Browsing by Author "Zmijewski, Piotr"
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- Can different scores in first and second halves influence running and explosive-based measures?Publication . Morgans, Ryland; Radnor, John; Oliver, Jon; Scholten, Jule; Zmijewski, Piotr; Kavanagh, Ronan; Ryan, Ben; Haslam, Chris; King, Matthew; Oliveira, RafaelThis study aimed to examine the influence of different scores in the first and second half on running and explosive-based performance of elite male soccer players. Thirty-three professional players from one English Premier League team participated in the study across two consecutive seasons, 2021/22 and 2022/23. Matches were divided into half (first versus second) and nine phases; WIN-WIN; WIN-DRAW; WIN-LOSS; DRAW-WIN; DRAW-DRAW; DRAW-LOSS; LOSS-WIN; LOSS-DRAW; and LOSS-LOSS. Match physical data were monitored using an 18 Hz Global Positioning System. There was a main effect for half for all variables (p < 0.001–0.008; η2 = 0.004–0.028), with distances covered per minute and number of explosive actions per minute greater in the first-half than second-half (d = 0.144–0.374). There was an interaction effect between half and phase for m/min, high-speed running per min, high metabolic load distance (HMLD) per min, HML efforts/min, and accelerations/min (p < 0.001–0.012; η2 = 0.010–0.015). There was a reduction between first-half and second-half performance during WIN-WIN, WIN-DRAW, DRAW-WIN, DRAW-DRAW, LOSE-WIN, and LOSE-LOSE for m/min (p < 0.001; d = 0.435–0.714), HMLD/min (p < 0.001–0.004; d = 0.334–0.605), and HML efforts/min (p < 0.001; d = 0.408–0.611). In conclusion, our findings emphasise the importance of considering both match half and phase when analysing players’ physical performance to support the prescription of tailored training programs and tactical strategies to optimise performance across different match situations.
- Comparison of external load during differing microcycle structures across two competitive seasons in elite female portuguese soccer playersPublication . Espada, Mário C.; Santos, Fernando J.; Nalha, Matilde; Zmijewski, Piotr; Morgans, Ryland; Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, João Paulo; FERNANDES, RENATOThis study aimed to: (i) compare the accumulated load between three and four training sessions per week plus a match across two consecutive seasons in elite female soccer players, and (ii) compare the training/match ratio (TMr) of external load. Data from 10 players in each season were analysed during the study period. The microcycle structure of the first season included three training sessions (3dW) and a match per week, while the second season included four training sessions (4dW) plus a match per week. The following measures were used for analysis: duration, total distance, high-speed running distance (HSR,>15 km/h), number of accelerations (ACC,>1–2 m.s−2 [ACC1];>2–3 m.s−2 [ACC2];>3 4 m.s−2 [ACC3];>4m.s−2 [ACC4]) and decelerations (DEC,<1–2m.s−2 [DEC1]; <2–3 m.s−2 [DEC2];< 3–4 m.s−2 [DEC3];< 4m.s−2 [DEC4]). The accumulated load was calculated by summing key metrics for all training sessions and matches, while TMr was calculated by dividing the accumulated load by match data. The main results showed that all variables showed meaningful differences (p<0.05) except for ACC4 and DEC4. Specifically, total distance was higher in 3dW than 4dW (p=0.007), while the remaining variables were higher during 4dW. Moreover, all TMr were higher in 4dW than 3dW (p<0.001 for all variables except for ACC4 and DEC4). As expected, this study showed that adding one training session per week increased accumulated load and TMr for several key variables.
