Match demands in Japanese Division I collegiate men’s soccer players

Abstract

Problem Statement: Optimal training programs for soccer players are crucial for enhancing performance and preventing injuries. However, understanding the physical demands of matches throughout is essential for designing these programs. Approach: Twenty-nine Division 1 collegiate male soccer players were monitored during 15 matches in the 2022 season using global navigation satellite system units at 10 Hz. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the influence of position (forwards [FWs], midfielders [MFs], defenders [DFs]), role (starters, non-starters), and the competitive level of opponents (higher-level teams, lower-level teams) on physical demands during official matches. Results: Total and relative distances were significantly higher for MFs than for DFs (p < 0.05). MFs covered a significantly greater distance than DFs in zone 4 (running: 14.4– 19.7 km/h; p < 0.05). High-intensity running distance (HIR, > 14.4 km/h) and percentage were greater for MFs than DFs, and maximum acceleration was greater for FWs than for other positions (p < 0.05). Starters showed significantly shorter average game time and total running distance (p < 0.05). In addition, starters ran significantly less distance in zone 3 (jogging: 7.2–14.3 km/h), zone 4, and zone 5 (high-speed running: 19.8–25.1 km/h) (p < 0.05 each). Thus, non-starters ran greater distances in HIR and showed higher percentages in HIR, as well as distances in very high intensity running (VHIR > 19.8 km/h), than starters. No significant differences were seen in maximum speed or maximum acceleration, but non-starters displayed a greater number of accelerations and decelerations than starters (p < 0.05). Total distance and relative distance when playing against lower-level teams were significantly greater than when playing against higher-level teams (p < 0.05). In addition, running distances in zones 2 and 3 were significantly greater when playing against lower-level teams than when playing against higher-level teams (p < 0.05). Conclusions: To improve the competitive level of collegiate soccer players in this study, running distance at high intensity or higher needs to be increased. MFs displayed higher total running distance and high-intensity running distance than other positions. Non-starters showed greater high-intensity distance, very high intensity distance, and number of accelerations than starters. Nonstarter players played harder than starter players when they played more than 90 minutes as starters. Total distance, relative distance, and low- to moderate-intensity running distance were higher when playing against a lower-level team than against a higher-level team.