See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/272842663

Peak Match Speed and Maximal Sprinting Speed in Young Soccer Players: Effect
of Age and Playing Position

Article  in  International journal of sports physiology and performance · February 2015

DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2014-0539 · Source: PubMed

CITATIONS READS

59 3,662

5 authors, including:

Hani Al Haddad Martin Buchheit

QATAR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION Paris Saint Germain Football Club
28 PUBLICATIONS   1,559 CITATIONS    232 PUBLICATIONS   12,484 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Valter Di Salvo Alberto Mendez-Villanueva

Italian University of Sport and Movement "Foro Italico" Qatar Football Association
62 PUBLICATIONS   3,813 CITATIONS    158 PUBLICATIONS   6,865 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Performance optimization with rotary inertial systems View project

Footeval View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Hani Al Haddad on 06 March 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2015, 10, 888  -896
http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2014-0539
© 2015 Human Kinetics, Inc. Original Investigation

Peak Match Speed and Maximal Sprinting Speed in Young Soccer

Players: Effect of Age and Playing Position
Hani Al Haddad, Ben M. Simpson, Martin Buchheit, Valter Di Salvo, and Alberto Mendez-Villanueva

This study assessed the relationship between peak match speed (PMS) and maximal sprinting speed (MSS) in regard to age
and playing positions. MSS and absolute PMS (PMSAbs) were collected from 180 male youth soccer players (U13–U17, 15.0
± 1.2 y, 161.5 ± 9.2 cm, and 48.3 ± 8.7 kg). The fastest 10-m split over a 40-m sprint was used to determine MSS. PMSAbs was
recorded using a global positioning system and was also expressed as a percentage of MSS (PMSRel). Sprint data were compared
between age groups and between playing positions. Results showed that regardless of age and playing positions, faster players
were likely to reach higher PMSAbs and possibly lower PMSRel. Despite a lower PMSAbs than in older groups (eg, 23.4 ± 1.8 vs
26.8 ± 1.9 km/h for U13 and U17, respectively, ES = 1.9 90%, confidence limits [1.6;2.1]), younger players reached a greater
PMSRel (92.0% ± 6.3% vs. 87.2% ± 5.7% for U13 and U17, respectively, ES = –0.8 90% CL [–1.0;–0.5]). Playing position also
affected PMSAbs and PMSRel, as strikers were likely to reach higher PMSAbs (eg, 27.0 ± 2.7 vs 23.6 ± 2.2 km/h for strikers and
central midfielders, respectively, ES = 2.0 [1.7;2.2]) and PMSRel (eg, 93.6% ± 5.2% vs 85.3% ± 6.5% for strikers and central
midfielders, respectively, ES = 1.0 [0.7;1.3]) than all other positions. The findings confirm that age and playing position affect
the absolute and relative intensity of speed-related actions during matches.

Keywords: youth players, game demand, position-specific training, training prescription

