Follow this and additional works at: Part of the Exercise Science Commons, and the Sports Sciences Commons

Transcription

1 Bond University Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine Publications Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine A comparison of physical and technical match performance of a team competing in the English championship league and then the English premier league following promotion Ryland Morgans Liverpool Football Club David Adams University of South Wales Richard Mullen University of South Wales Joao Sacramento AS Monaco Chris McLellan Bond University, chris_mclellan@bond.edu.au See next page for additional authors Follow this and additional works at: Part of the Exercise Science Commons, and the Sports Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Morgans, R., Adams, D., Mullen, R., Sacramento, J., McLellan, C., & Williams, M. (2015). A comparison of physical and technical match performance of a team competing in the English championship league and then the English premier league following promotion. Retrieved from This Journal Article is brought to you by the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine at epublications@bond. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine Publications by an authorized administrator of epublications@bond. For more information, please contact Bond University's Repository Coordinator.

2 Authors Ryland Morgans, David Adams, Richard Mullen, Joao Sacramento, Chris McLellan, and Morgan Williams This journal article is available at

3 International Journal of Sport Science and Coaching Comparison of differences in physical and technical match-play performance in the English Championship and English Premier League Ryland Morgans 1,2, David Adams 2, Richard Mullen 2, Chris McLellan c and Morgan Williams Liverpool Football Club, Anfield, Liverpool, England. Ryland.morgans@liverpoolfc.com 2 University of South Wales, Division of Sport, Health and Exercise, Upper Glyntaff, Pontypridd, Wales. david.adams@southwales.ac.uk; richard.mullen@southwales.ac.uk; morgan.williams@southwales.ac.uk 3 Bond University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. cmclellan@bond.edu.au Abstract: 184 Length: 3483

4 Comparison of differences in physical and technical match-play performance in the English Championship and English Premier League Ryland Morgans 1,2, David Adams 2, Richard Mullen 2, Chris McLellan c and Morgan D Williams 2 1 Liverpool Football Club, Anfield, Liverpool, England Ryland.morgans@liverpoolfc.com 2 Univeristy of South Wales, Division of Sport, Health and Exercise, Upper Glyntaff, Pontypridd, Wales 3 Bond University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the differences in physical and technical match performance of a team competing in the English Championship League (ECL) and the English Premier League (EPL) over consecutive seasons. Measures were obtained from time-motion analysis of home league matches (n = 23 and n = 19) between August and May of 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons.?? male professional outfield soccer players (age = ± yrs, height = ± m, mass = ± kg) volunteered. No difference between leagues was found for total, high intensity or sprint distance. Players made 6 more passes in the EPL compared to the ECL. Pass completion and team possession was no different the ECL and EPL. The time between matches was however 57 hours less for ECL matches compared to the EPL. Time between matches was inversely related (P = ) to pass frequency where for every additional 50 hours recovery between matches 4 less passes were made. In summary, a playing style that is sustainable over consecutive seasons regardless of the standard of competition may promote success in the ECL and EPL Key words: Soccer, motion analysis, level of competition

5 INTRODUCTION Soccer players performance depends on the interaction of technical, tactical, physical and psychological factors (Stølen et al., 2005). The physical and technical profile of top-level professional soccer match-play has been well documented (Bangsbo et al., 2006; Mohr et al., 2003; Rampinini et al., 2007; Rampinini et al., 2008; Reinzi et al., 2000; Bradley et al., 2010; Bradley et al., 2009; Di Salvo et al., 2009). Physical performance provides a significant contribution to top-level soccer match-play. Several studies (Bangsbo et al., 1991; Mohr et al., 2003; Bradley et al., 2009) have reported an increase in high intensity distance covered during a match and this variable is related to the standard of competition (Bangsbo et al., 1991; Mohr et al., 2003; Bradley et al., 2009) and is sensitive to the variations in stages of the competitive season (Mohr et al., 2003; Rampinini et al., 2007) and the tactical role of players (Rampinini et al., 2007). Although, technical and tactical capabilities are also considered important for success in soccer (Rampinini et al., 2008), it may be suggested that physical performance is a result of the technical and tactical strategy employed (Bangsbo, 1994). However, the technical demands of soccer match-play performance are often neglected (Dellal et al., 2011). There has been considerable research (Bangsbo et al., 1994; Mohr et al., 2003; Krustrup et al., 2005; Di Salvo et al., 2006; Di Salvo et al., 2009; Bradley et al., 2009; Bradley et al., 2011) that have examined the match activity profiles of the English Premier League (EPL) that claims to be the most intensive league in the world. It can be expected then, that EPL matches will produce greater total and high intensity distances than observed in lower divisions in English soccer (Bangsbo et al., 1991; Mohr et al., 2003; Reinzi et al., 2000). Promotion to the EPL is expected to be a challenge and avoiding immediate

