Speed and Acceleration in Soccer

Whether it is the forward, collecting a defence splitting pass for a shot on goal, or the defender, trying to prevent that shot, speed is essential to the game. Stølen et al., (2005) recorded that a sprint bout occurs every 90 seconds or so, while high intensity running is separated by 70-second periods. Soccer is, however, a stochastic game, meaning that a player may or may not have to be this engaged in these activities in these specific ways. Still, it makes sense that he or she be well conditioned to do so, should it be required.

Many studies have been conducted in the recent past, with the investigators publishing data that shows that a minute percentage of the total distance covered by soccer players is maximal effort. Amidst different categorizations, technologies and parameters, studies have observed ^[1,4,5,8]  2.1–3.7%, 18.9%, 11.3% and 3% for the total distance covered in sprinting or quick running, considering total distances averaging over 10 000m in a game. According to Bangsbo, sprint speed approximately 30 km/h covered a total of about 400 m only. Notwithstanding, sprints comprise the most crucial moments of the game and “contribute directly to winning possession of the ball and to scoring or to conceding of goals.” (Little and Williams, 2005)

Moreover, an estimated 96% these sprints are less than 30m. Valquer et al., (1998) observed the São Paulo Futebol Clube, who were the top ranked team in the Brazilian national league at the time.

The obtained results were as follows:

Distance (m)	0-9.99	10-19.9	20-29.9	30-39.9	40-49.9	“50	TOTAL	Overall distance
Numbers Sprints	26.4	18.6	7.8	1.4	0.6	0.2	55.0	718.2
SD	5.86	6.23	3.65	1.19	0.51	0.22	12.76	269.7
Frequency	49.0	33.4	13.6	2.5	1.1	0.3	100
SD	9.65	5.32	3.68		1.66	0.74	0.45

Table 1. Frequency of sprints over several distances in elite Brazilian soccer players. Valquer et al., (1998)

The results highlight the importance of acceleration training. Acceleration is the rate of change in speed that allows a player to reach maximum velocity in the shortest possible time. If the majority of the sprints performed during a match are 10m or less, more emphasis must be placed on that aspect of speed development. Currently, tests over 40 yards are administered from a standing start. While there is validity in these results, players most often reach maximum speed from a “moving” start rather than a stationery one. Therefore, it is the change in velocity rather than the initiation of it, that is true acceleration. Cometti et al., (2001) showed that professional and amateur had similar 30m sprint performance, but differed in the former’s 10m times. Theirs were significantly lower, suggesting “the fastest players are, on average 1m ahead of the slowest ones after only 10m of sprint[ing].”

This more recent study, confirms these findings, focusing on the duration of the sprints as much as these report on the length/distance.

The game is not to the fast, but to those who can get fast the fastest!

For your viewing pleasure, one run LONGER than 10m. Enjoy!

Play beautiful!

References

1.    Ali A, Farrally M. A computer-video aided time motion analyses technique for match analysis. J Sports Med Phys Fit 1991; 31: 82–88

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

3.     Cometti G, Maffiuletti NA, Pousson M, et al. Isokinetic strength and anaerobic power of elite, subelite and amateur French soccer players. Int J Sports Med 2001 Jan; 22 (1): 45-51

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

5.     Little, T., and A.G. Williams. Specificity of acceleration, maximum speed, and agility in professional soccer players. J. Strength Cond. Res. 19(1):76–78. 2005.

6.     Mayhew SR,Wenger HA. Time-motion analysis of professional soccer. J Hum Move Stud 1985; 11: 49–52

7.     Stølen, T; Chamari, K; Castagna, C and Wisløff U (2005). The Physiology of Soccer. Sports Med 35 (6): 501-536

8.     Valquer W, Barros TL, Sant’anna M. (1998) High intensity motion pattern analyses of Brazilian elite soccer players.

9.     Withers RT,Maricie Z,Wasilewski S, Kelly L.Match analyses of Australian professional soccer players. J Hum Move Stud 1982; 8: 159–176