| Paper title: |
Positional variations in high-intensity actions and workload among u14 elite football players: a performance analysis |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.4316/SAM.2024.0220 |
| Published in: | Volume XVII issue 2/ 2024 |
| Publishing date: | 2024 |
| Pages: | 194-204 |
| Author(s): | Sebastian Iulian VICOL
Silvia TEODORESCU |
| Abstract. | The analysis of positional differences in youth football provides valuable insights into player workload and match performance. This study examines the U14 Elite League, focusing on four key performance indicators: power plays, work ratio, accelerations (≥ 4 m/s²), and decelerations (≥ 4 m/s²). The research aims to determine whether significant differences exist between defenders, midfielders, and forwards based on these metrics. Data collection was conducted over 15 matches using the Catapult One system, with analysis limited to the first half due to equipment constraints. Results indicate that midfielders recorded the highest work ratio, emphasizing their continuous involvement in transitions. Forwards demonstrated significantly higher power plays and accelerations, confirming their role in offensive bursts. Defenders exhibited the most decelerations, highlighting their need for quick stops and defensive adjustments. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in multiple indicators, partially validating the research hypothesis. The findings reinforce the necessity of position-specific training programs to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. Future studies should investigate full-match workloads, examine tactical variations, and compare performances on different pitch sizes to further contextualize these results in youth football development. |
| Keywords: | football U14, high-intensity actions, accelarations and decelerations, defenders, midfielders, forwards. |
| References: |
1. Algroy, E., Grendstad, H., Riiser, A., Nybakken, T., Saeterbakken, A. H., Andersen, V., & Gundersen, H. S.(2021). Motion analysis of match play in U14 male soccer players and the influence of position, competitive level, and contextual variables. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(14), 7287. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147287 2. Bangsbo, J., Norregaard, L., & Thorso, F. (1991). Activity profile of competition soccer. Canadian Journal of Sport Sciences, 16(2), 110-116. 3. Bradley, P. S., Carling, C., Gomez Diaz, A., Hood, P., Barnes, C., Ade, J., Boddy, M., Krustrup, P., & Mohr, M.(2013). Match performance and physical capacity of players in the top three competitive standards of English professional soccer. Human Movement Science, 32(4), 808-821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2013.06.002 4. Buchheit, M., Allen, A., Poon, T. K., Modonutti, M., Gregson, W., & Di Salvo, V. (2014). Integrating different tracking systems in football: Multiple camera semi-automatic system, local position measurement, and GPS technologies. Journal of Sports Sciences, 32(20), 1844-1857. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2014.942687 5. Catapult Sports. (2021). Catapult One: Performance monitoring for athletes. Retrieved from https://www.catapultsports.com/ 6. Cummins, C., McLean, B., Halaki, M., & Orr, R. (2017). Positional differences in external on-field load during specific drill classifications over a professional rugby league preseason. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(6), 764-776. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0789 7. Di Salvo, V., Baron, R., Tschan, H., Calderon Montero, F., Bachl, N., & Pigozzi, F. (2007). Performance characteristics according to playing position in elite soccer. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 28(3), 222-227. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-924294 8. Gaudino, P., Iaia, F. M., Alberti, G., Strudwick, A. J., Atkinson, G., & Gregson, W. (2013). Monitoring training in elite soccer players: Systematic bias between running speed and metabolic power data. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 34(11), 963-968. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1347198 9. Gómez-Carmona, C. D., Pino-Ortega, J., Sánchez-Ureña, B., Ibáñez, S. J., & Rojas-Valverde, D. (2019). Accelerometry-based external load indicators in sport: Too many options, same practical outcome? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(24), 5101. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16245101 10. Harper, D. J., Carling, C., & Kiely, J. (2019). High-intensity acceleration and deceleration demands in elite team sports competitive match play: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Sports Medicine, 49(12), 1923–1947. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01170-1 11. Osgnach, C., Poser, S., Bernardini, R., Rinaldo, R., & di Prampero, P. E. (2010). Energy cost and metabolic power in elite soccer: A new match analysis approach. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 42(1), 170-178. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181ae5cfd 12. Rampinini, E., Bosio, A., Ferraresi, I., Petruolo, A., Morelli, A., & Sassi, A. (2011). Match-related fatigue in soccer players. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(11), 2161-2170. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e31821e9c5c 13. Terje, D., Jorgen, I., Gertjan, E., Geir Havard, H., & Ulrik, W. (2015). Player load, acceleration, and deceleration during 45 competitive matches of elite soccer. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 14. Vanrenterghem, J., Nedergaard, N. J., Robinson, M. A., & Drust, B. (2017). Training load monitoring in team sports: A novel framework separating physiological and biomechanical load-adaptation pathways. Sports Medicine, 47(11), 2135–2142. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0714-2 15. Vigh-Larsen, J. F., Dalgas, U., & Andersen, T. B. (2018). Position-specific acceleration and deceleration profiles in elite youth and senior soccer players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 32(4), 1114-1122. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001918 |
| Back to the journal content | |