In conjunction with other physical-fitness qualities believed to
be important for soccer match play (eg, aerobic fitness, explosive
strength), sprinting speed is a desirable attribute for successful
participation in the sport.1–3 Sprinting performance in soccer is
generally divided into 2 phases: the initial acceleration in the
first 5 to 10 m4 and the maximal sprinting speed likely reached
after 20 to 40 m.5,6 These 2 speed components generally have
to be considered independently, since high-speed efforts are not
always preceded by maximal accelerations.4,5 For example, the
occurrence of leading sprints (ie, sprints starting at relatively high
speeds and therefore associated with relatively low accelerations)
during match play has been reported to be substantially higher than
that of explosive sprints.5 Conversely, during matches, maximal
acceleration efforts do not always lead to high running speeds.4
Moreover, these 2 speed qualities (ie, acceleration and maximal
sprinting speed) are likely to be determined by different physiologi-
cal, biomechanical, and metabolic components, which suggests
that acceleration capacity and maximal sprinting speed may need
to be trained separately.6,7 During matches, professional players
can perform ~30 efforts above 25 km/h, reach top speeds >30
km/h,8–10 and attain >85% of their maximal sprinting speed with
an average maximal sprint distance of ~30 to 40 m/sprint.7,10 Thus,
while short sprints, and associated accelerations, are likely to occur
more often, the maximal speed component of sprints is believed
to be important from a performance,7 match-play-monitoring,11
and injury-prevention12 perspective.
Sprinting speed is age- and position-dependent in young
soccer players13–16 and likely to discriminate between competitive
standards (ie, U13–U18).15 It has been shown that older players
The authors are with the Football Performance and Science Dept, Aspire,
Academy for Sports Excellence, Doha, Qatar. Address author correspon-
dence to Hani Al Haddad at hani.alhaddad@aspire.qa.
are likely to reach greater speeds during soccer matches than their
younger counterparts.16 However, it is still unknown whether the
expression of these qualities during match play is age-dependent.
While younger players attain lower absolute peak speeds than their
older counterparts during matches, the presupposed lower tactical-
technical development and game understanding of younger players
might suggests that physical qualities (eg, speed) are more likely
to be taxed in younger age groups.11,16 Therefore, the expression of
maximal physical qualities such as maximal sprinting speed during
matches in youth soccer players remains unclear. Understanding
the absolute intensity of speed-related maximal efforts during
matches in different age groups can provide important informa-
tion to optimize the prescription and design of training programs
in developing players.
The tactical constraints associated with soccer match play
are likely to modulate the relationship between sprinting speed
(ie, an intrinsic physical quality determined via a field test) and
actual sprinting performance during matches.7 Despite this possible
modulation, faster players, as assessed via field testing, are likely
to reach greater absolute speeds during match play, suggesting
a direct impact of maximal sprinting speed on on-field physical
performance.7 However, the magnitude of this impact seems to be
playing-position-dependent.7 For example, while the faster wide
midfielders attained a peak match speed that was ~14% higher
than that of their slower counterparts, the faster central defender
reached a peak match speed that was only ~6% greater than that
of the slower central defenders.17 Moreover, peak match speed
was ~5% higher for the fastest wide midfielder than for the fast-
est central defender, despite both players having similar maximal
sprinting speed. However, to date, only 2 playing positions (central
defender and wide midfielder) have been examined,17 so the actual
effect of the other playing positions on maximal-sprinting-speed
expression during matches remains unknown. Thus, in extension
to our previous work,17 the aim of this study was to examine the

