Professional soccer matches on field distance based demands: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v65.110428Keywords:
GPS, sports performance, external load, intensity of play, playing positionsAbstract
Introduction and objectives: Soccer is a team sport undergoing constant evolution. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the study of physical capabilities of players due to their potential impact on sports performance. Understanding the nature of physical demands during competition enables better training design and periodization. This study aimed to explore and analyze the physical demands experienced in competition by professional soccer players in recent years, focusing on variables related to on field distance based demands.
Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, utilizing the Sportdiscus, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Studies examining the total distance covered by players in professional men's FIFA soccer matches, both collectively and by position, were included. Seventeen studies were selected and their methodological quality was assessed using the ROB 2.0 tool.
Results and Conclusions: The results indicate that players cover a median average total distance of 10,289.20 meters per match, with midfielders covering the greatest distance. Furthermore, players cover a median average of 501 meters at high speed, being with wide players and forwards the ones achieving the highest speeds.
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