Match-to-Match Variability of High-Speed Activities in Premier League Soccer

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to determine the between-match variability of high-speed running activities completed by a large sample of elite players over an extended period of time. A further aim of the study was to determine the influence of playing position on the magnitude of this variability. Observations on individual match performance measures were undertaken on 485 outfield players (median of 10 games per player; range=2-57) competing in the English Premier League from 2003/2004 to 2005/2006 using a computerised tracking system (Prozone, Leeds, England). High-speed activities selected for analysis included total high-speed running distance (THSR), high-speed running (HSR), total sprint distance (TSD) and the total number of sprints undertaken. Total high-speed running distance in possession and without possession of the ball was also analysed. Match-to-match variability was generally high across all variables with a mean CV of 16.2+/-6.4% (95% CI=15.6-16.7%) and 30.8+/-11.2% (95% CI=29.9-31.7%) reported for HSR and TSD covered during a game. This variability was generally higher for central players (midfielders and defenders) and lower for wide midfielders and attackers. Greater variability was also noted when the team were in possession of the ball (approximately 30%) than when they did not have possession (approximately 23%). The findings of the present study indicate that match-to-match variability in performance characteristics of elite soccer players is high. This inherent variability means that research requires large sample sizes in order to detect real systematic changes in performance characteristics.

Match Running Performance During Fixture Congestion in Elite Soccer: Research Issues and Future Directions

“…Another key issue when attempting to interpret the effects of fixture congestion is the 'natural' variation in running activities, notably at high speeds across successive matches and the competitive season [21]. The large variability in high-speed running is mediated through the inherent demands of match-play that are influenced by a myriad of performance-related and contextual factors that have not yet been accounted for in the aforementioned literature on fixture congestion.…”

“…This larger match-to-match variability could have masked any 'real' changes in running performance across the congested period. The magnitude of the % CV can inform whether a real change in performance has occurred rather than this being attributable to 'normal' between-match variation [21]. Indeed, there is a need generally for consensus between practitioners and researchers on what changes in running performance can be considered 'meaningful' [20] and, for the present purposes, potential declines in running activity related to match congestion.…”

“…For example, several published papers have collected data from a single club setting, thereby only reflecting performance of the team in question. Although small-scale case study research that addresses specific performance-related questions is important [24], larger-scale investigations (more match observations, players and teams) are necessary to enable detection of more meaningful changes and generalised trends given the highly variable nature of match performance metrics [21]. The analysis of a single team is also problematic in that several studies on match congestion have been unable to verify changes in performance across playing positions and/or in individual players.…”

“…Furthermore, the transfer of quantifiable outcomes after any form of 'sports science' intervention into meaningful changes in match running performance remains a challenge in elite soccer. The interpretation process of any worthwhile change in performance is generally arbitrary as this is linked to the noisy data due to the unpredictable nature of play and the numerous external factors that dictate running performance [20,21]. Issues surrounding study design also warrant discussion, especially in the absence of a clear set of guidelines for evidence-based recovery practices in elite soccer.…”

Influence of oxygen uptake kinetics on physical performance in youth soccer

“…It is understood, however, that reasonable levels of 502 game to game variation exist within soccer match-play (Gregson et al, 2010) players' physical performance and need to be considered when analysing players' physical performance during 515 soccer match-play. Nevertheless, the current procedures controlled for the composition of players, positions and 516 teams as well as the playing surface and playing time, in an attempt to reduce the variance from game-to-game.…”