888

impact of playing position and age on the relationship between
peak match speed and maximal sprinting speed in highly trained
young soccer players.
Methods
Participants
Time–motion analysis of match running activity was analyzed in
180 highly trained young soccer players (height 161.5 ± 9.2 cm,
body mass 48.4 ± 8.7 kg, age 15.0 ± 1.2 y) from the same high-
performance soccer academy. Players were grouped depending
on their age group (U13 = 35, U14 = 44, U15 = 40, U16 = 37,
and U17 = 24) and then by playing position (wide defenders n
= 31), central defenders (n = 24), central midfielders (n = 30),
wide midfielders (n = 37), second strikers (n = 17), and strikers
(n = 16). All players completed a full medical screening before
the start of the competitive season. All participated on average
in ~8 training sessions of combined soccer-specific training
and competitive play per week (6–8 soccer-training sessions, 1
strength-training session, 1 or 2 conditioning sessions, 1 match
per week). All players had a minimum of 3 years soccer-specific
training. The study was approved by the local research ethics
committee and conformed to the recommendations of the Dec-
laration of Helsinki, and players and their parents provided their
informed consent.
Design
Time–motion analyses were performed 1 to 7 times on each outfield
player. Playing time was 2 × 35 minutes for U13 and U14 and 2
× 40 minutes for U15, U16, and U17. To avoid any confounding
results and change in playing position during the second half for
tactical requirements, only data from the first half were analyzed.
In total, 552 player files (n per age category: U13 = 86, U14 = 188,
U15 = 138, U16 = 80, and U17 = 60; data set per playing position:
wide defender = 116, central defender = 118, wide midfielder =
112, central midfielder = 102, second striker = 52, striker = 52)
were analyzed. Players within their age-category group and play-
ing position were then divided into 2 groups according to their
maximal-sprinting-speed performance (fastest and slowest) based
on a moderate standardized difference (ES) from the group average
(ie, 0.6 × between-groups SD). To account for the potentially con-
founding effect of growth and training on physical performance, the
assessment of maximal sprinting speed was repeated on 3 different
occasions (ie, October, February, and May) during a competitive
season, over 3 competitive seasons, on an indoor synthetic track
maintained at standard environmental conditions (22°C ± 0.5°C,
55% relative humidity). Thus, the testing results nearest in time to
the match of interest were employed for the subsequent analysis
in this study.
Methodology
Maximal Sprinting Speed.  Maximal sprinting speed was defined
as the fastest 10-m split time measured during a maximal 40-m
sprint (dual-beam electronic timing gates set at 10-m intervals,
Swift Performance Equipment, Lismore, Australia); times were
measured to the nearest 0.01 second.16 Players started each sprint
from a standing static position start with their front foot 0.5 m
behind the first timing gate and were instructed to sprint as fast as
possible over the 40-m distance. The players started when ready,
IJSPP Vol. 10, No. 7, 2015
Sprinting Speed in Soccer   889
thus eliminating reaction time, and completed 2 trials, with the best
performances used in the analysis.
Match Analysis.  All matches were played on identical 100 ×
70-m outdoor natural-grass fields with 11 players per side. Play-
ing time was 2 halves of 35 to 45 minutes each. Tactically, all
teams used a 4-to-4:1-to-1 formation, a variation of 4 to 4:2, with
1 of the strikers playing as a “second striker” slightly behind his
partner. Time–motion analysis of running activity was performed
using a global positioning system unit (GPS) with a sampling
frequency of 1 Hz (GPSport, Canberra, Australia). Good accuracy
(r = .97)18 and reliability (coefficients of variation = 1.7%18 and
2.3%19) have been reported for the assessment of peak running
speed using this GPS device. The highest speed attained during
the match (ie, absolute peak match speed; PMSAbs) was recorded
and was also expressed as a percentage of maximal sprinting speed
(PMSRel). Match analyses were performed from matches played
(from November to May) against international club teams over a
3-year period (2009–2011).
Statistical Analyses
Data in the text and tables are presented as mean ± SD and cor-
relations as means (90% confidence limit [CL]). Each variable
was examined with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test.
The magnitudes of the within/between-groups differences in the
performance variables were first expressed as standardized mean
differences (ES); threshold values for ES statistics were >0.2
(small), >0.6 (moderate), >0.8 (large), and >1.2 (very large).20
Confidence intervals (90%) for the (true) within/between-groups
differences were estimated.20 For within- and between-groups
comparisons, the chances that the (true) differences in perfor-
mance were greater than, similar to, or smaller than the smallest
practically important effect, or the smallest worthwhile difference
([0.2 multiplied by the between-subjects deviation, based on the
Cohen d principle]), were calculated. For further analysis, play-
ers were divided into 2 groups, fastest and slowest, based on a
moderate standardized difference (ES) (ie, 0.6 × between-groups
SD) from the group average. Quantitative chances of greater
or smaller differences than the smallest worthwhile difference
were assessed qualitatively as follows: 25% to 75%, possible;
75% to 95%, likely; 95% to 99%, very likely; and >99%, almost
certain. If the chances of having faster/higher or slower/lower
performances were both >5%, the difference was assessed as
unclear.20 The data set was adjusted on players’ chronological
age when calculating the magnitude of the differences in maxi-
mal sprinting speed, PMSAbs, and PMSRel between the different
playing positions. While we acknowledge that this method can
present some limitations (player maturation status is not con-
sidered), this type of adjustment was chosen in accordance to
players’ classification in soccer clubs and competitions. A linear
regression was performed to assess the relationship between
maximal sprinting speed and PMSAbs across the different age
groups. The relationship between PMSAbs, PMSRel, and maximal
sprinting speed was assessed using Pearson r for the different
age groups; partial correlation adjusted for age was performed to
estimate within-playing-position relationships. The magnitude of
the correlation was interpreted as follows: .1, trivial; >.1 to .3,
small; >.3 to .5, moderate; >.5 to .7, large; >.7 to .9, very large;
and >.9 to 1.0, almost perfect. If the 90% confidence intervals
overlapped small positive and negative values, the magnitude
was deemed unclear; otherwise that magnitude was deemed to
be the observed magnitude.20
890  Al Haddad et al

