Naslov
Analysis of elite-level soccer players’ running performance using GPS technology: the influence of different factors on performance and success in soccer

Autori
Modrić, Toni

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Ocjenski radovi, doktorska disertacija

Fakultet
Kineziološki fakultet

Mjesto
Split

Datum
20.12

Godina
2022

Stranica
117

Mentor
Sekulić, Damir

Ključne riječi
soccer ; running performance ; match performance ; aerobic performance

Sažetak
The main aim of this doctoral thesis was to investigate factors that have a strong theoretical basis for their relationship to running performance in soccer but have not been sufficiently investigated among professional elite-level players. Specifically, Study 1 aimed to examine possible associations that may exist between match running performance (MRP) and soccer match performance ; Study 2 aimed to examine possible associations that may exist between running performance during matches (e.g., MRP) and training (e.g., the weekly external training load) ; Study 3 aimed to examine possible associations that may exist between the weekly external training load and match outcomes ; and Study 4 aimed to examine possible associations that may exist between MRP and direct measures of aerobic performance (e.g., VO2max, AnT, and AeT). The studies were carried out on professional soccer players from a single team that competed in the highest national soccer competition in Croatia. All running performance data were collected from training sessions and official matches during the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons using global positioning system technology (Optim-Eye S5 & X4, Catapult, Melbourne, Australia). Players’ performance was classified into five groups according to their playing positions in the game: central defenders (CD), fullbacks (FB), central midfielders (CM), wide midfielders (WM), and forwards (FW). The MRP included the total distance covered ; distance covered in the different speed zones of walking, jogging, low-intensity running, running, high-speed running, sprinting, and high-intensity running ; total number of accelerations ; number of high- intensity accelerations ; total number of decelerations ; and number of high-intensity decelerations. The results of Study 1 indicated significant associations between MRP and soccer match performance assessed by the InStat Index for players in specific playing positions. Specifically, the InStat Index was correlated with running (r = 0.42, p = 0.03) and high intensity accelerations (r = 0.49, p = 0.01) for CDs, number of decelerations for FBs (r = −0.43, p = 0.04), and sprinting for FWs (r = 0.80, p = 0.02). The results of study 2 indicated that high-intensity accelerations (r = 0.42, p = 0.01) and high- intensity decelerations (r = 0.52, p = 0.01) during training were correlated with the corresponding match running performance for FBs. Running (r = 0.52, p = 0.01), high speed running (r = 0.56, p = 0.01), sprinting (r = 0.64, p = 0.01), high- intensity accelerations (r = 0.59, p = 0.01), and high-intensity decelerations (r = 0.52, p = 0.01) during training were correlated with the corresponding match running performance for CMs. High-intensity accelerations (r = 0.48, p = 0.02), running (r = 0.51, p = 0.02), and high-speed running (r = 0.47, p = 0.03) during training were correlated with the corresponding match running performance for CDs. The results of Study 3 indicated that match outcome was negatively related to the weekly amount of total distance (OR: 0.98 ; 95%CI: 0.98-0.99), low-intensity running (OR: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.97-0.99), running (OR: 0.99 ; 95%CI: 0.98- 0.99), high-intensity running (OR: 0.98 ; 95%CI: 0.97-0.99), total accelerations (OR: 0.99 ; 95%CI: 0.98-0.99), total decelerations (OR: 0.98 ; 95%CI: 0.96-0.99), high-intensity accelerations (OR: 0.96 ; 95%CI: 0.95-0.99), and high-intensity decelerations (OR: 0.98 ; 95%CI: 0.97-0.99). The results of Study 4 indicated that the anaerobic threshold was correlated with high speed running (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and sprinting (r = 0.53, p < 0.01) among side players (e.g., FBs and WMs). For central players (e.g., CDs, CMs, and FWs), the aerobic threshold was correlated with the total distance covered (r = 0.47, p < 0.05), low-intensity running (r = 0.49, p < 0.05), and running (r = 0.39, p < 0.05). The results of this doctoral thesis show that (i) increased MRP may directly provoke increased soccer match performance, (ii) an increased weekly external training load may provoke increased MRP, (iii) an increased weekly external training load may negatively affect match outcomes in subsequent matches, and (iv) increased aerobic performance may provoke increased MRP. These findings offer new knowledge on factors affecting running performance in elite-level soccer, consequently enabling soccer coaches to design soccer-specific training programs aiming to optimize the whole training process and maximize player performance. In addition, since the MRP of soccer players competing in the Croatian first division was, for the first time, analysed, this doctoral thesis ultimately provides a detailed understanding of the physical demands placed on Croatian elite-level soccer players during matches and training. Sakrij dio sažetka

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kineziologija

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