Differences in match running performance of elite male football players relative to playing position
Background: This study aimed to examine differences in match running performance (MRP) of elite male football players according to their team positions. Methods: The sample included 108 male football players from five Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Europa League group-stage match...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MRE Press
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Men's Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://oss.jomh.org/files/article/20250428-532/pdf/JOMH2024121401.pdf |
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| Summary: | Background: This study aimed to examine differences in match running
performance (MRP) of elite male football players according to their team
positions. Methods: The sample included 108 male football players from
five Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Europa League group-stage
matches (2021/22). Players’ movement performance was classified by position:
central backs (CB; n = 22), fullbacks (FB; n = 21), central midfielders (CM; n =
28), wingers (W; n = 18), forwards (F; n = 19). Movement performance was assessed
using the InStat Fitness optical system and classified by velocity: walking,
jogging, running, high-intensity running and sprinting. Additional parameters
included: total distance, average and maximum movement velocity, and the number
of accelerations and sprints performed. Results: The main findings were:
(i) Forwards covered a shorter distance (8449 m; p = 0.001) than other
players—1587 m less than fullbacks, 1871 m less than central midfielders and
2157 m less than wingers. They also covered less distance in walking (p
= 0.006) and jogging (p = 0.001) than other players; (ii) Wingers and
central midfielders covered greater distances (p = 0.001) than central
backs and forwards; (iii) Central backs covered less distance in high-velocity
running (539 m; p = 0.001)—286 m less than fullbacks, 301 m less than
central midfielders, 300 m less than wingers and 158 m less than forwards. They
also sprinted less (62 m; p = 0.001)—91 m less than fullbacks, 95 m
less than wingers and 80 m less than forwards—and performed fewer sprints
overall; (iv) Central midfielders and wingers had the highest average velocity
(p = 0.001); (v) No differences were found in the number of
accelerations or maximum velocity. Conclusions: These findings highlight
the different physical demands and roles of various positions in male football,
informing training adjustments to enhance players’ abilities. |
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| ISSN: | 1875-6867 1875-6859 |