Physical Demands of Women's Soccer Matches: A Perspective Across the Developmental Spectrum
A summary of the research:
The article "Physical Demands of Women's Soccer Matches: A Perspective Across the Developmental Spectrum" by Vescovi, Fernandes, and Klas examines the varying physical demands experienced by female soccer players across different levels, including youth, college, professional, and international matches. Using data on running distances, acceleration and deceleration, and metabolic power, the authors demonstrate that physical demands generally increase as players progress through higher competition levels. For example, total distances covered and high-intensity actions like sprints are significantly greater in professional and international matches compared to youth games. The study also identifies that professional and international players engage in more high-intensity efforts, reflecting the physical preparedness needed to perform at elite levels.
This research underscores the importance of tailored training regimens that prepare players for the physical demands at each level, with specific focus on developing endurance, speed, and power in line with advancing standards. The authors advocate for comprehensive training programs that incorporate sport-specific conditioning to enhance player readiness as they move up in competition.
Key Takeaways
Total distance and high-intensity actions increase significantly from youth to international levels, indicating greater physical demands at higher competitive levels.
Professional and international players engage in more frequent and intense accelerations and decelerations, requiring advanced physical conditioning.
Tailored, level-specific training can help athletes adapt to the rising physical demands as they progress through competitive tiers in women's soccer.
Authors: Jason D. Vescovi, Elton Fernandes, and Alexander Klas
You can read the research here.
