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

Comments

No poster file

Share

COinS
 
Apr 24th, 2:00 PM Apr 24th, 3:00 PM

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.