Positional Differences In GPS Derived Game Distance Metrics In Female Collegiate Soccer Players
Presenter(s)
Lillian Brinkman and Miyako Deloney
Abstract
PURPOSE: Monitoring positional differences in external load can be a key component of enhancing training programs and optimizing athlete performance. Specifically, load monitoring can be utilized to establish baselines, track performance, and aid both training staff and athletes in making educated and informed decisions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify and compare external loads of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II (DII) Women's Soccer players during 16 in-season competitions.
METHODS: Twenty-one NCAA DII female soccer players were tracked throughout the fall 2024 season using a Global Positioning System (GPS) with a sampling frequency of 10 Hertz. Metrics to quantify external load included: total distance (TD), average total distance (ATD), total sprint distance (TSP), average sprint distance (ASD), and average distance per minute (ADM). Descriptive statistics for each group were calculated, and a Kruskal-Wallis h-test was run in SPSS. Significance was denoted with a p-value of p<0.05.
RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between positional groups for TD, ATD, TSD, ASD, or ADM (p>0.05). Means and standard deviations for each metric included: TD defenders (D) 162,273.7 ± 35,887.4 yards (yd), midfielders (M) 127,835.6 ± 43,370.7 yd, forwards (F) 119,549.7 ± 26,070.9 yd; ATD D 10,958.8 ± 2,340.7 yd, M 9,158.3 ± 2,650.8 yd, F 8,685.6 ± 1,609.3 yd; TSD D 5,491.1 ± 976 yd, M 3,916.8 ± 1,909.2 yd, F 6,231.9 ± 2,300.3 yd; ASD D 370.9 ± 63.1 yd, M 289 ± 131.1 yd, F 451.3 ± 129.9 yd; ADM D 64.1 ± 15.4 yards per minute (yd/min), M 53.5 ± 17.2 yd/min, F 52.9 ± 10.2 yd/min.
CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found in GPS-derived game distance metrics between the soccer positions. The large difference between means may indicate an advantage in individualization of programs between positions. Differences in external loads should be considered when planning player conditioning.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Health, Exercise & Rehabilitative Sciences
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Becky Heinert
Start Date
4-24-2025 2:00 PM
End Date
4-24-2025 3:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2b=2pm-3pm
Poster Number
8
Positional Differences In GPS Derived Game Distance Metrics In Female Collegiate Soccer Players
PURPOSE: Monitoring positional differences in external load can be a key component of enhancing training programs and optimizing athlete performance. Specifically, load monitoring can be utilized to establish baselines, track performance, and aid both training staff and athletes in making educated and informed decisions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify and compare external loads of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II (DII) Women's Soccer players during 16 in-season competitions.
METHODS: Twenty-one NCAA DII female soccer players were tracked throughout the fall 2024 season using a Global Positioning System (GPS) with a sampling frequency of 10 Hertz. Metrics to quantify external load included: total distance (TD), average total distance (ATD), total sprint distance (TSP), average sprint distance (ASD), and average distance per minute (ADM). Descriptive statistics for each group were calculated, and a Kruskal-Wallis h-test was run in SPSS. Significance was denoted with a p-value of p<0.05.
RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between positional groups for TD, ATD, TSD, ASD, or ADM (p>0.05). Means and standard deviations for each metric included: TD defenders (D) 162,273.7 ± 35,887.4 yards (yd), midfielders (M) 127,835.6 ± 43,370.7 yd, forwards (F) 119,549.7 ± 26,070.9 yd; ATD D 10,958.8 ± 2,340.7 yd, M 9,158.3 ± 2,650.8 yd, F 8,685.6 ± 1,609.3 yd; TSD D 5,491.1 ± 976 yd, M 3,916.8 ± 1,909.2 yd, F 6,231.9 ± 2,300.3 yd; ASD D 370.9 ± 63.1 yd, M 289 ± 131.1 yd, F 451.3 ± 129.9 yd; ADM D 64.1 ± 15.4 yards per minute (yd/min), M 53.5 ± 17.2 yd/min, F 52.9 ± 10.2 yd/min.
CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found in GPS-derived game distance metrics between the soccer positions. The large difference between means may indicate an advantage in individualization of programs between positions. Differences in external loads should be considered when planning player conditioning.
Comments
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