Darren J. Paul

The effect of playing formation on high-intensity running and technical profiles in English FA Premier League soccer matches

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the effect of playing formation on high-intensity running and technical performance during elite soccer matches. Twenty English FA Premier League games were analysed using a multiple-camera computerized tracking system (n = 153 players). Overall ball possession did not differ (P > 0.05) between 4–4–2, 4–3–3 and 4–5–1 formations (50%, s = 7 vs. 49%, s = 8 vs. 44%, s = 6). No differences were observed in high-intensity running between 4–4–2, 4–3–3 and 4–5–1 formations. Compared with 4–4–2 and 4–3–3 formations, players in a 4–5–1 formation performed less very high-intensity running when their team was in possession (312 m, s = 196 vs. 433 m, s = 261 vs. 410 m, s = 270; P < 0.05) but more when their team was not in possession (547 m, s = 217 vs. 461 m, s = 156 vs. 459 m, s = 169; P < 0.05). Attackers in a 4–3–3 performed ∼30% more (P < 0.05) high-intensity running than attackers in 4–4–2 and 4–5–1 formations. However, the fraction of successful passes was highest in a 4–4–2 (P < 0.05) compared with 4–3–3 and 4–5–1 formations. The results suggest that playing formation does not influence the overall activity profiles of players, except for attackers, but impacts on very high-intensity running activity with and without ball possession and some technical elements of performance.

Motion analysis of match-play in elite U12 to U16 age-group soccer players

Abstract The aim of this study was to quantify the motion demands of match-play in elite U12 to U16 age-group soccer players. Altogether, 112 players from two professional soccer clubs at five age-group levels (U12–U16) were monitored during competitive matches (n = 14) using a 5 Hz non-differential global positioning system (NdGPS). Velocity thresholds were normalized for each age-group using the mean squad times for a flying 10 m sprint test as a reference point. Match performance was reported as total distance, high-intensity distance, very high-intensity distance, and sprint distance. Data were reported both in absolute (m) and relative (m · min−1) terms due to a rolling substitute policy. The U15 (1.35 ± 0.09 s) and U16 (1.31 ± 0.06 s) players were significantly quicker than the U12 (1.58 ± 0.10 s), U13 (1.52 ± 0.07 s), and U14 (1.51 ± 0.08 s) players in the flying 10 m sprint test (P < 0.001). The U16 age-group covered significantly more absolute total distance (U16 > U12, U13, U14), high-intensity distance (U16 > U12, U13, U14, U15), very high-intensity distance (U16 > U12, U13), and sprint distance (U16 > U12, U13) than their younger counterparts (P < 0.05). When the data are considered relative to match exposure, few differences are apparent. Training prescription for youth soccer players should consider the specific demands of competitive match-play in each age-group.

Factors Affecting Match Running Performance of Elite Soccer Players: Shedding Some Light on the Complexity

Time-motion analysis is a valuable data-collection technique used to quantify the match running performance of elite soccer players. However, interpreting the reductions in running performance in the second half or temporarily after the most intense period of games is highly complex, as it could be attributed to physical or mental fatigue, pacing strategies, contextual factors or a combination of mutually inclusive factors. Given that research in this domain typically uses a reductionist approach whereby match-running performance is examined in isolation without integrating other factors this ultimately leads to a 1-dimensional insight into match performance. Subsequently, a cohesive review of influencing factors does not yet exist. The aim of this commentary is to provide a detailed insight into the complexity of match running performance and the most influential factors.

Testing Strength and Power in Soccer Players: The Application of Conventional and Traditional Methods of Assessment

Abstract Paul, DJ and Nassis, GP. Testing strength and power in soccer players: The application of conventional and traditional methods of assessment. J Strength Cond Res 29(6): 1748–1758, 2015—Soccer is a highly complex sport influenced by many physical, psychological, tactical, and technical factors. In terms of basic physical components, strength and power are considered requisites for many important actions such as tackling, jumping, and shooting. Hence, assessment of strength and power is commonly performed within a soccer clubs test battery. The objective is to use valid, reliable, and sensitive measures that allow for trustworthy analysis of the physical characteristics of players. Before any credence can be placed in test results, tests validity, reliability, and sensitivity needs to be established. This will allow practitioners to make informed decisions about test selection. This review examines the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of different strength and power assessments in soccer. The suitability of conventional and functional tests is detailed and the strengths and weaknesses of isokinetic dynamometry, hand-held dynamometry (HHD), repetition maximum, and power testing are also addressed. Generally, the tests considered in this review provide moderate to high reliability in soccer players of different training level. Similarly, the consensus demonstrates test methods to be sensitive to training interventions. In comparison, test validity seems less established. Isokinetic dynamometry has often been recognized as a gold standard measure of testing strength. Other methods of assessment are emerging as viable options (e.g., HHD), likely due to functionality and suitability of testing. Given the demands within a soccer club setting, practitioners should endeavor to use testing procedures that are informative yet not time consuming or labor intensive. By providing this, practitioners may have the option to perform more regular monitoring throughout the season rather than a limited number of specific time periods.

Does Early Recruitment Predict Greater Physical Performance in Academy Soccer Players

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether recruitment status influences neuromuscular and endurance performances in academy soccer players over a 2-year training period (from Under-16 to Under-18). Thirty-seven male soccer players from an elite academy were selected and divided in two cohorts according to their recruitment status: Early Recruitment group (ER; n = 16), training and competing for the academy since Under-14 and Under-15 age groups, and; Late Recruitment group (LR; n = 21) included in the academy training process at Under-16. Squat (SJ) and countermovement jump with (CMJwA) and without arms swing (CMJ), 10-m sprint time, and Vam-Eval test (MAV) were performed in three successive occasions always pre-season (Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 age groups, T1, T2, and T3 respectively). A two-way (recruitment status × time) analysis of variance with repeated measurements was performed as well as the magnitude of difference using both effect size and magnitude-based inferences. There was no difference between ER and LR for MAV, 10 m-sprint, and SJ from T1 to T3. However, LR players presented non-significant small and possibly greater improvement in CMJ (ES = 0.4) and CMJwA (ES = 0.4) than ER players at T2. These data indicate that early recruitment is not likely to result in greater physical performance improvement at the age of 18.

Motion characteristics of elite 12- to 16-year old soccer match-play

Kinematic research into the golf swing has focused on significant differences based on handicap. Within these studies shot outcome has not been quantified or measured. The aim of this study was to determine whether kinematic and temporal differences exist, based on quality of shot, in skilled players.Physical activity promotion through activeThree-dimensional motions commonly models segments with six degrees of freedom (6 DOF) from which joint angles are determined. Implicitly it is assumed that, based on their position and orientations in the standing calibration, segments do not separate. However, marker movement artefacts and measurement error during tracking may lead to exaggerated motion about some of the degrees of freedom. Inverse kinematics (IK) is an alternative approach where joint constraints are explicitly defined and generalised coordinates required by the kinematic chain to achieve a desired pose are determined. The aim of this study was to compare lower limb joint kinematics during the golf swing using 6 DOF and IK models.