We quantified the acceleration and high-velocity running of elite Australian soccer
players. We hypothesised that high-intensity activity would be underestimated when
excluding acceleration during match analysis given its high metabolic demand and occurrence
at low velocities. Player movements were observed from 29 players (forwards and central
and wide defenders and midfielders) during domestic Australian competition using 5-Hz
global positioning system. Effort occurrence were determined for high-velocity running,
sprinting and maximal accelerations. The commencement and final velocity of maximal
accelerations were also identified. Players undertook an 8~fold greater number of
maximal accelerations than sprints per game (65±21 vs. 8±5). Of maximal accelerations
~98% commenced from a starting velocity lower than what would be considered high-velocity
running while ~85% did not cross the high-velocity running threshold. The number of
efforts performed in all categories were position dependent (P<0.001). Wide defenders performed more maximal accelerations (P<0.006) and central defenders and midfielders performed less sprints compared to all
other positions (P<0.02). Maximal accelerations are frequently undertaken during a match often occurring
at low velocities. Excluding maximal accelerations in match analysis research may
underestimate the amount of high-intensity movements undertaken. Additionally positional
differences in high-intensity movements should be accounted for when developing specific
conditioning drills.
Key words
acceleration - high-intensity activity - soccer - physical performance
