Occurrences of near-to-maximal speed-running bouts in elite soccer: insights for training prescription and injury mitigation

Aim: To quantify the occurrence of near-to-maximal speed-running bouts in elite soccer players. Methods: Tracking match data from 35 professional players (23 +/- 3 yrs) were analysed over four seasons (2015-2019). The number of runs reaching >80, >85 and >90% of players' individual maximal sprinting speed (MSS) was computed. Differences in peak speed occurrences between halves and positions were analysed. Results: Occurrences were not different between halves, but slightly-to-moderately position-dependent, with wingers (3.5 +/- 2.0 runs >80% per half) and central midfielders (1.6 +/- 1.5 runs >80% per half) performing the most and the least number of near-to-maximal speed-running bouts. Players did not reach >90% of MSS at all in 35% (Attackers) to 65% (Midfielders) of their matches; they reached >= 3 times >90% MSS per match in 2% (Midfielders) to 11% (Attackers) of their matches only. The maximal number of cumulated match occurrences during congested periods was observed in acentral defender (2 runs >90% of MSS every 4 days for 31 days) and a winger (1 run every 4 days for 52 days). Conclusions: The occurrence of near-to-maximal speed-running bouts is low in elite soccer. Match context, playing position and individual player profile are the main determinants of those occurrences.

Automated summary

The study found that the occurrence of near-to-maximal speed-running bouts is low in elite soccer, with match context, playing position, and individual player profile being the main determinants of those occurrences.