6 relegation is a priority for newly promoted clubs. With limited budgets promoted teams are generally restricted to retain players from the previous season and therefore players need to quickly adapt to the reported increased physical and technical demands of the EPL (Andersson et al., 2008; Carling et al., 2008). The suggested increasing physical, technical, and tactical demands (Andersson et al., 2008; Carling et al., 2008) in different professional leagues (English: Bradley et al., 2010; Italian and Danish: Mohr et al., 2003; Swedish: Andersson et al., 2008; Spanish: Di Salvo et al., 2007) have been reported. To cope with these increasing match demands, soccer players must possess an adequate anthropometric and fitness profile (Hoff and Helgerud, 2004; Reilly et al., 2000; Reilly, 2005). Furthermore, these capacities must be maintained during a 9-10 month competition period (Gamble, 2006) where soccer players should be able to consistently perform (Silva et al., 2013). The ability to assess the physical and technical performance of a team competing at different levels of competition would be practically useful and enhance our knowledge of the differences between standards of competitive soccer match-play and importantly provide a framework to prepare promoted teams. Interestingly, no studies have compared the differences between the physical and technical performance of a team competing in the ECL and EPL over consecutive seasons. The seasonal effect for match running distances vary considerably (Gregson et al., 2010) and several authors (Mohr et al., 2003; Rampinini et al., 2007) suggest that distances were higher at the end than at the start of the season. Although seasonal variations in physical match performance have been analysed (Mohr et al., 2003; Rampinini et al., 2007), these investigations report limited findings with the main emphasis on physical differences. Therefore, an assessment of a team over two competitive seasons at differing standards of match-play will provide a more detailed

7 analysis of any seasonal variations in match-related physical and technical performance. Furthermore, a significant factor between the differing standards of competition is the reduced number of league matches in the EPL compared to the ECL, 38 versus 46 league matches respectively. Since short recovery periods may affect physical performance, the need for appropriate recovery has been documented in the ECL (Morgans et al., in press). Therefore, when analysing the differences between leagues the time between matches was controlled. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in physical and technical match performance of a team competing in the ECL and the EPL over consecutive seasons. Further allowing a more detailed assessment of the demands of different standards of competition within English domestic soccer. This could also support the implementation of specific training programmes that are appropriate to different standards of play (Dellal et al., 2011). In support of recent research, it was anticipated that differences between competitive leagues would be evident, highlighted in the physical and technical performance during the EPL season METHOD PARTICIPANTS? male professional outfield soccer players (mean age = ± years, height = ± m, mass = ± kg) formed a sample of convenience that represented the core playing group. The core playing group were selected based on the number of matches they completed in both seasons. The study was approved by the University Human Research Ethics Committee and the professional soccer club from which the participants volunteered. Commented [M1]: How many players were used

8 TASK The participants appeared in the majority of the 43 home league matches over the ECL (n = 24) and EPL (n = 19) season (median appearances =??, range =?? matches). The time (hours) between matches and the number of matches played by month for each participant are shown in Figure 1. The core group consisted of outfield players only (defenders n =?, midfielders n =?, and forwards n =?). Out of the total matches played (n = 86) over both seasons, 43 were home league matches, the remaining were away league fixtures (n = 43) or domestic cup (n = 9) competitions. Only data recorded during home league matches from the ECL and EPL were included in the present study. Participant data were only included in the analyses when time spent on the field exceeded 75 minutes of the match. Based on the inclusion criterion of a minimum of 75 minutes playing time, the participants competed in a median of??% (range =??%) of home league matches over consecutive seasons. Commented [M2]: Can you add the values DATA COLLECTION The matches were filmed using eight cameras positioned around the stadium at roof height at a sampling frequency of 25Hz, which allowed analysis of all player actions with and without the ball. Home league match data over consecutive seasons were recorded and analysed via a multi-camera computerised tracking system (Amisco Pro, Sport-Universal Process, Nice, France) to report physical and technical performance data. The installation process, reliability and validity of Amisco Pro have been reported previously (Caldwell, and Peters, 2009; Di Salvo et al., 2006). The Amisco Pro Sports Analysis Software System was used to measure and analyse