Results than wide defenders, central defenders, wide midfielders, second

The Effect of Age on Speed Measures
The different speed-related variables (ie, maximal sprinting speed,
PMSAbs, and PMSRel) for the different age groups are presented
in Table 1 and Figure 1. Maximal sprinting speed was clearly
greater in the older players than the younger players (ie, U13
almost certainly < U14 almost certainly < U15 almost certainly
< U16 almost certainly < U17) (Table 1). Similarly, PMSAbs was
greater in older than younger players (ie, U13 almost certainly
< U14 possibly < U15 possibly < U16 possibly < U17) (Table
1). Younger players presented a greater PMSRel (U13 possibly >
U14 possibly > U15 possibly > U16 unclear difference vs U17)
(Table 1). The slope of the relationship between maximal sprinting
speed and age indicated that maximal sprinting speed increases
by ~1.3 km · h–1 · y–1, while PMSAbs increases only by ~0.80 km
· h–1 · y–1. The within-age-group comparisons between the fastest
and slowest players are presented in Table 2. While within each
age category players with the greatest maximal sprinting speed
tended to present the greatest PMSAbs, this was not always the
case for PMSRel.
The Effect of Playing Position on Peak Match
Speed
The different speed-related variables (ie, maximal sprinting
speed, PMSAbs, and PMSRel) for the different playing positions
are presented in Table 1 and Figure 1. Maximal sprinting speed
was position-dependent; for example, strikers presented at least a
likely greater maximal sprinting speed than wide defenders, central
defenders, wide midfielders, central midfielders, and second strikers.
PMSAbs was also different between playing positions; for example,
central midfielders were at least very likely slower during matches
strikers, and strikers. PMSRel was influenced by playing position,
too. For example, wide defenders reached at least likely greater
percentages of maximal sprinting speed than central midfielders and
second strikers. The comparisons between the fastest and slowest
players in each playing position are presented in Table 3. While
within each playing position players with the greatest maximal
sprinting speed tended to present the greatest PMSAbs, this was not
always the case for PMSRel.
Relationship Between Maximal Sprinting Speed
and PMSAbs
When all players were pooled together, a large correlation (r = .69,
90% confidence interval [.65;.72]) was observed between maximal
sprinting speed and PMSAbs (Figure 2). Correlations between maxi-
mal sprinting speed and PMSAbs within each age group ranged from
moderate (.37 [.17;.54]) for U17 to very large (.71 [.64;.76]) for
U14 (Figure 2). Within playing position, partial correlations between
maximal sprinting speed and PMSAbs (ie, adjusted on age) ranged
from moderate for central midfielders (.40 [.25;.53]) to large for
wide midfielders (.70 [.62;.77]) (Figure 2).
Discussion
In this study, we compared for the first time in young soccer players
the effect of age and playing position on peak match speed and its
relationship with players’ maximal sprinting speed obtained from
field testing. The main findings were as follows: Regardless of play-
ers’ age and playing position, a greater peak match speed was likely
associated with a maximal sprinting speed, younger players were
likely to use a greater percentage of their maximal sprinting speed
during matches, and strikers, wide midfielders, and central defenders

