High-Intensity Activity Profiles of Elite Soccer Players at Different Performance Levels

Abstract

The aims of the study were to (a) determine the high-intensity activity patterns of soccer players at different performance levels and playing positions, (b) investigate temporary and end game fatigue in elite domestic and international soccer matches, and (c) quantify acceleration and maximal running speed profiles of elite soccer players. Elite domestic (n = 100) and international (n = 10) soccer players were analyzed using a multicamera computerized tracking system. No differences were found for high-intensity running distance (2,520 +/- 678 vs. 2,745 +/- 332 m), mean recovery time (67 +/- 15 vs. 71 +/- 26 seconds), or maximal running speed (7.76 +/- 0.31 vs. 7.66 +/- 0.34 mxs-1). The distance covered in high-intensity running irrespective of playing level was 18% lower (p < 0.05) in the last than in the first 15-minute period of the game (391 +/- 117 vs. 478 +/- 141 m). The decline in high-intensity running immediately after the most intense 5-minute period was similar between international (222 +/- 33 vs. 109 +/- 37 m or 51% decline) and elite domestic (243 +/- 81 vs. 114 +/- 51 m or 53% decline) players. Wide midfielders, central midfielders, fullbacks, and attackers covered a greater (p < 0.01) distance in high-intensity running than central defenders (3,243 +/- 625, 2,949 +/- 435, 2,806 +/- 408, 2,618 +/- 745 vs. 2,034 +/- 284 m). Results demonstrate that high-intensity running is reduced during various periods of elite soccer matches, and high-intensity activity profiles and fatigue patterns are similar between international and elite domestic players but vary markedly between playing positions. These data provide valuable information to the fitness coach regarding the high-intensity active profile of elite soccer players that could be used to develop soccer-specific training drills.

Quantification of in-season training load relative to match load in professional Dutch Eredivisie football players

“…Whereas our study showed the total number of accelerations and decelerations above 1.5 m · s −2 (226 and 169, respectively) and 3.0 m · s −2 (61 and 58), other studies that considered matches in elite leagues (Bradley et al 2010;Varley & Aughey 2013;Russell et al 2014;Wehbe et al 2014;Ingebrigtsen et al 2015;Dalen et al 2016) used absolute thresholds of 0.5, 2.0, 2.5, 2.78, 3.0 and 4.0 m · s −2 . It is important to realize that even if there was agreement, comparison between acceleration variables measured with different tracking systems (and system versions) would be difficult (Buchheit et al 2014b).…”

“…The average total distance ran during the matches in our study (10,927 m) reflected that of top-level leagues in Europe and Australia (range 10,063-11,230 m) (Bradley et al 2010(Bradley et al , 2013Osgnach et al 2010;Manzi et al 2014;Wehbe et al 2014;Ingebrigtsen et al 2015;Dalen et al 2016). Also running (14.4-19.8 km · h −1 ) distance and high-speed running (>19.8 km · h −1 ) distance were within the range of the same top-level leagues (1614 m vs. 1612-1758 m and 738 m vs. 646-1061 m, respectively).…”

The reliability, validity and sensitivity of a novel soccer-specific reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST)

“…The test lasts for a total of ~5 min and consists of 8 maximal efforts interspersed with 30 s of active recovery. (Bradley et al 2010). Additional timing gates were placed at 1.5 m, which triggered the right or left turn, and at the end of the sprint, both on the right and left side (Fig.…”

“…Recent findings using time-motion analysis indicate the high demands placed on the modern player (Barnes et al 2014;Bush et al 2015). This is particularly evident during intense periods of matches, as players perform twice as much high-intensity running (~ ≥15 km•h -1 ) when compared to the match average (Bradley et al 2009(Bradley et al , 2010Mohr et al 2003). High-intensity running also doubled to ~6% of total time during the most intense 5-min period from the match average (Di Mascio and Bradley 2013).…”

Fatigue and Recovery in Soccer: Evidence and Challenges

“…Game Running performance has been deeply analyzed as a fatigue indicator. It has been shown that the distance covered by players can be lower in the second half than in the first half of a game (18% lower) regardless of playing position [20]. In addition, the distance covered performing high-intensity activities can be 20% lower in the last 15 minutes than in the first 15 minutes of the match, regardless of playing position [7].…”