9 physical and technical performance data. Physical activities over consecutive seasons were recorded to describe the physical demands of match-play: time on pitch (mins), total distance covered (m), sprint distance (m) (total distance covered >23 km-h 1 ), and high intensity distance (m) (total distance covered km-h 1 plus sprint distance). Technical variables included: possession (total time the team had possession of the ball, divided by ball in play time), total number of passes (total number of passes made by the team) and pass completion (total number of successful passes made by the team as a percentage). Analysis of physical and technical performance variables was performed using JMP version 9.0 discovery software (SAS Institute, JMP Statistical Discovery, NC, USA). To test for changes across the full regular season a repeated measures design linear mixed model using Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method for fitting (fixed factors = season; and hours between matches; random factor = participant) was used. Estimates based on the least square means were reported alongside standard error (SE). Comparisons were reported as least square mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Descriptive statistics (mean ± SE) for physical and technical performance, team possession, and time between matches by league are presented in Table 1. No difference between leagues was found for total distance (138 m, 95%CI = - 82 to 358, P = ), high intensity distance (3 m, 95%CI = -51 to 56, P = ), and sprint distance (19 m, 95%CI = -20 to 57, P = ). Commented [M3]: Can you confirm.

10 The players made 6 (95%CI = 0 to 11, P = ) more passes in the EPL compared to the ECL. Pass completion was no different (1.2%, 95%CI = 0.9 to 3.2, P = ) between the ECL and EPL. Team possession was no different (-3%; 95%CI = -7 to 1; P = ) between the ECL and EPL. The time between matches was however 57 hours (95%CI = 41 to 72; P < ) less for ECL matches compared to the EPL. Time between matches was inversely related (P = ) to pass frequency where for approximately every additional 50 hours between matches 4 less passes were made. No other variables were related to the time between matches (see Table 1) INSERT TABLE 1 HERE DISCUSSION The aim of this study was to compare the differences in physical and technical match performance of a team competing in the ECL and the EPL over consecutive seasons. The demands of top-level soccer have been well documented (Reinzi et al., 2000; Mohr et al., 2003; Rampinini et al., 2007, Rampinini et al., 2008; Di Salvo et al., 2007, Gregson et al., 2010, Taylor et al., 2008; Dellal, et al., 2011; Di Salvo et al., 2009; Lago-Peñas et al., 2011) and variation in performance data has been reported between competitive levels (Mohr et al., 2003; Rampinini et al., 2007). It was anticipated that differences between competitive leagues would result in an increase in the physical and technical performance required to compete in the EPL season. The main findings of this study suggest that no significant differences were found between the physical and technical performance of a team competing in the

11 ECL and EPL in consecutive seasons. Although the time between matches was however 57 hours (95%CI = 41 to 72 hours; P < ) less for ECL matches compared to the EPL. The total distance covered in the ECL and EPL was ± 415m and ± 1238m respectively, which are within the range of previously reported team data from various professional leagues (Carling et al., 2008; Dellal et al., 2010; Di Salvo et al., 2009), suggesting that aerobic capacity is essential to compete in the ECL and EPL. Although importantly there was not a significant difference between ECL and EPL, while Rienzi et al. (2000) reported that when a single match was analysed, total distance covered by South American professional players was 1000m less than EPL players, which was attributed to the technical demands associated with a different style of play. Adopting a style of play that demands greater total distances covered may increase the risk of residual fatigue over the season and reduce the capacity of the team to perform at the same intensity without significant changes in team selection (Morgans et al., in press). Silva et al. (2013) suggest that successful teams have the capacity to sustain sprint efforts and high intensity running distances over the season. These actions have previously been outlined and constitute the more crucial moments of the match (Mohr et al., 2003) and contribute directly to winning possession of the ball and to scoring or to conceding goals (Morgans et al., in press) which have been cited as vital to team success (Reilly et al., 2000). Although, when this study examined a team competing in the ECL and EPL in consecutive seasons, the total (P = ), high intensity (P = ) and sprint (P = ) distances were clearly similar for the study team in both leagues. Although it must be noted that the stable style of play and the overall possession of the study team in both leagues are significant variables when providing a rationale for this finding.

