Physical Performance Differences Between Starter and Non-Starter Players During Professional Soccer Friendly Matches

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Soccer Performance Analysis

Background:

• Understanding physical performance differences between starting and non-starting players is crucial for optimizing training and match strategies.
• Previous research has not comprehensively analyzed the nuanced physical demands placed on players based on their starting status in professional soccer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare physical performance metrics between players who started (starters) and those who were substituted into (non-starters) professional soccer friendly matches.
• To identify specific differences in variables such as distance covered at various intensities, acceleration/deceleration, player load, and perceived exertion.

Main Methods:

• Collected 20 physical performance variables from 14 professional soccer players over two friendly matches.
• Analyzed data using effect sizes (ES) and magnitude based inferences to compare starters and non-starters.

Main Results:

• Non-starters covered significantly greater distances at higher speed categories (>3.3≤4.2m/s, >4.2≤5 m/s, >5≤6.9 m/s) compared to starters.
• Player load, exertion index, and work-to-rest ratio were higher for non-starters, while their ratings of perceived exertion were lower.
• No significant differences were found in average acceleration and deceleration between starters and non-starters.

Conclusions:

• Substantial physical performance disparities exist between starters and non-starters in soccer matches.
• These findings can inform coaches and analysts in tailoring training loads and microcycles based on a player's typical match role (starter vs. non-starter).