Can You Afford Not To Learn From Zidane?

Sport scientists agree the most effective training is that which most closely mimics the conditions of competitive performance. Therefore, training must be based on the specific physiological and biomechanical requirements of players’ respective positions. This will ensure players are better able to execute tactically during the game.

Di Salvo et al., (2007), measured the distance covered, distance in possession of the ball (meters and %) by players of different positions. These figures were collected from “twenty Spanish Premier League matches and ten Champions League games [were] monitored in the 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 seasons,” “by means of 8 stable, synchronized cameras positioned at the top of Bernabeu Stadium.” This was the galactico era at Real Madrid.

Position	Total Distance (m)	Distance in possession (m)	%
CD	10 627	119 ± 67m	1.2 ± 0.6%
ED	11 410	220 ± 99m	1.9 ± 0.9%
CM	12 027	230 ± 92m	1.9 ± 0.8%
EM	11 990	286± 114m	2.4± 1.1%
F	11 254	212 ± 92m	1.9 ± 0.8%

Table1. Distances covered by players during a game in total, in possession and their percentage representation. CD= Central Defender; ED= External Defender; CM= Central Midfielder; EM= External Midfield, F= Forward. (Adapted from Di Salvo et al., 2007)

I have played soccer for almost 20 years, watched it for just as long. No experience from all that time prepared me for this- less than 2% of the total distance covered by a player during a game is with the ball. It is a basic observation, but it was still quite a shock to see it represented in figures.

A few more observations can be made which should inform the training of soccer players. Firstly, players in different position cover different total distances. Central midfield players covered the longest distance, which correlated with higher VO_2max values. The center backs covered almost 1.5km less although they too covered a significant distance. It goes without saying that these distances include multidirectional as well as several other movement patterns like jumping, dribbling, tackling, and shooting. So if players traveled, at most, 286± 114m equaling 2.4± 1.1% in possession, what are they doing in the other 10 000+ meters? I ask this obvious, almost silly question because I believe that answer should largely determine how players train. The other 98% or so is covered either in trying to retrieve possession or in supporting the player on the ball. In one word, space.

The galactico of galacticos, (in my opinion) was Zinedine Zidane. His first touch is legendary, and who can forget his goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League final of 2002? The Frenchman was a master at finding the opening space, whether he was receiving a pass or making one. There can be no illusions about him being the fastest player of the field, perhaps at any point in his career. However, what he lacked in speed, he made up for with vision. He used quick bursts to enter into space and, as he demanded that those around him see what he saw, the gaps he played the ball into often found someone filling them.

Defensively, the same concept of space allowed legends such as Paolo Maldini the longevity they enjoyed. By learning to anticipate where the ball might be played, and by pre-emptively occupying that space, or at least starting towards it, the 41-year old (when he finally retired) did not need to be as fast as younger opponents were. Some have gone as far as to say, Maldini made an average of one tackle every two games, positioning himself so that he could intercept a ball rather having to make the tackle.

Practice identifying the space around, between and over the opponents if necessary. Practice targeting your passes in those areas. Practice filling them to receive a pass. Acceleration training is important for soccer players. In fact, Di Salvo et al., (2007) also reported that sprints corresponded to an average distance of 19.3 ± 3.2 meters. It matters little if you are the fastest athlete over 40 yards, as is the length of the standard sprint test. It matters how quickly you can get out of the blocks to cover the distance, and get yourself on the ball.

To keep the beautiful game beautiful, we must do the simple things well.

References

Di Salvo V et al. Motion Characteristics in Elite Level Soccer … Int J Sports Med 2007; 28: 222–227