The influence of opponent level on professional soccer players’ training and match performance assessed by using wearable sensor technology

Abstract

Purpose The study aim was 2-fold: to quantify and compare the weekly external training load that preceded matches; to compare in-match activities depending on the opponent level (top, middle, bottom) in a top-level team from the first professional Asian national league. Methods The load for 6 matches played against top-, 11 against middle-, and 11 against bottom-level teams was monitored. With a 15-Hz Global Positioning System, total duration, total distance, high-speed (18–23 km ∙ h –1 ) running distance, sprint (> 23 km ∙ h –1 ) distance, maximal speed, acceleration zone 1 (AccZ1) ( 4 m ∙ s –2 ), deceleration zone 1 (DecZ1) (> –2 m ∙ s –2 ), DecZ2 (–2 to –4 m ∙ s –2 ), DecZ3 (< –4 m ∙ s –2 ), player load, and metabolic power were collected in 12 players. Results DecZ3 showed higher values against top-level compared with middle- (effect size [ ES ] = 0.91) and bottom-level opponents ( ES = 1.50). The training was significantly longer against middle-level compared with top- and bottom-level opponents (all, p ≤ 0.001). Total distance was bigger against middle-level compared with top- ( p = 0.011, ES = –0.92) and bottom-level opponents ( p = 0.027, ES = 1.50). AccZ2 presented higher values when middle-level came close compared with bottom-level opponents ( p = 0.05, ES = 0.79). Conclusions Opponent’s level influences the load experienced by soccer players during matches. Total distance, highspeed running distance, AccZ1, and AccZ2 exhibited higher training values when a win or a draw approached. Decelerations in all zones were highest in matches against top-level teams.

Keywords

• adversary quality
• performance
• football
• external monitoring
• sports technology
• load monitoring