In football, the analysis of high-intensity actions, such as accelerations (Ac) and decelerations (Dec), is fundamental to understand the physical and tactical performance of players. The article entitled: “Investigating Acceleration and Deceleration Patterns in Elite Youth Football: The Interplay of Ball Possession and Tactical Behavior”, was prepared and presented as the final project of the Master in Big Data in Sports at Sports Data Campus by Javier Conde Pipó, a student of the XI edition.
Analysis patterns in football. Acceleration and deceleration patterns in elite youth football
The study, in which several collaborators from Sports Data Campus, Kinexon Sports and the Innovation Center of Sevilla FC participate, addresses these crucial aspects in the context of elite youth soccer. This study provides detailed insight into how Ac and Dec patterns vary throughout a match and between different positions on the field, with a special focus on ball possession and tactical behavior.
IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY
Analyzing accelerations and decelerations is vital in football for assessing players’ physical performance and their ability to adapt to the tactical demands of the game. Led by Javier Conde-Pipó and his collaborators, the study focuses on understanding how these variables behave during a match and how they are influenced by ball possession and player position. The findings reveal that Ac and Dec patterns do not follow a linear trend throughout the match but vary depending on the tactical context and specific field position.
METHODOLOGY AND MAIN FINDINGS
The study was conducted with youth players from Sevilla FC during two friendly matches, using the local positioning system (LPS) from Kinexon Sports. This system provided exceptional accuracy in tracking players and the ball, capturing real-time data on accelerations and decelerations. Key findings of the study include:
Variation in Acceleration and Deceleration: Significant differences in Ac and Dec patterns were observed between the first and second halves of the match, with a decrease in these values during the second half, particularly in the attacking phase. These results are consistent with previous research on fatigue accumulation during matches.
Influence of Position: Players in wing and full-back positions showed higher values of Ac and Dec, both in absolute terms and in the frequency of these actions, compared to other positions. This highlights the greater physical demand in these positions during the game.
Impact of Tactical Space Management: The study also highlighted how the management of tactical space (field width and depth) influenced Ac and Dec patterns, with more width in the first half and greater depth in the second half of the match.
RELEVANCE OF THE CONTRIBUTORS
The article is a notable example of collaboration between institutions and experts in the field of sports analysis:
- Sports Data Campus: This academic institution, affiliated with the Catholic University of Murcia, specializes in applied sports research and has contributed its expertise in sports data analysis. As an educational entity, it focuses on training and development in data analysis, using its findings to enhance sports strategies and decision-making.
- Kinexon Sports: This technology partner provided the local positioning system used in the study, known for its accuracy and real-time tracking capabilities.
- Sevilla FC: The football club, through its Innovation Center, facilitated player access and supported the study, integrating research with the club’s high-performance environment.
The study by Conde-Pipó and his collaborators represents a significant advance in understanding Ac and Dec patterns in elite youth football. The research not only provides valuable information for designing position-specific training and tactical contexts but also underscores the importance of using advanced technologies for detailed sports performance analysis. The results offer coaches and analysts key data to optimize player performance and reduce injury risk, contributing to development and success in high-level youth football.
In soccer, the analysis of high-intensity actions, such as accelerations (Ac) and decelerations (Dec), is fundamental to understand the physical and tactical performance of players. The article entitled “Investigating Acceleration and Deceleration Patterns in Elite Youth Football: The Interplay of Ball Possession and Tactical Behavior” was prepared and presented as the final project of the Master in Big Data in Sports at Sports Data Campus by Javier Conde Pipó, a student of the XI edition.
You can access the complete study here: ‘ANALYSIS OF ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION PATTERNS IN ELITE YOUTH FOOTBALL’
¡MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MSC DATA ANAYTICS IN FOOTBALL, HERE!
