Effect of formation,ball in play and ball possession on peak demands in elite soccer

This study examined the most demanding passages of match play (MDP) and the effects of playing formation, ball-in-play (BiP) time and ball possession on the 1-min peak (1-min_peak) demand in elite soccer. During 18 official matches, 305 individual samples from 223 Italian Serie A soccer players were collected. MDP and 1-min_peak were calculated across playing position (central defenders, wide defenders, central midfielders, wide midfielders, wide forwards and forwards). Maximum relative (m·min^-1) total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), very high-speed running (VHSR), sprint (SPR), acceleration/deceleration (Acc/Dec), estimated metabolic power (P_met) and high-metabolic load (HML) distance were calculated across different durations (1–5, 10, 90 min) using a rolling method. Additionally, 1-min_peak demand was compared across playing formation (3-4-1-2, 3-4-2-1, 3-5-2, 4-3-3, 4-4-2), BiP and ball/no-ball possession cycles. MDP showed large to verylarge [effect-size (ES): 1.20/4.06] differences between 1-min_peak vs all durations for each parameter. In 1-min_peak, central midfielders and wide midfielders achieved greater TD and HSR (ES:0.43/1.13) while wide midfielders and wide forwards showed greater SPR and Acc/Dec (ES:0.30/1.15) than other positions. For VHSR, SPR and Acc/Dec 1-min_peak showed fourfold higher locomotor requirements than 90-min. 1-min_peak for Acc/Dec was highest in 4-3-3 for forwards, central and wide midfielders. 1-min_Peak was lower during peak BiP (BiP_peak) for HSR, VHSR and Acc/Dec (ES: -2.57/-1.42). Comparing with vs without ball possession, BiP_peak was greater (ES: 0.06/1.48) in forwards and wide forwards and lower (ES: -2.12/-0.07) in central defenders and wide defenders. Positional differences in MDP, 1-min_peak and BiP_peak were observed. Soccer-specific drills should account for positional differences when conditioning players for the peak demands. This may help practitioners to bridge the training/match gap.     

Physical fitness of elite Belgian soccer players by player position

The purpose of this study was to gain an insight into the physical and physiological profile of elite Belgian soccer players with specific regard to the player's position on the field. The sample consisted of 289 adult players from 6 different first division teams. The players were divided into 5 subgroups (goalkeepers, center backs, full backs, midfielders, and strikers) according to their self-reported best position on the field. The subjects performed anaerobic (10-m sprint, 5 × 10-m shuttle run [SR], squat jump [SJ], and countermovement jump [CMJ]) and aerobic (incremental running protocol) laboratory tests. The strikers had significantly shorter sprinting times (5-, 5- to 10-m time, and SR) compared with the midfielders, center backs, and goalkeepers, whereas the full backs were also significantly faster compared with the goalkeepers and the center backs. The goalkeepers and the center backs displayed higher jumping heights (total mean SJ = 40.7 ± 4.6 cm and CMJ = 43.1 ± 4.9 cm) compared with the other 3 positions, whereas the strikers also jumped higher than the full backs and the midfielders did. Regarding the aerobic performance, both full backs and the midfielders (61.2 ± 2.7 and 60.4 ± 2.8 ml · min(-1) · kg(-1), respectively) had a higher VO2max compared with the strikers, center backs, and goalkeepers (56.8 ± 3.1, 55.6 ± 3.5, and 52.1 ± 5.0 ml · min(-1) · kg(-1), respectively). From this study, it could be concluded that players in different positions have different physiological characteristics. The results of this study might provide useful insights for individualized conditional training programs for soccer players. Aside from the predominant technical and tactical skills, a physical profile that is well adjusted to the position on the field might enhance game performance.     

