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Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(6): 415-421
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1271771
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Contextual Variables and Time-Motion Analysis in Soccer

J. Castellano1 , A. Blanco-Villaseñor2 , D. Álvarez1
  • 1Basque Country University, Physical Activity and Sport, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
  • 2Barcelona University, Methodology of the Behavioural Sciences, Barcelona, Spain
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Publication History

accepted after revision January 20, 2011

Publication Date:
17 May 2011 (online)

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Abstract

Using a multi-camera computerised tracking system the present study aimed to provide a detailed analysis of the work-rate profile of a team of elite soccer players during official matches of the Spanish Premier League. Observation-based performance measures were obtained from 434 individual samples. 6 physical parameters involving the distance covered by players were analysed: standing intensity (0–11 km·h−1), low-intensity running (11.1–14 km·h−1), moderate-intensity running (14.1–17 km·h−1), high-intensity running (17.1–21 km·h−1), very high-intensity running (21.1–24 km·h−1) and sprinting (>24 km·h−1). These intensity thresholds were considered with respect to 4 contextual variables: match status, match location, opponent level and match half, which were analysed in relation to the effective playing time. A descriptive analysis and a multivariate mixed model were employed for the analysis of change processes in soccer. The distance total covered (m) by players at different work intensities during the effective playing time was greater when playing at home (3 931 vs. 3 887 away), when the reference team was losing (3 975 vs. 3 837 drawing and 3 921 winning) and when the level of the opposing team was higher (4 032 vs. 3 938 medium and 3 736 bottom). By contrast, their physical performance decreased during the 2ndhalf of matches (3 822 vs. 3 985 1st half).

Key words

soccer - work-rate - performance analysis - multivariate model - situational variables

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Correspondence

Julen CastellanoPhD 

Basque Country University

Physical Activity and Sport

C/Lasarte 71

01007 Vitoria-Gasteiz

Spain

Phone: +34/ 945/0135 25

Fax: +34/ 945/0135 01

Email: julen.castellano@ehu.es