External loading is dependent upon game state and varies by position in professional women’s soccer

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This investigation examined relationships between game state and external loading in professional women’s soccer. Methods: Match motion and accelerometer data were collected and used to determine running distance, high-speed distance, number of high-speed runs, number of sprints, and total player load (AU). These data were compared by game state (draw 0–0, leading, trailing, or drawing where the score was not 0–0) and playing position: Full back (FB), center back (CB), center midfield (CM), and forward (FW). Results: External loading was not dependent upon game state for FW. Total distance (d = 0.51–0.54), meterage (d = 0.051–0.55), and total player load (d = 0.32–0.76) were less when leading or trailing than when drawn 0–0 for CM. Total distance (d = 0.45–0.80) and meterage (d = 0.31–0.80) were less when leading or trailing than drawing 0–0 for CB. High-speed distance was greater for CB when trailing than when leading (d = 0.62). Total player load for FB was greater (d = 0.49–1.12) when drawn 0–0 than when leading or trailing. Conclusions: Some external loads in women’s professional soccer players are different by position and game state; fatigue or tactical adjustments may influence loading.

KEYWORDS:

• GPS
• total distance
• high-speed running
• player load

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all of the players, coaches, and team management personnel, including Head Coach Mr. Randy Waldrum and Managing Director Mr. Brian Ching, for their time and participation. The authors would also like to thank US Soccer and Catapult for supplying the GPS/accelerometer system and associated training. The authors would also like to thank the Houston Dash football club for assistance and support during this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was completed without external funding.