Analysis of motor activities of professional soccer players

The objective of this study was to determine the distance covered by professional soccer players during matches with the use of the computerized match analysis system Amisco Pro? (version 1.0.2, Nice, France). Kinematic examination included the specification of the distance covered by 31 players participating in 4 matches in the Union of European Football Association Cup competitions during the 2008-2009 season. Data were analyzed based on players' positions on the pitch, changes in the players' motor activity intensity level, and match period (first or second half). The results of statistical analysis revealed that the average total distance covered by all players (n = 31) was 11,288 ± 734 m. With respect to the player's position on the pitch, the midfielders traveled the longest average distance (11,770 ± 554 m) during the game. This was 3% longer than the distance achieved by the attackers at 11,377 ± 584 m, and 7% longer than that achieved by the defenders 10,932 ± 728 m. The analysis of physical loads on soccer players during a match is highly useful for training individualization. It provides a tool for effective planning and for recording the loads on players, which is an indispensable element of modern coaching.     

Match running performance and exercise intensity in elite female Rugby Sevens

The purpose of this study was to describe the match-play demands of professional female rugby players competing in Rugby Sevens (Rugby 7's) matches. Time-motion analyses (global position system) were performed on 12 elite female rugby players during 5 competitive matches in a 2-day international tournament. Data revealed that players covered an average distance of 1,556.2 ± 189.3 m per game (14 minutes). Over this distance, 29.7% (462.6 ± 94.6 m) was spent standing and walking, 33.2% (515.9 ± 88.6 m) jogging, 11.6% (181.0 ± 61.4 m) cruising, 16.4% (255.7 ± 88.3 m) striding, 3.7% (57.1 ± 40.8 m) high-intensity running, and 5.4% (84.0 ± 64.8 m) sprinting. The average maximal distance of sprints, number of sprints, minimum distance of sprint, and mean sprint distance over the game were as follows: 25.8 ± 16.1 m, 5.3 ± 3.2 sprints, 6.5 ± 2.0 m, and 17.2 ± 8.8 m, respectively. The players' work-to-rest ratio was 1:0.4. For over 75% of the game, the players were exposed to heart rates (HRs) >80% of their maximal HR. There were no statistical differences between the first and second halves in any of the variables analyzed. This study suggests that the physical demands of Rugby 7's are quite different from those reported in other rugby codes. For players and teams to remain competitive in female Rugby Sevens, coaching, conditioning, and physical fitness testing should reflect these current demands.     

Match activities of elite women soccer players at different performance levels

We sought to study the physical demands and match performance of women soccer players. Nineteen top-class and 15 high-level players were individually videotaped in competitive matches, and time-motion analysis were performed. The players changed locomotor activity >1,300 times in a game corresponding to every ~4 seconds and covered 9-11 km in total. The top-class players ran 28% longer (P < 0.05) at high intensities than high-level players (1.68 +/- 0.09 and 1.33 +/- 0.10 km, respectively) and sprinted 24% longer (P < 0.05). The top-class group had a decrease (P < 0.05) of 25-57% in high intensity running in the final 15 minutes compared with the first four 15-minutes intervals, whereas the high-level group performed less (P < 0.05) high-intensity running in the last 15 minutes of each half in comparison with the 2 previous 15-minute periods in the respective half. Peak distance covered by high intensity running in a 5-minute interval was 33% longer (P < 0.05) for the top-class players than the high-level players. In the following 5 minutes immediately after the peak interval top-class players covered 17% less (P < 0.05) high-intensity running than the game average. Defenders performed fewer (P < 0.05) intervals of high-intensity running than midfielders and attackers, as well as fewer (P < 0.05) sprints than the attackers. In conclusion, for women soccer players (1) top-class international players perform more intervals of high-intensity running than elite players at a lower level, (2) fatigue develops temporarily during and towards the end of a game, and (3) defenders have lower work rates than midfielders and attackers. The difference in high-intensity running between the 2 levels demonstrates the importance of intense intermittent exercise for match performance in women soccer. Thus, these aspects should be trained intensively in women soccer.     

