Physical performance and loading for six playing positions in elite female football: full‐game, end‐game, and peak periods

• DOI: 10.1111/sms.13877
• Publication Date: 2021-03-22T07:24:40Z
• Authors: Jeppe Panduro; Georgios Ermidis; Line Røddik; Jeppe F. Vigh‐Larsen; Esben Elholm Madsen; Malte Nejst Larsen; Svein Arne Pettersen; Peter Krustrup; Morten B. Randers
• Keywords: Match play; Football players; Elite

The present study investigated the position-specific match demands and heart rate response of female elite footballers, with special focus on full-game, end-game, peak-intensity periods. In total, 217 observations were performed in 94 players from all eight teams best Danish Women's League, that is, goalkeepers (GK, n = 10), central defenders (CD, 23), full-backs (FB, 18), midfielders (CM, 28), external (EM, forwards (FW, 11). Positional data (GPS; 10 Hz Polar Team Pro) HR responses collected. HRmean HRpeak 87%-89% 98%-99% HRmax , for outfield players, no positional differences. CM, EM, FB covered 8%-14% greater (P < .001) distances than CD. FW, FB, CM 40%-64% more .05) high-speed running 41%-95% .01) very-high-speed (VHSR) From first to last 15-minute period, total distance, except number VHSR, peak speed sum accelerations decelerations decreased positions. most intense 5-minute 25%-34% HSR CD, whereas 36%-49% VHSR conclusion, competitive matches impose high physical playing positions, aerobic loading throughout marked declines toward end games. Overall are much lower other albeit this difference is minimized