12 In contrast, Rampinini et al. (2007) presented data indicating that top-level soccer teams covered greater total and high intensity distances when competing against higher quality opponents. Therefore, the current findings may suggest that regardless of the league, similar total, high intensity and sprint distances reported by the study team may be linked to technically efficient and physically capable players, a consistent style of play and the tactical strategy employed, which evidently maintains the physical demands of match-play regardless of the standard of competition. Dellal et al. (2011) suggest that the total distance covered by players may not be considered an important discriminator of performance across top-level English and European leagues. For high intensity distance, no significant differences were found between leagues (P = ). The distance covered at high intensity by players in the ECL was 607 ± 69 m compared to 610 ± 69 m in the EPL (3 m, 95%CI = -51 to 56, P = ). Similar to high intensity distance, no significant differences were found for sprint distance between leagues (P = ). The distance covered sprinting by players in the ECL was 322 ± 48 m compared to 304 ± 48 m in the EPL (19 m, 95%CI = -20 to 57, P = ). Bradley et al. (2010) suggest that the increased intensity and high intensity running performed in the EPL when compared with other top-level European leagues could be explained by technical differences and tactical strategies (Bradley et al., 2010, Russell et al., 2013), while this result also provides greater evidence that the study teams consistent style and tactical model is a significant factor to ensure minimal physical variance between leagues. Rampinini et al. (2008) further found that players from more successful teams covered less total and high intensity distances compared to players from less successful teams. These results (Rampinini et al., 2008) are in contrast with previous research (Mohr et al.

13 ) that reported top-level Italian players performed more high intensity activity than lower level professional players participating in the Danish League (Mohr et al. 2003). Silva et al. (2013) further suggest that successful teams have the capacity to sustain sprint efforts and high intensity running distances over the season. These actions have previously been outlined and constitute the more crucial moments of the match (Mohr et al., 2003) and contribute directly to winning possession of the ball and to scoring or to conceding goals (Morgans et al., in press), which have been cited as vital to team success (Reilly et al., 2000). Therefore, it may be suggested that the study team quickly adapted to the physical demands of the higher level of competition in the EPL. A viable explanation was their ability to maintain possession of the ball consistently across both leagues, while more time to recover between matches in the EPL when compared to the ECL was evident. In support of this notion, the time between matches was 57 hours (95%CI = 41 to 72 hours; P < ) less in the ECL compared to the EPL, while team possession was no different (-3%; 95%CI = -7 to 1; P = ) between leagues. Pass frequency during the EPL season increased by 6 passes (95%CI = 0 to 11, P = ) was also reported. Further, hours between matches was inversely related (P = ) to pass frequency where for approximately every additional 50 hours between matches, 4 less passes were made. Pass completion reported no significant differences (1.2%, 95%CI = 0.9 to 3.2, P = ) between the ECL (86 ± 1%) and EPL (87 ± 1%). In support of our technical findings, Redwood-Brown (2008) studied the frequency of passing and the percentage of successful passes five minutes before and after a goal was scored. These results (Redwood-Brown, 2008) indicate that accurate passing not only retains possession, but may also lead to goal scoring opportunities,

