Analysis of professional soccer games with individualized thresholds

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse the distances travelled by professional players in friendly matches using individualized intensity thresholds and to differentiate them by specific playing positions, in order to use the results of the competition as a reference for the subsequent analysis of task and training sessions conducted using GPS technology. 21 professional field players (28 ± 3.8 years, 179 ± 4.5 cm, 4.2 kg 75.2 ±) have been monitored using 10 Spi Elite units with GPS receiver, triaxial accelerometer and integrated HR chip receiver (GPSports Systems, Pty. Ltd., 2003, Australia). The results are shown for half of the match. The total average distance covered (DTOT) has been 5052 ± 536m, the distance travelled at a speed higher than vVO2max (DAI) is 351 ± 175m, the distance above the maximum speed threshold (Dist. Z6) is 42 ± 37m. We conclude that: considering the differences observed between players and between positions on the distance travelled in different specified areas, it highlights the importance and the need to individualize the monitoring of the competition, in order to individualize the training monitoring, and properly prepare the players according to the demands of competition.