Seasonal Changes in the Acceleration–Speed Profile of Elite Soccer Players: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the acceleration–speed (AS) profile of soccer players during competition and to analyse their seasonal changes and inter-player differences. The AS profile values (theoretical maximum acceleration (A0) and speed (S0)) of 14 elite soccer players were studied in 18 matches, which were divided into five season periods. The main findings showed the A0 (6.20 ± 0.51 m/s2) and S0 (9.18 ± 0.58 m/s) average team season values. Significant individual changes (p < 0.05 and effect size (Eta-squared, η2) > 0.5) were confirmed for A0 (Players 4 and 8) and S0 (Players 6, 8 and 11). Additionally, standard deviations (SD±) confirmed small (±0.20–0.60) to moderate (±0.60–1.20) seasonal variations for most players in A0 (SD range: ±0.22 to ±0.69 m/s2) and S0 (SD range: ±0.27 to ±0.90 m/s). SD showed small to moderate inter-player differences for each period for A0 (SD range: ±0.39 to ±0.61 m/s2) and S0 (SD range: ±0.53 to ±0.61 m/s). In summary, coaches are recommended to assess the AS profile to diagnose potential player seasonal changes in sprinting performance, especially for A0, which seems to be more sensitive to variations than S0.

Effects of Short-Rest Interval Time on Resisted Sprint Performance and Sprint Mechanical Variables in Elite Youth Soccer Players

“…Short sprints (≤10 m) and straight-line sprints are the most frequent movements preceding goal situations in soccer matches, with elite players exhibiting greater sprint distances and higher acceleration frequencies than non-elite players [6]. Recent research has shown that in both adult and youth players, explosive initial acceleration (≤20 m) during matches and sprint performance decline as the season progresses [7][8][9][10][11][12]. Therefore, repeatedly performing and improving explosive acceleration sprints throughout matches and seasons is a key factor for better performance.…”

Quantification of External Training Load among Elite-Level Goalkeepers within Competitive Microcycle

“…Football is a complex and high physically demanding sport [1][2][3]. Analyses of physical demands in football are usually conducted through the quantification of physical performance, such as total distance, distance covered in different speed zones, and acceleration frequencies [4][5][6]. Research has shown that outfield players can cover 9-14 km during a match, covering from 5 to 15% of that distance at higher speeds [7][8][9].…”