Abstract
The purpose of this study was to quantify match play intensity distribution in young
soccer players in relation to age, playing position and physical fitness. Distance
covered and heart rate were measured (global positioning system) on 103, highly-trained
young players (Under13 to Under 18) during 42 international club games. Maximal sprinting
speed (MSS), estimated maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and maximal heart rate (HRmax) were assessed via field test measures. Distance covered and heart rate (HR) were
categorized into 5 intensity zones relative to MSS and MAS and HRmax, respectively. Intensity distribution was significantly influenced by both age and
playing position with younger groups, wide-midfielders and strikers covering the greatest
distance above the MAS. There was a significant, negative, large-to-very large correlation
(r= − 0.52–0.74) between MAS and the distance run at speeds above MAS for all positions
except strikers. HR responses were not different across age groups and playing positions.
Distance covered below MAS were lower in the second half for all positions (P<0.05;
0.08<η2<0.20), while distance covered at intensities above MAS were maintained (P>0.1; 0.00<η2<0.03). This reduction in distance covered below MAS was not related to a player’s
physical capacity. Except for strikers, a superior aerobic fitness level was unlikely
to affect total distance covered but was associated with a reduced individual running
demand during the game.
Key words
association football - match analysis - exercise intensity - heart rate - training
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