speed in Youth Elite Soccer Players

“…For professional players, Andrzejewski et al (2013) reported that 90% of sprints were performed within 5 seconds. Some authors consider the player’s first steps and the ability to gradually increase their speed as the most important component of the running performance during the game (Dellal et al, 2011; Sleivert and Taingahue, 2004).…”

The Effect of Changing Player Numbers on the Physiological Responses and Time-motion Characteristics of a Soccer-Specific Training Drill

“…Less time was spent walking, more time was spent jogging and running, greater distance covered was covered LSR, and there was a higher TD and average speed during the 8-player drill (Table 1). A high level of fast running and sprinting was also completed in the 8-player SST drill (Table 2), over distances (approximately 10-20 m) specific to the sport (Andrzejewski et al, 2013, Greig et al, 2006, Spencer et al, 2005. This workload was reflected in the physiological data; the 8-player SST drill elicited a greater HR response than the 10-and 12-player drills (Table 3), and these data were comparable to HR responses of a similar sized SSG.…”

“…This further emphasises how the 8-player SST drill could be used to enhance aerobic fitness for soccer. In contrast, the sprints performed within the 10-and 12-player SST drills tended to be shorter, which is more reflective of sprints performed during a soccer match (Andrzejewski et al, 2013). This in turn highlights the specificity of these two drills in potentially targeting RSA and acceleration for soccer.…”

“…linear sprints and changes of direction) of soccer match-play ( Figure 1). The drill was set at a length of 50 m. This allowed for the inclusion of efforts replicating the common length and duration of sprints during match-play (Andrzejewski et al, 2013, Greig et al, 2006, Spencer et al, 2005. This was confirmed during preliminary testing prior to the commencement of the study.…”

Komparácia úrovne akceleračnej rýchlosti a explozívnej sily z hľadiska hráčskych pozícií futbalistov reprezentácie Slovenska U21

“…Podľa zistení Psottu et al (2006) je v samotnej futbalovej hre 50-65 % všetkých realizovaných šprintov kratších ako 5 m, 75-85 % všetkých šprintov nie je dlhších ako 10 m a priemerná dĺžka šprintov je 9 m. Grasgruber & Cacek (2008) uvádzajú dĺžku šprintov cca 15 m a spravidla nie viac ako 30 m, každých cca 90 s, čo vychádza za celý zápas 0,8 až 1 km. Andrzejewski et al (2012) zistili u profesionálnych hráčov európskych líg, že 90 % všetkých realizovaných šprintov v zápasoch je do 5 sekúnd. Podľa výskumov dosahujú profesionálni hráči významne vyššiu rýchlosť v prvých 10 m šprintov pri porovnaní s hráčmi nižších súťaží (Grasgruber & Cacek, 2008, Psotta et al, 2006.…”