Under-exposure to official matches is associated with muscle injury incidence in professional footballers

External workload from matches is considered one of the most important muscle injury risk factors for football teams. However, there is scarce published evidence to support this belief. This study examined whether a particular profile of external match workload existed prior to a muscle injury. A total of 144 professional football players belonging to 2 teams were monitored over three seasons. For each muscle injury, a profile of external workload variables was determined for 5 to 8 games and expressed as: time playing exposure, total distance (TD) covered and high-speed running (HSR) covered. In addition, acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) was calculated. Sixty players (41.6%) reported a total of 86 muscle injuries during the three seasons. Muscle injuries occurred principally in matches (79.1%), the hamstring being the most affected muscle (44.1%). Injured players displayed substantially lower accumulated exposure time (ES = 0.45), TD (ES = 0.45) and HSR (ES = 0.39) in comparison with uninjured players in the last 5 games prior to injury. Compared to the uninjured players, ACWR for exposure (ES = -0.29/0.02) and running load (ES = -0.24/0.00) did not differ between match 5 and 2 prior to the injury, although uninjured players displayed a substantially greater ACWR in all 3 variables (ES = 0.31/0.35) than injured players in match 1 prior to the injury. Lower playing exposure (minutes played) and associated reduced running distances (TD and HSR) were observed in injured football players. Being under-loaded in official games could be a mediator for muscle injury in this cohort of elite football players.     

Relation between total body load and session rating of perceived exertion in professional soccer players

The aims of this study were to assess (a) the validity of total body load (TBL)-obtained from the global position system (GPS) devices-to quantify soccer training load, assessing its relationship with session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) and (b) to analyze the differences in terms of TBL and session-RPE among defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Twenty-two professional soccer players (Spanish first division, season 2007-2008; 26.74 ± 4.2 years; height 179.74 ± 4.04 cm; weight 73.7 ± 3.35 kg) participated in the study. During 13 training sessions composed predominantly of small-sided games, TBL and RPE multiplied by the minutes of session duration were determined using GPS and the 21-point scale, respectively. In each session, data from 10 players randomly selected and classified according to player position (defenders, midfielders, and forwards) were collected. Although session-RPE was a significant predictor of TBL (β = 0.23, p < 0.05), this method only accounted for 5% of the variance in TBL. No significant differences in terms of TBL and session-RPE were found regarding player position. The results of this study suggest that TBL is not a valid measure to quantify training load because it is not strongly correlated with session-RPE. Furthermore, TBL and session-RPE in small-sided soccer games do not vary according to player positions.     

Match analysis of elite adolescent team handball players

The purposes of this study were to examine the activity profile of elite adolescent players during regular team handball games and to compare the physical and motor performance of players between the first and second halves of a match. Activity patterns (video analysis) and heart-rate (HR) responses (telemetry) were monitored in top national-division adolescent players (18 men, aged 15.1 ± 0.6 years) throughout 6 regulation games (25-minute halves with a 10-minute interval). The total distance covered averaged 1,777 ± 264 m per game (7.4% less in the second than in the first half, p > 0.05). Players ran 170 ± 24 m at high intensity and 86 ± 12 m at maximal speed, with 32 ± 6 bouts of running (duration 2.3 ± 0.3 seconds) at speeds > 18 km·h(-1); they stood still for 16% of the playing time. The mean HR during play was 172 ± 2 b·min(-1) (82 ± 3% of maximal HR). Blood lactate concentrations at the end of the first and second halves were 9.7 ± 1.1 and 8.3 ± 0.9 mmol·L(-1), respectively (difference p < 0.05). We conclude that adolescent handball players cover less distance and engage in fewer technical actions in the second half of a match. This indicates that team handball is physiologically very demanding. The practical implication is that coaches should seek to sustain performance in the second period of a game by modifying playing tactics and maximizing both aerobic and anaerobic fitness during training sessions.     

Running demands and heart rate responses in men rugby sevens

ABSTRACT: Suarez-Arrones, LJ, Nu?ez, FJ, Portillo, J, and Mendez-Villanueva, A. Running demands and heart rate responses in men rugby sevens. J Strength Cond Res 26(11): 3155-3159, 2012-The purpose of this study was to examine match running performance and exercise intensity in a Rugby Sevens (7s) team during competitive club-level matches. Time-motion analyses (global position system) were performed on 7 male rugby players during 5 competitive matches in a 2-day tournament. The players covered an average distance of 1,580.8 ± 146.3 m per game (14 minutes). Over this distance, 34.8% (549.7 ± 79.1 m) was spent standing and walking, 26.2% (414.8 ± 105.1 m) jogging, 9.8% (154.6 ± 53.5 m) cruising, 15.5% (244.5 ± 80.1 m) striding, 5% (79.5 ± 37.2 m) high-intensity running, and 8.7% (137.7 ± 84.9 m) sprinting. The average maximal distance of sprints, the number of sprints, the minimum distance of sprint, and the mean sprint distance over the game were 29.5 ± 11.7 m, 7.4 ± 3.9 sprints, 9.1 ± 5.7 m, and 18 ± 7.6 m, respectively. The player's work-to-rest ratio was 1:0.5. For over 75% of the game, the players were exposed to heart rates (HRs) >80% of their maximal HR. There were no statistical differences between the first and second halves in any of the variables analyzed. This study indicates that the physical demands of Rugby 7s are quite different from those encountered in other rugby codes and that the training regimes need to meet the increased overall running demands, the augmented high-intensity running actions, and the reduced work-to-rest ratios.     