14 thus increasing successful match outcome. Furthermore, Lago-Peñas et al. (2011) analysed 250 UEFA Champions League matches (between 2007 to 2010) and found that successful teams maintain possession through high frequency and accuracy of short passes which led to increased shots on target and so the likelihood of winning improved. However, Collett (2013) suggested that while time in possession and total number of passes predicted team success in league and international competitive matches, both variables were poor predictors for individual matches once team quality and home advantage were accounted for. To contextualise this, team possession in the present study over the ECL and EPL season was 62 ± 1% and 59 ± 1% respectively. Therefore, on average the team was without possession for only 38% and 41% of match time in each league. This clearly allowed consistent physical and technical performance to be maintained in both seasons, as the physical demands are greater when out of possession and defending (Morgans et al., in press). Our results are supported in the literature, Morgans et al. (in press) found total distance covered by the team when in possession was 72 m/min less (P < ) than when out of possession, possibly allowing players to maintain physical and technical performance during matches and across the season due to the high percentage of team possession. Many authors concur that successful teams generally maintain higher ball possession (Carling, Williams and Reilly, 2005; Adams et al, 2013; Redwood-Brown, 2008) than the opposition. One plausible argument why less successful teams have reduced ball possession may be due to match or cumulative fatigue (Rampinini et al., 2008). This may suggest that fatigue inhibits the players ability to move quickly to create space to receive the ball and execute a pass at speed and reduces their decisionmaking capabilities, as opposed to a lack of technical proficiency. Therefore, factors

15 that explain the consistent technical match performance evident in the present study may be improved match fitness, specific technical adaptations to the demands of competitive match-play in the different leagues (Rampinini et al. 2007) and the increased number of hours between matches in the EPL allowing for enhanced recovery between matches. The consistent team possession may also be interpreted as an indication of the high technical competency of the players, reflected in the consistently high pass completion, and the possession style of play adopted by the study team regardless of the standard of competition and opposition. The major difference between previous studies (Mohr et al. 2003; Rampinini et al., 2007) and our results are that all players involved in the present study competed in the same team over consecutive seasons at different standards of competition (ECL and EPL). While, Mohr et al. (2003) compared the physical match performance between teams from separate leagues, our findings further extend previous research (Mohr et al, 2003; Rampinini et al., 2008; Rampinini et al., 2008; Silva et al., 2013) highlighting that sustained physical and technical performance over a season at different standards of competition are crucial, while maintaining consistent team possession are important components to make a successful transition from ECL to EPL. Although the influence of team and opposition tactics should be considered within the context of these results, our results suggest that the technical skills for success in top-level professional soccer in English leagues are: team possession, pass frequency and pass completion, while a stable style of play will result in more consistency within the physical variables regardless of the level of competition. Our findings support the inferences made that the ability to maintain physical and technical performance are crucial to team success (Hoffman et al., 2003). Recently it has also been suggested that distances covered at a range of thresholds has

16 proven dependent on match contextual factors. Lago-Peñas et al. (2011) highlighted that when winning, Spanish professional soccer players performed less high intensity activity than when losing. These findings (Hoffman et al., 2003; Lago-Peñas et al., 2011) support the notion that players have the capability to increase their work-rate based on the match score-line. Similar findings have also been reported (Bloomfield et al., 2007; O Donoghue and Tenga, 2010). The physical and technical match performance variables used in this study have previously been reported in relation to players tactical role or playing position within top-level teams (Bangsbo et al., 1991; Di Salvo et al., 2006; Mohr et al., 2003; Rienzi et al., 2000), although various methodological differences between studies make accurate comparisons of these studies difficult (Rampinini et al., 2007). The study team s home league matches were analysed over two consecutive seasons competing in both the ECL and EPL. Therefore, these methodological differences were not present due to a standardised approach to data collection and analysis. Furthermore, sufficient data was gathered and the use of the same analysis system was employed therefore minimising analysis system differences (Dellal et al., 2011). CONCLUSION Previous research has suggested that physical and technical demands are related to the standard of competition. However, no study has examined a team competing in two competitive leagues of differing standards in consecutive seasons. The sustained total, high intensity and sprint distances and consistent team possession, pass frequency and pass completion across both leagues, may be attributed in part to the possession-based style adopted by the study team. The present study provides information for coaches and managers who need to develop a playing style and strategy that suit the players Commented [M4]: Needed??? Commented [M5]: Needed?????