- Comparison of running and accelerometry variables based onmatch outcome, match location and quality of opponent in eliteprofessional soccer players. A five-season studyPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Radnor, John; Fonseca, Jose; Rhodes, Dave; Ryan, Ben; King, Matthew; Zmijewski, Piotr; Oliveira, RafaelThe aim of this study was to compare external match load, according to match outcome, match location, and opponent quality across five competitive seasons. Forty-six professional outfield soccer players from the same English Premier League club across the complete 2018/19 to 2022/23 seasons were involved in the study. For each match, the outcome (win, draw, loss), match location (home, away) and quality of opponent (top or bottom six teams, remaining mid-table teams) were recorded. Players covered significantly more m/min and performed more decelerations when playing against the top six compared to mid-table or bottom six teams (p < 0.001; d = 0.213–0.322). There were no differences in external match load depending on match outcome. There were significant opponent×outcome×match location interactions for each position across most of the external match load measures, but these differed in magnitude forspecific metrics and positions(p = 0.001–0.048; d = 0.300–1.741). The present study provided novel information on external match load and the influence of match outcome, match location and opponent quality. This may support and contribute to understanding how to improve training methods to physically prepare players to cope with varying contexts.
- Contextualized acceleration and deceleration profiles of elite soccer players during English Premier League match-play. The effect of possession, positional demands and opponent rankingPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Mandorino, Mauro; Ryan, Ben; Zmijewski, Piotr; Moreira, Alexandre; Oliveira, RafaelThis study aimed to compare accelerations (ACC) and decelerations (DEC) when in- (IP) and out of-possession (OP) during official English Premier League (EPL) match-play over three consecutive seasons considering playing position, match location and opponent ranking. Match data from 31 male professional soccer players was obtained via an optical tracking system. Playing position significantly influenced ACCIP, DECIP, and DECOP. Ranking difference and match location were significant predictors for DECIP, ACCOP, and DECOP. An increase in ranking difference was associated with higher DECIP. Conversely, in the out-of-possession phase (ACCOP and DECOP), a decrease in these parameters with increasing ranking difference was observed. Regarding match location, positive β coefficients suggested that DECIP, ACCOP, and DECOP values were significantly higher during away matches compared to home matches. A significant interaction (playing position × ranking difference) was reported for DECOP (𝛽 = 0.035, p = 0.013). Interestingly, DECOP actions decreased with increasing ranking difference across all playing positions except for wingers. In conclusion, these findings highlight that distinct contextual factors influence ACC and DEC performance during in- and out-of-possession phases of EPL match-play.
- Contextualized high-speed running and sprinting during English Premier League match-play with reference to possession, positional demands and opponent rankingPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Mandurino, Mauro; Beato, Marco; Ryan, Ben; Zmijewski, Piotr; Moreira, Alexandre; Ibrahim Ceylan, Halil; Oliveira, RafaelThis study aimed to compare high-speed running (HSR) and sprint distances (SD) when in- (IP) and out-of-possession (OP) during official English Premier League (EPL) match-play over three consecutive seasons considering playing position, match location and opponent ranking. Match data from 31 male professional soccer players was obtained via an optical tracking system. Results showed that during the IP phase, playing position emerged as the only significant predictor for both HSRIP and SDIP. Wingers showed the highest HSRIP compared to centre-backs who exhibited the lowest values (p < 0.001, ES = 4.19). Similar data were found for SDIP (p < 0.001, ES = 3.30). HSROP was significantly affected by both ranking difference (β = -0.039, p = 0.001) and match location (β = 0.369, p = 0.001). HSROP decreases as the ranking difference increases and tends to be higher during away matches (p = 0.001, ES = 0.24). SDOP was affected by both ranking difference (β = -0.023, p = 0.001) and match location (β = 0.166, p = 0.001) and decreased as the ranking difference increased. SDOP was also higher during away matches (p = 0.001, ES = 0.23). Additionally, a significant interaction was found between playing position and ranking difference (β = 0.005, p = 0.010). Lower ranking differences correspond to higher SDOP values. In conclusion, these findings highlight that by applying these IP and OP insights into practical coaching strategies, teams can potentially enhance individual physical performance and adaptability across different match situations and seasons.
