Effects of pitch surface and playing position on external load activity profiles and technical demands of young soccer players in match play

This study aims to analyse the effect of different pitch surface, i.e. artificial turf (AT), natural turf (NT) and dirt field (DF) on running activity and technical demands of young soccer players (age:13.4 +/- 0.5yrs; height: 161.82 +/- 7.52cm; body mass; 50.79 +/- 7.22kg; and playing experience: 3.5 +/- 1.4 yrs). Running activity data were collected using GPS units which allowed the calculation time-motion variables. Technical performance data were registered filming soccer matches. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was employed to assess differences among variables. Total distance covered; distance for low-intensity running and very high-intensity running were higher on AT than NT (TD: eta(2) = .09, p = .007); (LIR: eta(2) = .062, p <= .05); and (VHIR: eta(2) = .05, p <= .05), respectively. Significant differences were identified between pitch surfaces on successful passing (eta(2) = .052, p = .051); unsuccessful passing (eta(2) = .155, p < .001); and interceptions (eta(2) = .1087, p < .001). Results suggest that pitch surface influences running activity and technical actions of young players. This information contributes to understand the different demands imposed in each pitch surface and, provides to the coaches the opportunity to implement strategies that could optimise players' performance.