Table 1  Descriptive Data for Speed Parameters in the Different Age Categories and Playing Positions, Mean ± SD
MSS (km/h) PMSAbs (km/h) PMSRel (%)
All pooled (N = 552) 28.2 ± 2.4 25.3 ± 2.5 89.5 ± 5.9
Age group
  U13 (n = 86) 25.4 ± 1.3 23.4 ± 1.8 92.0 ± 6.3
  U14 (n = 188) 27.7 ± 2.1U13-VL 25.1 ± 2.3U13-L 90.5 ± 6.1U13-S
  U15 (n = 138) 28.7 ± 1.8U13-VL,U14-S 25.6 ± 2.4U13-L,U14-S 89.0 ± 6.9U13-S,U14-S
  U16 (n = 80) 29.9 ± 1.5U13-VL,U14-L,U15-M 26.2 ± 2.5U13-VL,U14-S,U15-S 87.5 ± 6.3U13-S,U14-S
  U17 (n = 60) 30.8 ± 1.1U13-VL,U14-VL,U15-VL,U16-M 26.8 ± 1.9U13-VL,U14-L,U15-M,U16-S 87.2 ± 5.7U13-M,U14-S,U15-S
Playing position
  WD (n = 116) 27.7 ± 2.3 25.0 ± 2.1 90.1 ± 5.7
  CD (n = 118) 28.7 ± 2.1WD-M 25.5 ± 2.3WD-S 89.1 ± 6.5
  WM (n = 112) 28.7 ± 2.6 26.3 ± 2.3WD-M,CD-S 92.2 ± 6.0WD-S,CD-S
  CM (n = 102) 27.6 ± 2.2CD-L,WM-S 23.6 ± 2.2WD-M,CD-L,WM-VL 85.3 ± 6.5WD-M,CD-S,WM-L
  SS (n = 52) 28.0 ± 1.8WD-S,CD-S,WM-S,CM-S 24.6 ± 1.9CD-S,WM-L,CM-M 88.0 ± 5.1WD-S,WM-L,CM-S
  ST (n = 52) 28.7 ± 2.8WD-VL,CD-S,WM-S, CM-VL,SS-L 27.0 ± 2.7WD-VL,CD-L,WM-S,CM-VL,SS-VL 93.6 ± 5.2WD-M,CD-L,WM-S,CM-VL,SS-L
Abbreviations: MSS, maximal sprinting speed; PMSAbs, absolute peak match speed; PMSRel, PMSAbs expressed as a percentage of MSS; WD, wide defender; CD, central
defender; WM, wide midfielder; CM, central midfielder; SS, second striker; ST, striker; S, small; M, moderate; L, large; VL, very large.
Note: The difference between age groups is indicated as age group and the magnitude of the difference (eg, U13-VL: difference vs U13 with a very large standardized
difference). The difference between playing positions is indicated as playing position and the magnitude of the differences (eg, WD-M: difference vs WD with a moderate
standardized difference).

IJSPP Vol. 10, No. 7, 2015

 Sprinting Speed in Soccer   891

Figure 1 — Data are presented as mean and 90% confidence interval for maximal sprinting speed (MSS, white circles), peak match speed (PMSAbs,
gray circles), and PMSAbs as percentage of MSS (PMSRel, black circles). Abbreviations: WD, wide defender; CD, central defender; WM, wide midfielder;
CM, central midfielder; 2S, second striker; S, striker.

were likely to reach greater maximal speeds during matches than
their teammates. We acknowledge that the data collected with a 1-Hz
GPS device can probably underestimate brief, high-speed running
activities; however, good accuracy (r = .97)18 and reliability (coef-
ficient of variation = 1.7%18 and 2.3%19) have been reported for the
assessment of peak running speed with this device.
Age-Related Differences in Sprinting Performance
Despite the focus on the development of sprint ability and repeated-
sprint and high-intensity performance in young soccer players, the
impact of sprinting speed on actual on-field performance is not well
understood.7 Our findings are in accordance with previous results
showing that older (and faster) players are likely to reach substan-
tially greater peak match speeds than younger soccer players.14,16
However, the magnitude of the between-ages differences in maximal
sprinting speed (~1.3 km · h–1 · y–1) was substantially greater than
for peak match speed (~0.80 km · h–1 · y–1) (Figure 1). This confirms
that the differences in “pure” maximal sprinting speed inferred from
field testing might not always be translated into the field.7
While all age groups reached peak speeds >87% of maximal
sprinting speed, younger players tended to reach a greater percentage
of their maximal sprinting speed during matches (Table 1, Figure 2).
This between-age-groups differences in the percentage of maximal
sprinting speed attained during matches might be related to the
players’ body dimensions in relation to the actual pitch size. For
instance, while body size increases with age, the pitch size remains
constant across all age groups, which leads, in turn, to a lower relative

