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18-04-2024 | Research

Attack, defense, and transitions in soccer: analyzing the running performance of match-play

Authors: Luiz Guilherme Gonçalves, Ana Filipa Silva, Diego Augusto, Bruno Pasquarelli, Alejandro Pastor, Felipe de Okato Plato, Bruno L. S. Bedo, Fabrício Vasconcellos, Rodrigo Aquino

Published in: Sport Sciences for Health

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the effects of ball-in/out-play, ball possession, and different moments of soccer match play on running performance in professional Brazilian soccer players.

Methods

Twenty-four professional soccer players were monitored using GPS units during 14 matches from the Brazilian National 4th Division League. Distance- and accelerometry-based measures were calculated by dividing absolute values by the total duration of the matches. SBG Sports^® generated a timeline of the match’s duration to define ball-in-play, ball-out-play, ball possession, no-ball possession, offensive/defensive organizations, and offensive/defensive transitions.

Results

Ball-in-play presented higher running outputs than ball-out-play, and no-ball possession reported greater all match running performance (i.e., high-intensity) variables than ball possession (p < 0.001–0.033; ES = large–very large). Greater running outputs were observed during the offensive/defensive transition compared to offensive/defensive organization (p < 0.001–0.039; ES = medium–very large). Additionally, physical demands were higher in defensive organization/transition vs. offensive organization/transition (p < 0.001–0.041; ES = medium–very large). In contrast, wide midfielders and strikers showed higher distances, high-speed running distance, and accelerations during the offensive transition than the defensive transition (p < 0.001–0.04; ES = very large).

Conclusion

In conclusion, different phases and moments of the match of the match-play impact running performance in soccer. Coaches and practitioners should embrace a contextualized understanding of match physical demands, employing a holistic approach, to effectively prescribe training tasks aligned with real match requirements.

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Title: Attack, defense, and transitions in soccer: analyzing the running performance of match-play
Authors: Luiz Guilherme Gonçalves
Ana Filipa Silva
Diego Augusto
Bruno Pasquarelli
Alejandro Pastor
Felipe de Okato Plato
Bruno L. S. Bedo
Fabrício Vasconcellos
Rodrigo Aquino
Publication date: 18-04-2024
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: Sport Sciences for Health
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-024-01210-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Attack, defense, and transitions in soccer: analyzing the running performance of match-play

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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