Activity profile of young soccer players during actual match play

This study investigated the activity profile of young soccer players (mean age 11.8 +/- 0.6 years; N = 12) with the aim of providing information for the development of training strategies. Data for movements of each player were obtained using 2 cameras that aimed at the subject throughout the match (Play Controller, Phromos, Italy). Encoders transmitted camera movements to a computer. The collected signals were then converted into distances, times, and speed attained at arbitrarily selected match categories. Players were monitored during official 11 vs. 11 matches (N = 12), with each match consisting of 2 halves, each lasting 30 minutes played on a regular soccer pitch. Mean total match distance amounted to 6,175 +/- 318 m. During the second half, players covered 5.5% less distance (p > 0.05). At speeds between 13.1 and 18.0 km.h(-1), players covered 12% less distance during the second half (p < 0.05). Players stood still 11% of the total time played (3,789 +/- 109 seconds). At speeds faster than 18 km.h(-1), players performed 33 +/- 4 bouts during match play, with a mean time length of 2.3 +/- 0.6 seconds per bout. Mean time interval between two successive maximal sprint bouts was 118.5 +/- 20.5 seconds. Players stood still longer during the course of the second half (229 +/- 76 seconds vs. 173 +/- 61 seconds, p < 0.05). Players tended to play in small areas of the football pitch and spent 9% of the total match time at high intensity. In order to promote a more active space coverage of the young player, at least for the age considered in the present study, the dimensions of the football pitch and the number of players should be reduced.