Biology of Sport
eISSN: 2083-1862
ISSN: 0860-021X
Biology of Sport
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without publication fees
2/2024
vol. 41
 
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abstract:
Original paper

Physical match demands across different playing positions during transitional play and high-pressure activities in elite soccer

Lukasz Bortnik
1, 2
,
Stewart Bruce-Low
3
,
Joost Burger
4
,
Jill Alexander
1
,
Damian Harper
1
,
Ryland Morgans
1
,
Christopher Carling
5
,
Kevin McDaid
6
,
David Rhodes
1, 7

  1. Football Performance Hub, Institute of Coaching and Performance (ICaP), School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
  2. Performance & Sport Science Department, Hapoel Beer Sheva FC, Israel
  3. Department of Applied Sport and Exercise Science, University of East London, United Kingdom
  4. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
  5. France Football Federation, Paris, France
  6. Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk, Louth, Ireland
  7. Human Performance Department, Burnley FC, United Kingdom
Biol Sport. 2024;41(2):73–82
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2024.131815
Online publish date: 2023/10/04
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This study explored physical match demands across different playing positions during transitional play, to inform the need for position-specific training interventions. Data was collected using 10 Hz GPS units from 10 competitive matches including 23 elite soccer players of the 1st Polish Division (Ekstraklasa) in season 2020–21. A total of 4249 positional observations were made; center backs (n = 884), full backs (n = 972), central defensive midfielders (n = 236), central attacking midfielders (n = 270), central midfielders (n = 578), wingers (n = 778), and attackers (n = 531). Match data reflected distances covered per minute (m·min−1): total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD, > 19.8 km·h−1), sprint distance (SD, > 25.2 km·h−1), and the frequency of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (A+D, > 3 m·s −2; n·min−1). Total absolute sprint distance (SD, > 25.2 km·h−1) and total relative sprint distance (Rel B5) were also quantified. A univariate analysis of variance revealed position-specific differences. Significant effects of position were found for all analysed metrics during transitional play (large ESs; p < .001). Central attacking midfielders displayed higher TD (m·min−1), fullbacks covered highest SD (m·min−1) and wingers achieved the highest A+D (n ·min−1) (p ≤ 0.05). Centre backs displayed the lowest physical outputs when compared to all other positions, except in A+D (n ·min−1) during defensive transitions (p ≤ 0.05). Attackers displayed the highest physical metrics during high pressure activities (p ≤ 0.05). Coaches should carefully consider positional transitional demands to better inform training design. With specific attention paid to drills that replicate game play.
keywords:

Soccer, Transitions, High pressure, Peak demands, Worst-case-scenario, Positions

  
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