A Physical Fitness Assessment of Soccer Players during an Official Match: A Pilot Study

Background: Advanced technologies have been integrated into the game of soccer to objectively monitor the physiological patterns and nature of its activity. Based on this innovative knowledge, these technologies are used to improve the training process, reduce the frequency and severity of sports injuries, and ultimately, improve one`s probability of obtaining peak performance. Furthermore, this accumulative knowledge enables the establishment of individual training programs which stem from the principle of specificity (i.e., one’s current physical condition, capabilities, and position’s demands) in modern training.

Purposes: This study aims at measuring the activity pattern differences between adult and U19 major league soccer players. Furthermore, these differences are investigated in light of the players’ field position (i.e., full back, center-back, midfielder, and striker).

Methods: A repeated measure technique was implemented on eight soccer players; four U19 and four adult major league players. GPS sensors attached to their body were used during five consecutive games to drawn patterns regarding running distance and speed according to their field position.

Results: Between groups differences in activity pattern were evident between adult and U19 players. Furthermore, within group activity pattern differences emerged between the positions under investigation.

Conclusions: These findings provide valuable knowledge that may serve the principle of `training specificity`. First, it may assist practitioners in adjusting specific intensity levels to players depending on their field position and physical function. Moreover, it can serve practitioners in transitioning U19 players to the adult team by progressively adjusting their physical capacities to those needed at the adult level.