The interchangeability of global positioning system and semiautomated video-based performance data during elite soccer match play

In elite-level soccer, player motion characteristics are commonly generated from match play and training situations using semiautomated video analysis systems and global positioning system (GPS) technology, respectively. Before such data are used collectively to quantify global player load, it is necessary to understand both the level of agreement and direction of bias between the systems so that specific interventions can be made based on the reported results. The aim of this report was to compare data derived from both systems for physical match performances. Six elite-level soccer players were analyzed during a competitive match using semiautomated video analysis (ProZone? [PZ]) and GPS (MinimaxX) simultaneously. Total distances (TDs), high speed running (HSR), very high speed running (VHSR), sprinting distance (SPR), and high-intensity running distance (HIR; >4.0 m·s(-1)) were reported in 15-minute match periods. The GPS reported higher values than PZ did for TD (GPS: 1,755.4 ± 245.4 m; PZ: 1,631.3 ± 239.5 m; p < 0.05); PZ reported higher values for SPR and HIR than GPS did (SPR: PZ, 34.1 ± 24.0 m; GPS: 20.3 ± 15.8 m; HIR: PZ, 368.1 ± 129.8 m; GPS: 317.0 ± 92.5 m; p < 0.05). Caution should be exercised when using match-load (PZ) and training-load (GPS) data interchangeably.     

Accelerometry-based variables in professional soccer players: comparisons between periods of the season and playing positions

The aim of this study was to provide reference data of variation in external training loads for weekly periods within the annual season. Specifically, we aimed to compare the weekly acute load, monotony, and training strain of accelerometry-based measures across a professional soccer season (pre-season, first and second halves of the season) according to players’ positions. Nineteen professional players were monitored daily for 45 weeks using an 18-Hz global positioning system to obtain measures of high metabolic load distance (HMLD), impacts, and high intensity accelerations and decelerations. Workload indices of acute load, training monotony, and training strain were calculated weekly for each of the measures. The HMLD had greater training strain values in the pre-season than in the first (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.793) and second halves of the season (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.858). Comparisons between playing positions showed that midfielders had the highest weekly acute load of HMLD (6901 arbitrary units [AU]), while central defenders had the lowest (4986 AU). The pre-season period was associated with the highest acute and strain load of HMLD and number of impacts, with a progressive decrease seen during the season. In conclusion, coaches should consider paying greater attention to variations in HMLD and impacts between periods of the season and between players to individualize training accordingly.     

Predicting ratings of perceived exertion in youth soccer using decision tree models

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of white-box decision tree models (DTM) for predicting the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The second aim was to examine the relationship between RPE and external measures of intensity in youth soccer training at the group and individual level. Training load data from 18 youth soccer players were collected during an in-season competition period. A total of 804 training observations were undertaken, with a total of 43 ± 17 sessions per player (range 12–76). External measures of intensity were determined using a 10 Hz GPS and included total distance (TD, m/min), high-speed running distance (HSR, m/min), PlayerLoad (PL, n/min), impacts (n/min), distance in acceleration/deceleration (TD ACC/TD DEC, m/min) and the number of accelerations/decelerations (ACC/DEC, n/min). Data were analysed with decision tree models. Global and individualized models were constructed. Aggregated importance revealed HSR as the strongest predictor of RPE with relative importance of 0.61. HSR was the most important factor in predicting RPE for half of the players. The prediction error (root mean square error [RMSE] 0.755 ± 0.014) for the individualized models was lower compared to the population model (RMSE 1.621 ± 0.001). The findings demonstrate that individual models should be used for the assessment of players’ response to external load. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that DTM provide straightforward interpretation, with the possibility of visualization. This method can be used to prescribe daily training loads on the basis of predicted, desired player responses (exertion).     