IJSPP Vol. 10, No. 7, 2015

892
Table 2  Magnitude-Based Inferences for Within-Age-Group Mean Differences Between Fastest and Slowest Players in Sprint Performance
MSS (km/h) PMSAbs (km/h) PMSRel (%)
% difference % difference % difference
Fastest Slowest Cohen d smaller/similar/ Fastest Slowest Cohen d smaller/similar/ Fastest Slowest Cohen d smaller/similar/
AG players players (±90% CI) greater players players (±90% CI) greater players players (±90% CI) greater
U13 26.9 ± 1.0 23.8 ± 0.3 4.1 0/0/100 24.5 ± 2.2 22.4 ± 1.3 1.1 0/0/100 91.2 ± 7.9 93.6 ± 6.18 –0.3 2/24/74
n = 25 n = 25 (3.6;4.5) Almost certain n = 25 n = 25 (0.8;1.5) Almost certain n = 25 n = 25 (–0.8;0.1) Possibly
U14 30.5 ± 0.8 25.2 ± 0.8 5.9 0/0/100 27.2 ± 1.8 23.2 ± 1.7 2.2 0/0/100 89.0 ± 5.2 91.8 ± 6.1 –0.4 0/8/92
n = 47 n = 51 (5.6;6.3) Almost certain n = 47 n = 51 (1.9;2.5) Almost certain n = 47 n = 51 (–0.8;–0.1) Likely
U15 31.5 ± 1.2 26.8 ± 0.9 4.2 0/0/100 27.8 ± 2.4 24.2 ± 1.8 1.6 0/0/100 88.3 ± 7.1 90.2 ± 6.3 –0.2 3/33/64
n = 29 n = 37 (3.8;4.6) Almost certain n = 29 n = 37 (1.2;2.0) Almost certain n = 29 n = 37 (–0.7;0.1) Possibly
U16 32.4 ± 0.7 28.1 ± 0.4 6.6 0/0/100 29.1 ± 2.5 24.2 ± 1.9 2.2 0/0/100 89.9 ± 7.0 87.7 ± 5.8 –0.2 10/33/57

IJSPP Vol. 10, No. 7, 2015

n = 14 n = 20 (6.1;7.2) Almost certain n = 14 n = 20 (0.5;1.6) Almost certain n = 14 n = 20 (–0.8;0.3) Possibly
U17 31.8 ± 0.3 29.3 ± 0.6 4.7 0/0/100 27.2 ± 2.2 25.7 ± 1.1 0.7 0/0/100 85.7 ± 6.6 87.9 ± 4.9 –0.3 3/24/72
n = 22 n = 17 (4.1;5.3) Almost certain n = 22 n = 17 (0.2;1.3) Almost certain n = 22 n = 17 (–0.9;0.1) Possibly
Abbreviations: MSS, maximal sprinting speed; PMSAbs, absolute peak match speed; PMSRel, PMSAbs as percentage of MSS; AG, age group.
Note: Data are presented as mean ± SD and number of the data set (n) analyzed for the fastest and slowest players. Standardized differences (Cohen d) with 90% confidence intervals (90% CI) and the quantitative
differences with the percentage of chance for the true difference to be smaller/similar/greater than the smallest worthwhile difference for MSS, PMSAbs, and PMSRel.
 Sprinting Speed in Soccer   893

