Peak physical demands of elite women’s soccer: Assessing playing position and post-goal locomotor patterns
A summary of the research:
The article "Peak Physical Demands of Elite Women’s Soccer: Assessing Playing Position and Post-Goal Locomotor Patterns" examines the physical demands experienced by elite female soccer players based on their playing positions and how their movements change after scoring or conceding a goal. Using GPS data from 133 player observations over 14 matches, the study focused on key performance metrics like total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD), and PlayerLoad™ (PL) during 1, 3, and 5-minute peak periods. The research found significant positional differences, with wide midfielders (WM), central attacking midfielders (CAM), and forwards (F) covering more high-speed running distances than central defenders (CD) and central defensive midfielders (CDM). Post-goal locomotor patterns also varied, with forwards showing decreased high-speed running and PlayerLoad™ after scoring or conceding, while CAMs increased their running intensity after scoring.
The study highlights how different positions require varying levels of physical effort during peak periods, with WMs and forwards consistently displaying higher demands. Additionally, post-goal behavior suggests a strategic adjustment, as players often reduce their exertion following key events like goals. These insights offer valuable implications for training, suggesting that position-specific conditioning is crucial for optimizing performance.
Key Takeaways:
Positional differences in physical demands: Wide midfielders, central attacking midfielders, and forwards consistently covered more high-speed running distances compared to defenders and defensive midfielders.
Post-goal adjustments in movement: Forwards decreased their high-speed running after scoring or conceding, while attacking midfielders increased their effort after scoring.
Importance of position-specific training: The findings suggest that different positions experience distinct physical demands, underscoring the need for tailored training programs to optimize performanc
Authors: Naomi Datson, Antonio Dello Iacono, Greg Doncaster, Richard Michael Page , Andy McKeown, & Viswanath B Unnithan
You can read the whole article here.