17 and is sustainable across consecutive seasons regardless of the standard of competition Physical capabilities allow players to perform activities both in and out of possession and to maintain high intensity actions (Bangsbo et al., 2006, Helgerud et al., 2001, Bangsbo, 1994, Williams and Reilly, 2000), although the overall performance in top-level soccer matches is usually determined by the technical and skill-related abilities of players (Rampinini et al., 2008). Therefore, technical and tactical abilities are widely considered to be important determinants of soccer performance (Rampinini et al., 2008) and are thus concurrently analysed in the present study. Commented [M6]: Needed anywhere???? REFERENCES Gregson, W., Drust, B., Atkinson, G. and Di Salvo, V. (2010). Match-to-match variability of high-speed activities in Premier League soccer. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 31, Redwood-Brown, A. (2008). Passing patterns before and after goal scoring in FA Premier League Soccer. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. 3(11), Silva, J.R., Magalhães, J., Ascensão, A., Seabra, A.F. and Rebelo, A.N., Training Status and Match Activity in Professional Soccer Players Throughout a Season, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2013, 27(1), Reilly, T., Bangsbo, J. and Franks, A. Anthropometric and Physiological Predispositions for Elite Soccer, Journal of Sports Sciences, 2000, 18, Stølen, T., Chamari, K., Castagna, C. and Wisløff, U. (2005) Physiology of Soccer: An update. Sports Medicine. 35 (6):

18 Morgans, R., Adams, D., Mullen, R., McLellan, C. and Williams, M.D. (in press). Technical and physical performance over an English Championship League season. International Journal of Sport Science and Coaching. Adams, D., Morgans, R., Sacramento, J., Morgan, S. and Williams M.D. (in press). Successful short passing frequency of defenders differentiates between top and bottom four English Premier League teams. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. Bangsbo J, Mohr M, and Krustrup P. Physical and metabolic demands of training and match-play in the elite football player. Journal of Sports Sciences, 2006; 24(7): Collett, C. (2013), The Possession game? A comparative analysis of ball retention and team success in European and international football , Journal of Sport Sciences, 31, Bradley, P., Di Mascio, M., Peart, D., Olsen, P. and Sheldon, B. High-intensity activity profiles of elite soccer players at different performance levels, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2010, 24, Russell, M., Rees, G. and Kingsley, M. Technical Demands of Soccer Match-Play in the English Championship, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2013, 27, Bradley, P.S., Carling, C., Archer, D., Roberts, J., Dodds, A., Di Mascio, M., Paul, D., Gomez Diaz, A., Peart, D. and Krustrup, P. The Effect of Playing Formation on High-Intensity Running and Technical Profiles in English FA Premier League Soccer Matches, Journal of Sport Sciences, 2011, 29(8), Carling, C., Williams, A.M. and Reilly, T. The Handbook of Soccer Match Analysis: A Systematic Approach to Improving Performance, Routledge, London, Rampinini, E., Impellizzeri, F. M., Castagna, C., Coutts, A. J. and Wisloff, U. Technical performance during soccer matches of the Italian Serie A league: Effect of fatigue and competitive level, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2008, 12, Bangsbo J. Energy demands in competitive soccer. Jounral of Sports Sciences, 1994; 12, Williams, A.M., and Reilly, T. Talent identification and development in soccer. Journal of Sports Sciences 2000; 18(9), Mohr, M., Krustrup, P. and Bangsbo, J. Match performance of high-standard soccer

19 players with special reference to development of fatigue. Journal of Sports Sciences, 2003; 21: Bangsbo, J., Nørregaard, L. and Thosøe, F. Activity profile of competition soccer. Canadian Journal of Sport Science, 1991; 16: Rienzi, E., Drust, B., Reilly, T., Carter, J.E.L. and Martin, A. Investigation of anthropometric and work-rate profiles of elite South American international soccer players. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 2000; 40: Caldwell, B.P. and Peters, D.M. Seasonal variation in physiological fitness of a semiprofessional soccer team. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23: , Impellizzeri, F.M, Rampinini, E., Castagna, C., Bishop, D., Ferrari Bravo, D., Tibaudi, A. and Wisloff, U. Validity of a repeated-sprint test for football. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 29: , Krustrup, P., Mohr, M., Amstrup, T., Rysgaard, T., Johansen, J., Steensberg, A., Pedersen, P.K. and Bangsbo, J. The yo-yo intermittent recovery test: Physiological response, reliability, and validity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35: , Krustrup, P., Mohr, M., Ellingsgaard, H. and Bangsbo, J. Physical demands during an Elite female soccer game: Importance of training status. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37: , Nunez, V.M., Da Silva-Grigoletto, M.E., Castillo, E.F., Poblador, M.S. and Lancho, J.L. Effects of training exercises for the development of strength and endurance in soccer. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 22: , Rampinini, E, Bishop, D, Marcora, SM, Ferrari Bravo, D, Sassi, R, and Impellizzeri, FM. Validity of simple field tests as indicators of match-related physical performance in top-level professional soccer players. International Journal of Sports Medicine 28: , Rampinini, E, Coutts, AJ, Castagna, C, Sassi, A, and Impellizzeri, F. Variation in toplevel soccer match performance. International Journal of Sports Medicine 28: , Mohr, M., Krustrup, P. and Bangsbo, J. Match performance of high-standard soccer players with special reference to development of fatigue, Journal of Sports Sciences, 2003, 21,