Figure 2 — Within-age-group and within-position correlation coefficients (90% confidence intervals [CI]) between absolute peak match speed and
maximal sprinting speed obtained from field testing. The number of files analyzed for each age group and playing position is presented in Table 1.

space to run for the older (taller) players. It is also worth noting that
slower (and younger) players likely require less sprinting distance
to reach their maximal sprinting speed.6 The lower tactical-technical
development and game understanding of the younger players may
also explain the current results. It has been shown that young players
tended to concentrate their game on small areas of the soccer pitch
at some stages,21 which might allow them to sprint longer distances
when suddenly running toward another area of play. This can partially
explain the fact that fast young players generally have a greater chance
to be selected into elite squads than their slower counterparts.15,22,23
Within-age-group comparisons showed that, regardless of
age group, faster players were likely to reach substantially greater
absolute speeds during soccer matches than their slower teammates
(Table 2).7 In addition, slower players appeared to compensate for
their slower speed by using a greater percentage of their maximal
sprinting speed. These findings coupled with the high percentage of
maximal sprinting speed reached during the matches (ie, >87% of
maximal sprinting speed) suggest that maximal speed development
should be targeted during training sessions to decrease the relative
locomotor load of high-speed actions.

IJSPP Vol. 10, No. 7, 2015

894
Table 3  Magnitude-Based Inferences for Within-Playing-Position Mean Differences Between Fastest and Slowest Players in Speed
MSS (km/h) PMSAbs (km/h) PMSRel (%)
% difference % difference % difference
Fastest Slowest Cohen d smaller/similar/ Fastest Slowest Cohen d smaller/similar/ Fastest Slowest Cohen d smaller/similar/
PP players players (±90% CI) greater players players (±90% CI) greater players players (±90% CI) greater
WD 30.2 ± 0.8 24.8 ± 0.7 6.7 0/0/100 26.7 ± 1.9 23.0 ± 1.0 2.0 0/0/100 88.2 ± 5.2 92.7 ± 4.9 –0.8 96/4/0
n = 41 n = 35 (6.0;7.3) Almost certain n = 41 n = 35 (1.5;2.6) Almost certain n = 41 n = 35 (–1.4;–0.2) Likely
CD 31.3 ± 0.8 26.0 ± 0.8 5.4 0/0/100 27.2 ± 1.6 23.7 ± 1.8 2.5 0/0/100 87.0 ± 5.7 91.0 ± 6.3 –0.1 44/31/25
n = 30 n = 35 (6.2;7.8) Almost certain n = 30 n = 35 (1.8;3.3) Almost certain n = 30 n = 35 (–0.9;0.6) Unclear
WM 31.8 ± 0.8 24.7 ± 1.0 7.0 0/0/100 28.7 ± 1.5 23.9 ± 1.5 2.1 0/0/100 90.4 ± 4.4 96.5 ± 4.9 –0.8 92/7/1
n = 28 n = 23 (3.1;5.4) Almost certain n = 28 n = 23 (1.0;3.2) Almost certain n = 28 n = 23 (–1.5;–0.1) Likely
CM 30.7 ± 0.9 24.4 ± 1.1 6.4 0/0/100 25.0 ± 1.6 21.4 ± 1.4 1.9 0/1/99 81.5 ± 5.6 88.2 ± 5.3 –1.1 88/8/4
n = 21 n = 21 (5.1;8.3) Almost certain n = 21 n = 21 (0.6;3.2) very likely n = 21 n = 21 (–2.3;–0.1) Likely

