ECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP34
INTRODUCTION: Visual exploration, or scanning, plays a crucial role in football, enabling players to assess their surroundings, anticipate, and make better decisions [1-3]. Despite its recognized importance, systematic research on effective training methods for developing this skill remains limited. This study employed a quasi-experimental design to examine changes in scanning behavior before and after a five-week training intervention. METHODS: A total of 36 U19 female football players (mean +/- SD age: 16.7 +/- 1.2 years) were recruited from two elite national league teams and two grassroots teams. Teams from each level were assigned to either a control or intervention group, with the latter completing 1-2 scanning-focused training sessions per week. These sessions contained exercise and game formats designed to implicitly promote scanning. To assess scanning behavior, 4v4 small-sided games were video recorded pre- and post-intervention. A scan was defined as an active head movement in which a players face was temporarily directed away from the ball [2]. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Tukey post-hoc test was conducted to assess time x group effects. RESULTS: The intervention group showed a significant increase in the mean number of scans from pre- to post-test, regardless of level (pre: 0.88 +/- 0.36, 95% CI [0.70; 1.07]; post: 1.44 +/- 0.52, 95% CI [1.17; 1.70]; p = 0.002). The control group also exhibited a slight increase, but the change was not statistically significant (pre: 0.61 +/- 0.27, 95% CI [0.49; 0.72]; post: 0.92 +/- 0.43, 95% CI [0.73; 1.10]; p = 0.068). Further analysis integrating level as an additional factor in the ANOVA revealed a significant time (pre-, post-) x level interaction (p = 0.038), indicating that elite and grassroots players responded differently to the intervention. Among elite players, those in the intervention group performed significantly more scans in the post-test compared to the control group (intervention: 1.72 +/- 0.39, 95% CI [1.48; 1.96]; control: 1.17 +/- 0.43, 95% CI [0.89, 1.45], p = 0.005). Additionally, elite players in the intervention group exhibited a significant increase in scanning behavior from pre- to post-test (p < 0.001), whereas no significant improvements were observed in grassroots intervention players. CONCLUSION: A five-week scanning-focused training intervention can significantly improve scanning behavior in young female football players. This intervention can serve as a practical coaching tool for integrating perceptual-cognitive training into on-field training programs. However, the effectiveness of the intervention appears to be more pronounced in elite players, suggesting that level may moderate its impact. Given the small sample size and dropouts during the study, results should be interpreted with caution, and further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and applicability across different levels of competition. REF: [1] Aksum et al., 2021 [2] Jordet et al., 2020 [3] Hintermann et al., 2024
Read CV Mirjam HintermannECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP34
INTRODUCTION: The relentless scheduling of football matches has become a growing concern for professionals, as it can drain players physical performance (1) and heighten their risk of injury (2, 3). Recognizing this, the Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO) has increasingly urged sporting organizations to heed players concerns and take meaningful action (4). This work delves into the impact of fixture congestion, examining how recovery time between matches and travel demands influence physical performance, while also identifying potential threshold limits to mitigate these negative effects. METHODS: Sixty-six elite football players were monitored over two competitive seasons using global navigation satellite systems (WIMU Pro, 10 Hz). Matches were classified based on recovery time (<72h, 72-120h, 121-168h, >168h) and accumulated travel distances in the previous 3, 5, and 7 days (0 km [home matches], 1-250 km, 251-1000 km, >1000 km). Playing positions and match sequences during congested periods were also considered. Locomotor metrics included total distance, distance covered at various speed ranges (14-20 km/h, 20-25 km/h, 25-30 km/h, >30 km/h), maximal velocity, maximal accelerations and decelerations, and the number of accelerations and decelerations between 2-3 m/s². A linear mixed model was applied to each physical variable to assess differences based on recovery intervals, travel distances, playing positions, and match sequences during congested fixtures. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Players performed more decelerations (2-3 m/s²) in matches with 121-168 hours of recovery compared to those with less than 72 hours (p=0.027). Matches with 72-120 hours of recovery and 251-1000 km of accumulated travel saw higher maximum velocities and greater distances covered at speeds above 30 km/h compared to matches with over 168 hours of recovery across various travel distances (0 km, 251-1000 km, >1000 km) (p<0.05). Central defenders and central midfielders exhibited the most significant variations in locomotor activity compared to other positions, though no consistent advantage was found between congested and non-congested fixtures. Crucially, locomotor performance declined noticeably after 3 (<72h) or 4 (<120h) consecutive matches. CONCLUSION: This work underscores the significant physical strain placed on players during congested fixtures, with notable declines in locomotor performance after 3 (<72h) or 4 (<120h) consecutive matches. The findings highlight the critical need for managing recovery periods to prevent fatigue accumulation and reduce injury risk. To minimize these risks, limiting players to no more than 3 matches with less than 72 hours of recovery, or 4 matches with less than 120 hours of recovery, is recommended as a potential threshold. "This work was funded by National Funds by FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology under the following project UID/04045: Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences, and Human Development”.
Read CV Hugo SilvaECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP34
INTRODUCTION: This study examines the influence of coaching styles on performance patterns in elite Italian mens football by comparing a possession-based “building-from-the-back” approach with a direct style. By analyzing tactical indicators such as ball possession, goal-scoring opportunities, and match outcomes, it underscores the pivotal role of coaches in shaping these styles [1]. Particular attention is paid to the evolving role of goalkeepers in developing offensive phases, as well as to the broader impact of playing style on team success in Italy’s Serie A. METHODS: Observational data were gathered from all 380 games of the 2022-2023 “Serie A” season through publicly available data sources. Teams were sorted based on their preferred style of play by examining the distribution patterns of goalkeepers. Those who preferred short passes were grouped under the build-up play approach (Group 1), and those who used long clearances were grouped under the direct style (Group 2) [2]. Statistical tests applied included Welchs t-test to compare group means, Logistic regression was also applied to estimate the impact of playing style on qualification to major European competitions. RESULTS: Teams using the "building-from-the-back" strategy achieved superior results across multiple metrics: higher average points (63.8±14.4 vs. 40.2±14.1, p < 0.002), more goals scored (57.3±10.5 vs. 40.1±12.5), and fewer goals conceded (42.4±10.4 vs. 55.0±10.9). Offensive efficiency was also greater, with increased total shots, shot-creating actions, and goal-scoring actions. Ball possession was significantly higher in Group 1 (53.05±4.35% vs. 46.95±5.00%), demonstrating enhanced control over match tempo [3]. Logistic regression analysis indicated that possession-based teams were 13.5 times more likely to qualify for European competitions, although confidence intervals suggest further validation is needed. CONCLUSION: While results indicate that possession-based strategies correlate with better performance, the observational nature of this study prevents causal inferences. Tactical decisions made by coaches, particularly in adapting styles to match situations and player capabilities, are crucial in determining success. These findings reinforce the importance of structured coaching methodologies that enhance technical and decision-making abilities within specific tactical frameworks. This study contributes to the discourse on coaching effectiveness, offering empirical evidence for strategic development in elite football. Future research should incorporate longitudinal analyses or experimental interventions to establish causality between playing style and performance outcomes. References: 1. Sarmento, H. et Al., 2018. 2. Wang, S. H. et Al., 2022. 3. Casal, C. A., et Al., 2017.
Read CV Bruno RuscelloECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP34