Abstract
The ability to change velocity rapidly is a key element of field-based sports. This
study quantified the acceleration and deceleration profiles of soccer players during
match play. Global positioning system measures were collected from 20 male soccer
players competing in the Australian Hyundai A-League during 58 matches. Match data
were organized into ten 9 min periods (i. e., P1: 0–9 min) and the time spent at moderate
(1–2 m·s−2) and high (>2 m·s−2) acceleration and deceleration thresholds were quantified. Additionally, a novel
deceleration: acceleration ratio was quantified to identify the transient nature of
deceleration activity. Linear mixed models were used to model the acceleration and
deceleration profiles. All acceleration and deceleration metrics displayed negative
logarithmic curves within each half. There was no change in the ratio of high deceleration:
acceleration; however, a significant increase in the ratio of moderate deceleration:acceleration
was evident. Using negative logarithmic curves to illustrate the acceleration and
deceleration decay provides a novel methodological approach to quantify the high-intensity
actions during match play. A decrease in the time spent decelerating throughout a
match may be attributed to a lack of opportunity. Practitioners can use the coefficients,
intercepts, and deceleration: acceleration ratios to monitor a player’s deceleration
profile in match play.
Key words
GPS - player monitoring - movement patterns - football