- Physical match performance of elite soccer players from the English Championship League and the English Premier League:The effects of opponent ranking and positional differencesPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Michele, Rocco Di; Ceylan, Ibrahim H.; Ryan, Ben; Haslam, Chris; King, Matthew; Zmijewski, Piotr; Oliveira, RafaelThis study aimed to examine physical match performance and the effects of opponent ranking and positional differences in both the English Championship League (ECL) and the English Premier League (EPL) over five consecutive seasons. Fifty-four professional outfield soccer players (average age 24.6±5.4 years, weight 76.6±6.9 kg, height 1.79±0.09 m) from an English club were involved. Physical data obtained with the 18 Hz GPS technology tracking system from 213 regular-season matchesspanning the complete 2018/19 to 2022/23 seasons were examined. The results showed that, considering the level of the opponent, total distance (TD), high-intensity distance (HSR), and the number of decelerations (DEC) significantly varied in both EPL and ECL(p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05 respectively). Additionally, opponent level influenced sprint distances (Spr) and accelerations (ACC) in the EPL (p < 0.05, p < 0.05) but not in the ECL. The highest running metrics were noted when the team played against a high-ranked opponent. Concerning positional roles, more physical metrics were influenced by opponent level in the ECL (centre-backs (TD, ACC), full-backs (TD, DEC), centre midfielders (TD, HSR, Spr, DEC), attacking midfielders (TD, Spr, DEC), centre forwards (TD)) than in the EPL (centre midfielders (TD, HSR, DEC), attacking midfielders (TD, DEC), centre forwards (TD)). These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how players from different positions perform in elite soccer match-play against varying opposition rankings. Coaches may then tailor tactical approaches, positional, and individualized training regimens to address the specific physical demands associated with matches against different-ranked opponents.
- Playing position and match location affect the number of highintensity efforts more than the quality of the opposition in elitefootball playersPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Kweon, Daeeun; Ryan, Ben; Ju, Wonwoo; Zmijewski, Piotr; Oliveira, Rafael; Olthof, SigridThis study aimed to examine the impact of playing position (PP), match location (ML), and opposition standard (OS) on team and individual acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DEC) efforts. Fifty professional football players were monitored across 24 English Premier DevelopmentLeague matches during the 2020/21 season. High-intensity ACC and DEC thresholds were set at > +3 m·s −2 and < -3 m·s −2, respectively. Players were divided into five PPs: centre backs (CB; n = 68), full-backs (FB; n = 24), centre midfielders (CM; n = 54), wide midfielders (WM; n = 15), centre forwards (CF; n = 27). Opposition standard was categorised as Top (1st–4th), Middle (5th–9th), and Bottom (9th–13th) based on final league ranking of the study season. Each match location was classified as Home or Away. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a multivariate ANOVA analysed the independent effect of PP, ML and OS on ACC and DEC efforts, and the interaction of all contextual factors, respectively. Acceleration efforts were affected by PP and ML. FB performed 22% more ACC than WM. All players performed 6% more ACC actions during home matches compared to away fixtures. DEC efforts were only affected by PP, with FB and CM executing 26% and 32% greater DEC efforts than CB, respectively. When playing against top or middle teams at home, CB, CM, and CF tended to perform more high-intensity actions than when playing away. In contrast, when playing against top teams at home, FB and WM performed fewer high-intensity actions than when playing away. Playing position and ML affected ACC and DEC actions but not OS.
