Match running performance in Brazilian professional soccer players: comparisons between successful and unsuccessful teams

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to compare the match running performance between bottom- and top-ranked teams in professional soccer players over the 2020 season of the Brazilian National 2nd Division League. In addition, this study verified the independent and interactive effects of playing position and contextual factors on running outputs between these teams. Methods Forty-eight professional male outfield soccer players participated in this study (top-ranked team, n = 24; bottom-ranked team, n = 24). The distance- and accelerometry-based measures were recorded during 69 matches using a global positioning system (10 Hz) integrated with an accelerometer (400 Hz). Results The top-ranked team covered greater total distance [median (interquartile range); 10,330.0 m (1430.0)] and high-acceleration [97.0 m (32.0)] than the bottom-ranked team, in home and away matches [p 18 km h−1), high acceleration (≥ 3 m s−2), high-deceleration (≤ −3 m s−2), and performed more sprints [(> 25 km h−1) compared to midfielders of the bottom-ranked team (p 0.05; η2 = small). However, the top-ranked team covered greater total distance, high-acceleration/deceleration than bottom-ranked team in loss matches (p < 0.05, η2 = small). Conclusions These findings should be considered when the coaches and practitioners interpret the match running outputs and when evaluating the effects of training intervention on these performance indicators.

Keywords

• Sports science
• Match analysis
• Contextual factors
• Performance
• Team sports