Abstract
This study examined the influence of the opposing team, seasonal variations and the
influence of first half activity on match performance in top-level soccer players.
Physical performance measures were collected using the ProZone® match analysis system
from 20 professional soccer players from the same team and their opponents (n = 188)
during a season. Match activities (standing, walking, jogging, running, high-speed
running and sprinting), distances (total distance [TD], high-intensity running [HIR]
and very high-intensity running [VHIR]) and other measures including involvement with
the ball and peak running speed were collected. The influence of opponent team, the
level of opposition, first half physical activities on second half activities, and
playing position were analysed. The main finding was that TD (r = 0.62, p < 0.05),
HIR (r = 0.51, p < 0.05), and VHIR (r = 0.65, p < 0.05) of the reference team was
influenced by the activity profile of the opponent teams. The TD and HIR was higher
against Best opponent teams compared to Worst opponent teams (p < 0.05), and the TD,
HIR and VHIR travelled in the first half significantly influenced the distances covered
in the second half. TD, HIR and VHIR were greater at the end of the season. These
results may be used to interpret meaningful changes in match performance in top level
soccer.
Key words
elite football - performance analysis - reliability
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Dr. PhD Aaron J. Coutts
University of Technology, Sydney
School of Leisure, Sport and Tourism
Eton Rd
2070 Lindfield
Australia
Phone: + 61 2 95 14 51 88
Fax: + 61 2 95 14 51 95
Email: aaron.coutts@uts.edu.au