20 Taylor, J. B., Mellalieu, S. D., James, N. and Shearer, D. A., The influence of match location, quality of opposition, and match status on technical performance in professional association football, Journal of Sports Sciences, 2008, 26, Andersson, H., Ekblom, B. and Krustrup, P. (2008) Elite football on artificial turf versus natural grass: Movement pattern, technical standard and player opinion. Journal of Sports Sciences, 8, Bloomfield, J., Polman, R. and O' Donoghue, P. (2007) Physical demands of different positions in FA Premier League soccer. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 6, Bradley, P. S., Sheldon, W., Wooster, B., Olsen, P., Boanas, P., & Krustrup, P. (2009). High-intensity running in English FA Premier League soccer matches. Journal of Sports Sciences, 27(2), Carling, C., Bloomfield, J., Nelsen, L., & Reilly, T. (2008). The role of motion analysis in elite soccer contemporary performance measurement techniques and work rate data. Sports Medicine, 38, Dellal, A., Chamari, K., Wong, D. P., Ahmaidi, S., Keller, D., Barros, R., Bisciotti, G. N. and Carling, C. (2011). Comparison of physical and technical performance in European soccer match-play: FA Premier League and La Liga. European Journal of Sports Science, 11(1), Dellal, A., Wong, D. P., Moalla, W. and Chamari, K. (2010). Physical and technical activity of soccer players in the French First League with special reference to their playing position. International SportMed Journal, 11(2), Di Salvo, V., Baron, R., Tschan, H., Calderon Montero, F. J., Bachl, N. and Pigozzi, F. (2007). Performance characteristics according to playing position in elite soccer. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 28, Di Salvo, V., Collins, A. and McNeill, B. (2006). Validation of Prozone: A new video-based performance analysis system. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 6, Di Salvo, V., Gregson, W., Atkinson, G., Tordoff, P., & Drust, B. (2009). Analysis of high intensity activity in Premier League soccer. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 30, Helgerud, J., Engen, L. C., Wisloff, U. and Hoff, J. (2001). Aerobic endurance training improves soccer performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33,

21 Hoffman, J. R., Nusse, V. and Kang, J. (2003). The effect of an intercollegiate soccer game on maximal power performance. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 28, Lago-Peñas, C., Rey, E., Lago-Ballesteros, J. and Casáis, L. (2011). The influence of a congested calendar on physical performance in elite soccer. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 0, 1-7. O Donoghue, P. and Tenga, A. (2010). The effect of score-line on work rate in elite soccer. Journal of Sports Sciences, 19, Reilly T. An ergonomics model of the soccer training process. Journal of Sports Sciences, 2005; 23 : Reilly, T., Bangsbo, J. and Franks, A. (2000). Anthropometric and physiological predispositions for elite soccer. Journal of Sports Sciences, 18, Hoff, J and Helgerud, J. Endurance and strength training for soccer players: Physiological considerations. Sports Medicine 34: , 2004 Gamble, P. (2006). Periodization training for team sports athletes. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 28,

22 Table 1. Descriptive statistics (mean ± SE) for team possession, time between matches, technical and physical performance by league ECL EPL Parameter estimate Std Error P Possession (%) 62 ±1 59 ± Time between matches 115 ± ± 5* Pass frequency 50 ± 7 56 ± 7* Pass completion (%) 85.7 ± ± Total Distance (m) ± ± High intensity distance (m) 607 ± ± Sprint distance (m) 322 ± ± *P<0.05