MATCH PEAK SPEED ACROSS A SOCCER SEASON: THE INFLUENCE OF PLAYING POSITION, COMPETITION, MATCH OUTCOME, AND MATCH LOCATION

Abstract

This study compared match peak speeds (MPS) across a full season considering different playing positions, competitions, match outcomes, and match locations. Thirty-one elite male soccer players were monitored during matches using global navigation satellite system devices. Independent mean differences [95% confidence intervals] were calculated for the investigated variable (MPS). Fullbacks reached higher MPS than central defenders (CD) (d=0.78 [0.56, 1.00]), central midfielders (CM) (d=-0.75 [-0.93, -0.57]) and forwards (d=-0.32 [-0.55, -0.08]); wide midfielders reached higher MPS than CD (d=0.66 [0.43, 0.90]) and CM (d=0.64 [0.45, 0.84]); and forwards reached higher MPS than CD (d=0.46 [0.22, 0.71]) and CM (d=0.41 [0.21, 0.62]). Higher MPS were reached during the National League than the National Cup (d=-0.38 [-0.58, -0.19]) and the Supercup (d=-0.57 [-1.09, -0.06]); higher MPS were reached during the State Cup than the National Cup (d=-0.32 [-0.55, -0.09]) and the Supercup (d=-0.57 [-1.12, -0.05]); and higher MPS were reached during the International Cup than the National Cup (d=0.26 [0.04, 0.48]). Higher MPS were reached during matches lost than won (d=0.19 [0.03, 0.35]). Playing position was the highest differentiator of MPS across a soccer season, underlining the importance of players’ individualization when assessing MPS or when calculating normalized speed thresholds. MPS can also vary between competitions, especially if teams face lower division teams.

Keywords: contextual factors, football, outcome, sprint, velocity