Performance Characteristics According to Playing Position in Elite Soccer

V. Di Salvo; R. Baron; H. Tschan; F. J. Calderon Montero; N. Bachl; F. Pigozzi

doi:10.1055/s-2006-924294

Subscribe to RSS

Please copy the URL and add it into your RSS Feed Reader.

https://www.thieme-connect.de/rss/thieme/en/10.1055-s-00000028.xml

Share / Bookmark

Facebook Linkedin Weibo

Download PDF

Int J Sports Med 2007; 28(3): 222-227
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924294

Training & Testing

Performance Characteristics According to Playing Position in Elite Soccer

V. Di Salvo¹ , R. Baron² , H. Tschan³ , F. J. Calderon Montero⁴ , N. Bachl³ , F. Pigozzi¹

¹University Institute of Movement Sciences, Rome, Italy
²Faculty for Sports Science and University Sport, Department of Prevention/Rehabilitation and Science of Training, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
³Faculty for Sports Science and University Sport, Department of Sports and Exercise Physiology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
⁴Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: April 25, 2006

Publication Date:
06 October 2006 (online)

Also available at

Abstract
Full Text
References

Buy Article Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

The paper provides a large-scale study into the motion characteristics of top class soccer players, during match play, according to playing position. Three hundred top-class outfield soccer players were monitored during 20 Spanish Premier League and 10 Champions League games using a computerized match analysis system (Amisco Pro®, Nice, France). Total distance covered in five selected categories of intensity, and the mean percentage of playing time spent in each activity were analyzed according to playing position. Midfield players covered a significantly greater total distance (p < 0.0001) than the groups of defenders and forwards did. Analyzing the different work rates showed significant differences (p < 0.5 - 0.0001) between the different playing positions. There were no significant differences between halves in the total distance covered, or in distances covered at submaximal and maximal intensities. However, significantly more distance was covered in the first half compared to the second in medium intensities (11.1 - 19 km/h). The current findings provide a detailed description of the demands placed on elite soccer players, according to their positional role at different work intensities, which may be helpful in the development of individualized training programs.

Key words

Association football - time-motion analysis - match analysis - activity profile - training specificity - positional role

References

1 Ali A, Farrally M. A computer-video aided time motion analyses technique for match analysis. J Sports Med Phys Fit. 1991; 31 82-88

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
2 Balsom P D, Wood K, Olsson P, Ekblom B. Carbohydrate intake and multiple sprint sports. Int J Sports Med. 1999; 20 48-52

Thieme Connect PubMed Search in Google Scholar
3 Bangsbo J, Michalsik L. Assessment and physiological capacity of elite soccer players. Spinks W, Reilly T, Murphy A Science and Football IV. London; Routledge 2002: 53-62

Search in Google Scholar
4 Bangsbo J, Norregaard L, Thorso F. Activity profile of competition soccer. Can J Sports Sci. 1991; 16 110-116

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
5 Bangsbo J. La Preparazione Fisica Nel Calico: Un Approccio Scientifico. Ancona; Kells Edizioni 1996

Search in Google Scholar
6 Bangsbo J. The physiology of soccer: with special reference to intense physical exercise. Acta Physiol Scand Suppl. 1994; 619 1-155

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
7 Bloomfield J, Polman R, Butterly R, O'donoghue P. Analysis of age, stature, body mass, BMI and quality of elite soccer players from 4 European Leagues. J Sports Med Phys Fit. 2005; 45 58-67

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
8 Castagna C, D'Ottavio S, Abt G. Activity profile of young soccer players during actual match play. J Strength Cond Res. 2003; 17 775-780

Crossref PubMed Search in Google Scholar
9 Drust B, Reilly T, Cable N T. Physiological response to laboratory-based soccer-specific intermittent and continuous exercise. J Sports Sci. 2000; 18 885-892

Crossref PubMed Search in Google Scholar
10 Edwards A M, MacFadyen A M, Clark N. Test performance indicators from a single soccer specific fitness test differentiate between highly trained and recreationally active soccer players. J Sports Med Phys Fit. 2003; 43 14-20

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
11 Ekblom B. Applied physiology of soccer. Sports Med. 1986; 3 50-60

Crossref PubMed Search in Google Scholar
12 Grehaigne J F, Marchal D, Duprat E. Regaining possession of the ball in the defensive area in soccer. Spinks W, Reilly T, Murphy A Science and Football IV. London; E & FN Spon 1988: 112-125