- Positional training demands in the English Premier League and EnglishChampionship. A longitudinal study across consecutive seasonsPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Ceylan, Ibrahim H.; Radnor, John; Ryan, Ben; King, Matthew; Zmijewski, Piotr; Oliveira, RafaelThe aims of this study were to: compare training loads between the English Premier League (EPL) and English Championship League (ECL) and examine differences between playing positions. Forty-six 1st team players from the same club participated in the study. GPS metrics were obtained during all EPL and ECL training sessions across four consecutive seasons, 2019–20 to 2022–23. The study team was promoted from the ECL at the end of season 2020–21. There was a significant interaction effect between position and league for all GPS metrics (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.001–0.003), except for relative high-speed running (HSR) distance, sprint distance, and sprint efforts (p > 0.05). A significant main effect for league for all GPS metrics (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.001–0.009) was found, with EPL training sessions resulting in greater total distance per minute, HSR distance per minute, high metabolic load distance (HMLD) per minute, number of HML efforts, accelerations, and decelerations per minute compared to training in the ECL (p < 0.001; d = 0.061–0.224). For position, a significant main effect for all GPS metrics (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.001–0.005) was observed. Centre midfielders covered more distance per minute than all other positions (p < 0.001, d = 0.040–0.167). In conclusion, higher training values in the EPL were evident, except for centre forwards, providing some guidance on the differing positional physical demands that may support coaches and practitioners to design position-specific drills incorporating physical and technical/tactical strategies
- The positional demands of explosive actions in elite soccer: comparison of English Premier League and French Ligue 1Publication . Morgans, Ryland; Ju, Wonwoo; Radnor, John; Zmijewski, Piotr; Ryan, Ben; Haslam, Chris; King, Matthew; Kavanagh, Ronan; Oliveira, RafaelThe aims of the present study were to: (i) quantify accelerations and decelerations of soccer players during match-play acrosstwo consecutive seasonsfrom the English PremierLeague (EPL) and Ligue 1 (L1); and (ii) compare any positional differences between the two leagues. Fifty-eight male professional soccer players were monitored during all league matches (n = 144) across seasons 2020/21 and 2021/22. The absolute number of accelerations (> +3 m/s−2) and decelerations (< -3 m/s−2) and accelerations and decelerations per minute were examined. The relative number of accelerations and decelerations across all positions was higher with moderate effect sizes in the EPL when compared to L1 (p < 0.001, for both). Significant differences were observed in accelerations and decelerations across all playing positions (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001 respectively, with moderate to very large effect sizes), except for centre forwards (CF) (accelerations p = 0.40; ES = 0.16; decelerations p = 0.97; ES = 0.01). This study provides valuable insights into the positional acceleration and deceleration differences in the EPL and L1, which should be considered in match running performance evaluations. While confirming higher accelerations and decelerations in the EPL, the unique case of CF challenges current evidence, emphasising the need for a more granular understanding of the positional demands of explosive actions incorporating accelerations and decelerations in elite soccer.
- The positional demands of explosive actions in elite soccer: comparison of English Premier League and French Ligue 1Publication . Morgans, Ryland; Ju, Wonwoo; Radnor, John; Zmijewski, Piotr; Ryan, Ben; Haslam, Chris; King, Matthew; Kavanagh, Ronan; Oliveira, RafaelThe aims of the present study were to: (i) quantify accelerations and decelerations of soccer players during match-play acrosstwo consecutive seasonsfrom the English PremierLeague (EPL) and Ligue 1 (L1); and (ii) compare any positional differences between the two leagues. Fifty-eight male professional soccer players were monitored during all league matches (n = 144) across seasons 2020/21 and 2021/22. The absolute number of accelerations (> +3 m/s−2) and decelerations (< -3 m/s−2) and accelerations and decelerations per minute were examined. The relative number of accelerations and decelerations across all positions was higher with moderate effect sizes in the EPL when compared to L1 (p < 0.001, for both). Significant differences were observed in accelerations and decelerations across all playing positions (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001 respectively, with moderate to very large effect sizes), except for centre forwards (CF) (accelerations p = 0.40; ES = 0.16; decelerations p = 0.97; ES = 0.01). This study provides valuable insights into the positional acceleration and deceleration differences in the EPL and L1, which should be considered in match running performance evaluations. While confirming higher accelerations and decelerations in the EPL, the unique case of CF challenges current evidence, emphasising the need for a more granular understanding of the positional demands of explosive actions incorporating accelerations and decelerations in elite soccer.