Analysis of physical-activity profiles when running with the ball in a professional soccer team

Abstract

This study characterised physical demands when running with the ball in a professional soccer team and (1) determined activity profiles during match play; (2) examined effects of fatigue and (3) investigated differences according to playing position. Thirty French League 1 matches from two competitive seasons (2007-2008, 2008-2009) were analysed using multi-camera computerised tracking. Players (n=27) ran a mean total distance of 191.0±38.0 m with the ball of which 34.3% was covered at speeds >19.1 km/h, 25.6% between 14.1-19.0 km/h, 12.5% between 11.1-14.0 km/h and 27.6% at <11.0 km/h. Mean distance covered per possession was 4.2±0.7 m, speed at ball reception was 10.3±0.9 km/h while mean and peak speeds during runs were 12.9±1.0 km/h and 24.9±2.4 km/h. Mean time in possession, duration and touches per possession were 53.4±8.1 s, 1.1±0.1 s and 2.0±0.2. There were differences across playing positions for all variables (P at least 0.017 and effect size at least 0.5). Total distance run did not differ between halves but varied over the course of matches (p<0.001) decreasing just before half-time. These findings provide valuable information about the physical and technical requirements of running with the ball that could be useful in the prescription of general and individualised training programmes.