Evaluating sprinting ability, density of acceleration, and speed dribbling ability of professional soccer players with respect to their positions

The aim of this study is to evaluate sprinting ability, density of acceleration, and speed dribbling ability of professional soccer players with respect to their positions.A total of 243 professional soccer players were examined. These soccer players are playing in different leagues of Turkey. The F-MARC test battery, which was designed by FIFA, was used for soccer players. We did not find any statistical differences for 30-m sprint test and four-line sprint test values with respect to positions of soccer players (p > 0.05). On the other hand, there was a statistical difference for speed dribbling test values in terms of positions of soccer players (p < 0.05). It was found that the test values of defense players, midfielders, and forwards were better than the test values of goalkeepers (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study, which was done during the training season, shows that there is a similarity between the abilities of professional soccer players for 30-m sprint and four-line sprint tests. Therefore, it is believed that there must be fast players in all positions in terms of sprint ability. There is a similarity among defenders, midfielders, and forwards in terms of speed dribbling ability; in contrast, the speed dribbling ability of goal keepers is different from the players in those three positions. Although there are many more speed dribbling exercises within the training programs of defenders, midfielders, and forwards, the speed dribbling ability test is not used much for goal keepers. Correspondingly, speed dribbling ability is not a specific indicator for goal keepers, and this test should not be used for the choice of goalkeepers.     

Aerobic capacities and anthropometric characteristics of elite female soccer players

Ingebrigtsen, J, Dillern, T, and Shalfawi, SAI. Aerobic capacities and anthropometric characteristics of elite female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3352-3357, 2011-This study investigated aerobic capacities and anthropometric characteristics within a group of 29 elite female soccer players. The purpose was to identify and establish aerobic capacities and anthropometric characteristics for these players and to look for possible positional differences between keepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers. We did this by measuring standard anthropometrical variables and maximal oxygen (VO(2)max) and anaerobic threshold (AT). One-way analysis of variance revealed no significant differences among anthropometric or physiological variables. However, a trend (p = 0.062) toward positional differences was found within running speed at AT. A subsequent Tukey post hoc test showed differences (p = 0.04) between keepers and defenders, with the latter running faster (～1.7 km·h) at AT. The present results suggest that few anthropometric and physiological differences exist between playing positions in elite female soccer players. Furthermore, the current results indicate that present elite players' physiological characteristics are similar to those previously shown, despite the rapid changes of the female soccer game. Based on well-established knowledge that different playing positions within a soccer team ought to have distinct capacities, we recommend regular testing programs to be able to construct and implement tailored training programs for players' physical capacities with respect to the demands of their playing positions.     

Comparison of two aerobic field tests in young tennis players

ABSTRACT: Fargeas-Gluck, M-A and Léger, LA. Comparison of two aerobic field tests in young tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 26(11): 3036-3042, 2012-This study compares the maximal responses of a new aerobic tennis field test, the NAVTEN to a known aerobic field test, often used with young tennis players, that is, the continuous multistage 20-m shuttle run test (20-m SRT). The NAVTEN is an intermittent (1-minute/1-minute) multistage test with side-to-side displacements and ball hitting. Ten young elite tennis players aged 12.9 ± 0.3 (mean ± SD) randomly performed both tests and were continuously monitored for heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2) using the Vmax ST (Sensormedics). The 20-m SRT and NAVTEN show similar HRpeak (202 ± 6.1 vs. 208 ± 9.5, respectively) and V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (54.2 ± 5.9 vs. 54.9 ± 6.0 ml·kg·min). Pearson correlations between both tests were 0.88 and 0.92 for V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and maximal speed, respectively. The NAVTEN yielded V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak values that are typical for active subjects of that age and are similar to the 20-m SRT supporting its use to measure aerobic fitness of young tennis players in specific and entertaining field conditions. The fact that two-thirds of the tennis players achieved a different ranking (±1 rank) with the NAVTEN and the 20-m SRT suggests that the NAVTEN may be more specific than the 20-m SRT to assess aerobic fitness of tennis players. From a practical point of view, the NAVTEN test is more specific and pedagogical for young tennis players even though both tests yield similar maximal values.     

