Match Demands of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Soccer

This study aimed to profile positional movement characteristics of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I male soccer players. Eighteen Division I male soccer players were monitored using global positioning systems, inertial movement, and heart rate (HR) technology during 24 matches over a full competitive season (N = 235 observations). Positional groups were classified as either a forward (F), center midfielder (CM), wide midfielder (WM), or defender (D). Movement was profiled by locomotor (walking [0–7.19 km·h−1], jogging [7.20–14.39 km·h−1], running [14.40–21.59 km·h−1], and sprinting [>21.6 km·h−1]), and acceleration/deceleration characteristics (low intensity [0–1.99 m·s2], moderate intensity [2–3.99 m·s2], and high intensity [>4 m·s2]). Players averaged distances of 9,367 ± 2,149 m per match at speeds of 91 ± 20 m·min−1 and physiological intensities of 78 ± 8 %HRmax. Center midfielder demonstrated the highest average speeds (97 ± 20 m·min−1) and covered the most distance (9,941 ± 2,140 m). Wide midfielder accumulated the most sprint distance (391 ± 145 m) and high-intensity accelerations (129 ± 30 n)/decelerations (96 ± 24 n). Several practically meaningful differences exist between positions for internal and external load metrics. Match loads seen in NCAA Division I soccer vary from reports of professional soccer; however, the effects of match regulation, structure, and congestion, which are unique to NCAA socc...
Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Original Research Source Type: research