Search in Google Scholar
13 Macarthur D G, North K N. Genes and human elite athletic performance. Hum Gen. 2005; 116 331-339

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
14 Mayhew S R, Wenger H A. Time-motion analysis of professional soccer. J Hum Move Stud. 1985; 11 49-52

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
15 Meyer T, Ohlendorf K, Kindermann W. Konditionelle Fähigkeiten deutscher Spitzenfußballer im Längsschnitt (Longitudinal analysis of endurance and sprint abilities in elite German soccer players). Dt Z Sportmed. 2000; 51 271-277

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
16 Mohr M, Krustrup P, Bangsbo J. Match performance of high-standard soccer players with special reference to development of fatigue. J Sports Sci. 1996; 21 519-528

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
17 Müller E, Lorenz H. Computergestütztes Spielanalysesystem. Leistungssport. 1996; 1 59-62

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
18 Müller E, Raschner C, Schwameder H. Leistungsdiagnostik im Spitzensport - Bedeutung, Methoden und Anwendungsgebiete. Spectrum Sportwiss. 1998; 2 47-70

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
19 Payne J, Montgomery H. Genetic variation and physical performance. World Rev Nut Diet. 2004; 93 270-302

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
20 Rampinini E, Sassi A, Sassi R, Impellizzeri F M. Variables influencing fatigue in soccer performance. International Congress on Sport Rehabilitation and Traumatology. The rehabilitation of sports muscular and tendon injuries. Milan, Italy; April.24-25.2004

Search in Google Scholar
21 Reilly T, Bangsbo J, Franks A. Anthropometric and physiological predispositions for elite soccer. J Sports Sci. 2000; 18 669-683

Crossref PubMed Search in Google Scholar
22 Reilly T, Thomas V. A motion analysis of work rate in different positional roles in professional football match play. J Hum Move Stud. 1976; 2 87-97

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
23 Rhode H C, Espersen T. Work intensity during soccer training and match play. Reilly T, Lees A, David K, Murphy W Science and Football. London; E & FN Spon 1988: 68-75

Search in Google Scholar
24 Rienzi E, Drust B, Reilly T, Carter J E, Martin A. Investigation of anthropometric and work-rate profiles of elite South American international soccer players. J Sports Med Phys Fit. 2000; 40 162-169

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
25 Stroyer J, Hansen L, Klausen K. Physiological profile and activity pattern of young soccer players during match play. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004; 36 168-174

Crossref PubMed Search in Google Scholar
26 Svensson M, Drust B. Testing soccer players. J Sports Sci. 2005; 23 601-618

Search in Google Scholar
27 Thatcher R, Batterham A M. Development and validation of a sport-specific exercise protocol for elite youth soccer players. J Sports Med Phys Fit. 2004; 44 15-22

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
28 Thompson D, Nicholas C W, Williams C. Muscle soreness following prolonged intermittent high-intensity shuttle running. J Sports Sci. 1999; 22 68-75

PubMed Search in Google Scholar
29 Tumilty D. Physiological characteristics of elite soccer players. Sports Med. 1993; 16 80-96

Crossref PubMed Search in Google Scholar
30 Van Gool D, Gerven D V, Boutmans J. The physiological load imposed on soccer players during real match play. Reilly T, Lees A, David K, Murphy W Science and Football. London; E & FN Spon 1988: 51-59

Search in Google Scholar
31 Williams A M, Lee D, Reilly T. A quantitative analysis of matches played in the 1991 - 92 and 1997 - 98 seasons. A report for F.A. Technical Department. Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences. Liverpool; John Moores University 1999

Search in Google Scholar
33 Winkler W. A new approach to the video analysis of tactical aspects of soccer. Reilly T, Lees A, David K, Murphy W Science and Football. London; E & FN Spon 1988: 368-372

Search in Google Scholar
34 Wisloff U, Helgerud J, Hoff J. Strength and endurance of elite soccer players. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1998; 30 462-467

Crossref PubMed Search in Google Scholar
35 Withers R T, Maricie Z, Wasilewski S, Kelly L. Match analyses of Australian professional soccer players. J Hum Move Stud. 1982; 8 159-176

PubMed Search in Google Scholar

Prof., MD Ramon Baron

Faculty for Sports Science and University Sport

Auf der Schmelz 6

1150 Vienna

Austria

Phone: + 43 14 27 74 88 60

Fax: + 43 1 42 77 92 87

Email: ramon.baron@univie.ac.at