Team and individual technical and tactical, and time motion parameters in professional Serie A soccer official matches

Abstract

Several studies have been separately focused on technical and tactical, and time motion indicators in soccer performance. However, literature is limited in providing analyses able to combine these two types of parameters.

Objectives: The present project aimed at combining technical and tactical, and time motion parameters of Italian Serie A players.

Methods: Serie A team information (e.g., game period and associated current score, outcome of match) have been recorded to categorize single players’ match performance parameters. Statistical analyses have been applied to analyse differences between roles and correlate time-motion and technical and tactical indicators within single roles, even according match outcomes and phase of advantage/disadvantage. In addition, the soccer players’ profile has been also considered in relation to related factors: match location (home vs away teams), ranking categories of opponent teams (Serie A top level, higher level, lower level), and margin of victory (winning and losing match with >1 or only 1 goal of difference, and draw matches).

Conclusions: A series of successful players’ Serie A soccer performance profile, especially considering the different characterizations of the matches emerged, thus encouraging coaches and physical trainers to promote individualized training sessions.