The Effect of High-Intensity Accelerations and Decelerations on Match Outcome of an Elite English League Two Football Team

David Rhodes, Stephen Valassakis, Lukasz Bortnik, Richard Eaves, Damian Harper and Jill Alexander
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David Rhodes: Football Performance Hub, Institute of Coaching and Performance (ICaP), School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
Stephen Valassakis: Sport, Nutrition and Clinical Sciences, School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
Lukasz Bortnik: Football Performance Hub, Institute of Coaching and Performance (ICaP), School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
Richard Eaves: Sport, Nutrition and Clinical Sciences, School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
Damian Harper: Football Performance Hub, Institute of Coaching and Performance (ICaP), School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
Jill Alexander: Football Performance Hub, Institute of Coaching and Performance (ICaP), School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 18, 1-10

Abstract: Objectives: Previous research has highlighted the frequency of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations in elite football. The influence of these actions on match performance outcomes has not been established. The aim of the present study was to identify the influence of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations on match performance outcomes (i.e., win, draw, lost). Comparisons were also made between team and positional high-intensity accelerations and decelerations recorded within the games. Methods: 26 elite outfield footballers from an elite English Football League (EFL) Two team completed the present study. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology was utilised to quantify high-intensity accelerations and decelerations during 45 games in a competitive season. Magnitude analysis and the effects of results, positions and fixture periods were observed. Results: Significant effects of results, periods and positions were observed ( p ? 0.05), with the highest outputs observed in games won. Positionally, fullbacks and centre forwards in a 4–3–3 formation exhibited the greatest frequency of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations. Very large differences were observed between the frequency of high-intensity decelerations compared to accelerations in games won (g = 2.37), drawn (g = 2.99) and lost (g = 3.59). The highest team frequencies of high-intensity accelerations ( n = 3330) and decelerations ( n = 6482) were completed in games won. Conclusions: The frequency of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations has a significant impact on match performance outcomes in an elite English League Two football team. Consideration needs to be given to specific conditioning and recovery strategies to optimise high-intensity acceleration and deceleration performance in games. Caution should be taken as these findings are representative of one team within the EFL.

Keywords: soccer; conditioning; high velocity actions; performance; injury risk reduction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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