Enhanced sprint performance analysis in soccer: New insights from a GPS-based tracking system

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to establish the validity of a GPS-based tracking system (Polar Team Pro System, PTPS) for estimating sprint performance and to evaluate additional diagnostic indices derived from the temporal course of the movement velocity. Thirty-four male soccer players (20 ± 4 years) performed a 20 m sprint test measured by timing gates (TG), and while wearing the PTPS. To evaluate the relevance of additional velocity-based parameters to discriminate between faster and slower athletes, the median-split method was applied to the 20-m times. Practical relevance was estimated using standardized mean differences (d) between the subgroups. Differences between the criterion reference (TG) and PTPS for the 10 and 20 m splits did not vary from zero (dt10: -0.01 ± 0.07 s, P = 0.7, d < -0.1; dt20: -0.01 ± 0.08 s, P = 0.4, d < -0.2). Although subgroups revealed large differences in their sprint times (d = -2.5), the average accelerations between 5 and 20 km/h as well as 20 and 25 km/h showed merely small effects (d < 0.5). Consequently, analyses of velocity curves derived from PTPS may help to clarify the occurrence of performance in outdoor sports. Thus, training consequences can be drawn which contribute to the differentiation and individualization of sprint training.

Physical Match Performance in Sub-elite Soccer Players – Introduction of a new Index

“…In agreement with previous research, it was observed in the present study that CB and CM covered the lowest distances while sprinting [5,17,35]. This is most probably due to longer running intervals of the out-lane players [35] that are associated with longer distances after the initial acceleration phase, which was shown to be around 10 meters in isolated sprinting [27].…”

“…In order to be able to capture relevant data synchronously, wearable GPS-based tracking systems with integrated heart rate sensors are the method of choice [15] whose validity and reliability have already been proven extensively [24][25][26][27][28]. Due to the fact that wearables have only recently been approved for use in competition by FIFA, only a few studies have been published so far quantifying the position-specific physical performance and physiological demands of sub-elite soccer players with GPS and HR response [18,19].…”

Quantifying Accelerations and Decelerations in Elite Women Soccer Players during Regular In-Season Training as an Index of Training Load

“…The players’ training load during each training sessions was monitored using a Polar Team Pro sensor [ 14 ] (Polar Electro, Kempele, Finland), which simultaneously recorded spatial position (GPS) and heart rate (HR) [ 15 ]. As specified by the manufacturer, the sensor combines signals from a 10 Hz GPS with a 200 Hz sampling frequency microelectromechanical inertial measurement unit consisting of a tri-axial accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer.…”

Can Rules in Technical-Tactical Decisions Influence on Physical and Mental Load during Soccer Training? A Pilot Study

“…This technology is based on a signal concentration system of different Polar brand sensors, designed for the control and monitoring of physical activity in collective sports like soccer or basketball. This technology has been validated [ 31 , 32 ] and used in previous studies that registered the physical load of soccer tasks [ 10 , 19 ] and is currently one of the most used instruments for the quantification of the physical load in this context [ 33 ].…”