Physical outcome in a successful Italian Serie A soccer team over three consecutive seasons.

The aim of this study was to examine the physical performance of a successful Italian Serie A team of more than 3 consecutive seasons. Twenty-five players participated in the study and were classified into 3 playing positions: defenders (n = 9), midfielders (n = 11), and forwards (n = 5). Activities match were studied by an analysis of multiple match camera SICS throughout the competition Italian Serie A matches played at home (n = 90) for 3 consecutive seasons (first: 2004/2005; second: 2005/2006; and third: 2006/2007). Total team ball possession and time-motion characteristics were examined. Results showed that total ball possession (52.1-54.9%) and the number of points accumulated at home (40/48) improved in the past 3 seasons, whereas the final rankings at home were stable. The total distances covered by minutes of play were significantly different between the 3 seasons (118.32 ± 6.69 m·min to 111.96 ± 8.05 m·min). Distance running and high-intensity activities were similar in the 3 seasons, whereas the distance covered in moderate-intensity running decreased in the third (p < 0.05). Variations between playing positions were found during the 3 consecutive seasons, with midfielders covering greater distances than defenders (p < 0.05) and forwards (p < 0.01). This study showed how for 3 consecutive seasons a Serie A team of successful players reduced their distances performed at submaximal speeds, and increased ball possession, while maintaining the high-intensity activities and the number of points at home. It is suggested that this is because of a better understanding of roles and tactics team organization and to act collectively and individually on these parameters to reduce energy expenditure during the game to maintain a high-level performance throughout the season.

Biomechanics and predicted energetics of sprinting on sand: hints for soccer training.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyse energetic and biomechanical parameters of sprinting on sand surface, aimed at the evaluation of inherent aspects of soccer training programs, injury prevention and recovery processes. DESIGN: Twenty-nine professional soccer players took part in this study: they performed maximal sprints and maximal shuttle sprints on a 12m distance on natural grass, artificial turf and soft, dry sand. METHODS: Speed, acceleration, deceleration, stride length, stride frequency, flight and contact time, estimated energy cost, metabolic and mechanical power, efficiency and stiffness values, have been calculated through the instrument SPI-Pro (GPSports, Canberra, Australia) supported by two fixed cameras. RESULTS: The comparison between values recorded on sand with those recorded on natural or artificial grass has highlighted significant decreases (p<0.001) of speed, acceleration, stride length, flight time and mechanical power, efficiency and stiffness. Contact time, energy cost, metabolic power (p<0.001) and deceleration (p<0.05) were higher on sand whereas no significant differences were found regarding stride frequency (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that on sand it is possible to perform maximal intensity sprints with higher energy expenditure and metabolic power values, without reaching maximum speed and with smaller impact shocks. Furthermore, exercises with change of direction carried out on this surface allow to reach higher deceleration values. In addition, sprinting on sand potentially entails a limited stretch of the involved muscles. It can therefore offer a valid alternative to traditional training, injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.