Analysis of team success based on match technical and running performance in a professional soccer league

Marcin Andrzejewski; José M Oliva-Lozano; Paweł Chmura; Jan Chmura; Sławomir Czarniecki; Edward Kowalczuk; Andrzej Rokita; José M Muyor; Marek Konefał

doi:10.1186/s13102-022-00473-7

Analysis of team success based on match technical and running performance in a professional soccer league

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2022 May 5;14(1):82. doi: 10.1186/s13102-022-00473-7.

Authors

Marcin Andrzejewski¹, José M Oliva-Lozano², Paweł Chmura³, Jan Chmura⁴, Sławomir Czarniecki⁵, Edward Kowalczuk⁶, Andrzej Rokita³, José M Muyor^{7

8}, Marek Konefał⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Methodology of Recreation, Poznań University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi 27/39, 61871, Poznań, Poland.
² Health Research Centre, University of Almería, Ctra. Sacramento s/n. 04120, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, Spain. jol908@ual.es.
³ Department of Team Games, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, I.J. Paderewskiego 35, 51612, Wrocław, Poland.
⁴ Department of Human Motor Skills, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, I.J. Paderewskiego 35, 51612, Wrocław, Poland.
⁵ Football Club, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Bismarckstr. 122 - 124, 51373, Leverkusen, Germany.
⁶ Football Club, Hannover 96, Robert-Enke-Str. 1, 30169, Hannover, Germany.
⁷ Health Research Centre, University of Almería, Ctra. Sacramento s/n. 04120, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, Spain.
⁸ Laboratory of Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Ergonomics (KIBIOMER Lab). Research Central Services, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.

Abstract

Background: The aims of this study were to (1) determine the match technical and running performance required by different teams based on their final ranking position in a professional soccer league; and (2) analyze the correlation between teams' success at the end of the season and variables related to match technical and running performance.

Methods: These performance data were collected during a total of 612 matches in the German Bundesliga. The final ranking position and the total of points obtained by each team at the end of the season were registered for the analysis of the correlation between team success and performance.

Results: The main findings were that there was a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between the ranking position, and both match technical and running performance. However, goals scored, saved shots on goal by the goalkeeper, assists, allowed shots on goal, goals conceded, ball possession ratio and successful passes from open play were the variables with the strongest correlation (r > 0.7; p ≤ 0.01) with the total of points obtained at the end of the season.

Conclusions: Strength and conditioning coaches may consider these results to develop adequate training strategies, which may not only optimize performance but also reduce the injury risk.

Keywords: Football; Load; Match analysis; Physical and technical activity; Tracking.