Heart rate responses and technical comparison between small- vs. large-sided games in elite professional soccer

This study aims to examine the difference in heart rate (HR) responses and technical activities placed upon European elite players when exposed to 2-sided games differing in the number of players and playing area. Fifteen male soccer players from a Scottish Premier League team (26.3 ± 4.85 years, 182.4 ± 6.99 cm, 79.5 ± 8.05 kg, VO2max of 54.36 ± 5.45 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)) performed both small (3 vs. 3 plus goalkeepers) and large (9 vs. 9 plus goalkeepers) sided games each lasting for 3 × 5 minutes interspersed with 4-minute passive recovery during the 2009-2010 season. The HR responses and players' technical actions were recorded throughout all sided games. Results show that small-sided games (SSG) induced significantly (p < 0.05, large effect) higher HR responses as compared to large-sided games. Furthermore, during SSGs, players spent significantly longer time in the >85% maximal HR zone (p < 0.05, large effect) as compared to large-sided games. Technical analysis revealed a large practical difference (effect size ranged from 1.5 to 21.2) between small- and large-sided games: less number of blocks, headers, interceptions, passes, and receives but more dribbles, shots, and tackles in SSG. Furthermore, SSG induced significantly lesser total ball contacts per game (p < 0.05, large effect) but significantly greater ball contacts per individual (p < 0.05, large effect) when compared to larger-sided games. The different technical requirements also enable coaches to carry out training games more suitable to specific playing positions such as SSG for midfielders (more dribbles, tackles, and ball contacts per player) strikers (more shots), and large-sided games for defender (more blocks, headers, and interceptions).     

Most running demand passages of match play in youth soccer congestion period

The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a decrease in the physical performance of the players in the most demanding passages (MDP) during periods of competition congestion. The study involved 15 under-19 players, belonging to a club in Spain’s first division (age: 18.1 ± 0.8 years, weight: 70.2 ± 4.9 kg and height: 1.78 ± 0.06 m), who were monitored during 23 national and international official matches in the 2018/19 season. The Youth League matches were played between two matches in the national championship in six different weeks. The league matches corresponded to the first 17 matches of the league championship, the period in which the 6 matches in the Youth League were played. The two physical variables analysed were total distance (TD) and distance at > 21 km·h^-1 (TD21). Using the rolling average, four time windows were taken (1, 3, 5 and 10 min), and the values were relativized to the minute (m·min^-1). The main results were that: there were more MDP in the first halves than in the second halves of all the time windows; 2) the central match in the week (Youth League) was the most demanding one; and 3) the players maintained the TD and TD21 in the MDP in the third match compared to the first. The results of this study could provide trainers with information on the need to design training tasks that simulate the demands of competition in relation to the TD and the TD21 according to different time windows.     

The effects of enforced, rapid deceleration on performance in a multiple sprint test

The nature of multiple sprint sports such as soccer, hockey, and rugby is such that deceleration plays an important part in the movement patterns of players during a game and training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of deceleration on fatigue during repeated sprint efforts. A group of 18 elite field hockey players (all men) performed a running repeated sprint ability test (6 x 40 m using maximal effort and departing every 30 seconds). In one condition, there was no deceleration zone, and in the second condition, the test had a deceleration component (rapid deceleration to a stop within 6 m of the end of each sprint). Sprint times under each condition were compared using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. No significant difference was seen between the 2 conditions for mean sprint times (p > 0.05) or for the mean fatigue index (p > 0.05). However, results showed a divergent trend, and further analysis extrapolating the data for an increased number of sprints showed that a significant difference (p < 0.05) would have been seen at the 11th sprint. Although this study found that the deceleration zone had little effect on the 6-sprint protocol, it was clear that the deceleration component would have shown an effect, giving rise to greater fatigue and slower sprint times, if the number of sprints had been increased. The implications are that deceleration training should be introduced into general fitness training programs for those competing in multiple sprint sports.