IJSPP Vol. 10, No. 7, 2015

SS 29.9 ± 1.0 25.4 ± 0.4 5.3 0/0/100 25.8 ± 1.9 22.9 ± 1.2 1.3 0/2/98 86.4 ± 5.2 89.3 ± 5.0 –0.1 44/29/28
n = 16 n = 16 (3.8;6.9) Almost certain n = 16 n = 16 (0.4.2.2) very likely n = 16 n = 16 (–1.0;0.7) Unclear
ST 32.3 ± 0.5 25.8 ± 0.7 8.6 0/0/100 29.5 ± 1.9 24.6 ± 1.6 1.4 1/3/96 91.3 ± 5.4 94.5 ± 4.6 –1.3 94/4/2
n = 14 n = 22 (7.5;9.7) Almost certain n = 14 n = 22 (0.2;2.7) very likely n = 14 n = 22 (–2.6;–0.1) Likely
Abbreviations: MSS, maximal sprinting speed; PMSAbs, absolute peak match speed; PMSRel, PMSAbs as percentage of MSS; PP, playing position; WD, wide defender; CD, central defender; WM, wide midfielder;
CM, central midfielder; SS, second striker; ST, striker.
Note: Data are presented as mean ± SD and number of the data set (n) analyzed for the fastest and slowest players. Standardized differences (Cohen d) with 90% confidence intervals (90% CI) and the quantitative
differences with the percentage of chance for the true difference to be smaller/similar/greater than the smallest worthwhile difference for MSS, PMSAbs, and PMSRel.

Influence of Playing Position on Sprinting
Performance
Our data show that in young soccer players, strikers were likely
to reach the highest sprinting speeds (ie, maximal sprinting speed
adjusted to age) during field testing, followed by wide midfielders
and central defenders (Table 1, Figure 1). These results confirm
that sprinting speed is likely an important physical prerequisite to
be selected for some playing positions.7,16,24 Regardless of playing
position, faster players were likely to reach 11% (second strikers)
to 17% (wide midfielders and strikers) greater peak speed during
matches than their slower counterparts (Table 1, Figure 1). Playing
position also affected the ability to reach a greater percentage of
maximal sprinting speed during the match (Table 1, Figure 1); for
example central defenders, wide midfielders, and strikers were the
only playing positions to reach >90% of their maximal sprinting
speed. These between-playing-positions differences in match peak
speed are likely related to the tactical role of each position.7,10
To compete against the faster players, the slower wide defend-
ers, wide midfielders, central midfielders, and strikers compensated
for their lower maximal sprinting speed by using a greater percent-
age of it (3–7% higher).7 In contrast, the slower central defenders
and second strikers did not (Table 3); this could be associated with
the tactical roles of these 2 positions.
Players using a greater percentage of maximal sprinting speed
during matches are likely to experience a higher back-chain-muscle
stress/load, which may lead to an increased injury risk during sprint-
ing.25 Therefore, playing-position-specific speed training, which
takes into account players’ individual needs and speed character-
istics, would likely benefit the players and decrease injury risk.12
Moreover, specific training aimed at developing maximal sprinting
speed would likely lower the hamstring relative load during matches
and might prevent injuries.25
Practical Application
Sprinting performance in soccer is generally divided into 2 phases:
the initial acceleration within the first 5 to 10 m4 and the maximal
sprinting speed likely reached after 20 to 40 m.5,6,10 These 2 speed
components generally have to be considered independently and may
need to be trained separately.6,7 Our results show that regardless
of age or playing position, the players achieve very high sprinting
speeds (ie, ~85–94% of maximal sprinting speed) and that faster
players are likely to reach greater absolute speed during the games
than their slower counterparts. Therefore, it is recommended that
fitness coaches incorporate training drills to achieve speeds near
maximal sprinting speed (eg, maximal sprinting over distances >30
m) and other specific training techniques that aim to develop maxi-
mal sprinting speed (eg, resistance training, plyometric). Finally,
considerable attention should be directed to the players’ age and
playing position when designing the training drills, as they are likely
to differently affect maximal sprinting speed and its expression.
Conclusion
To conclude, while our results suggest that the faster players remain
faster on the pitch, the tactical demands associated with the different
playing positions likely modulate the actual proportion of maximal
sprinting speed that players can use. This has direct implication for
position-specific training programs aimed at developing maximal
sprinting speed but also at preventing speed-related injuries at top
speed (eg, specific hamstring work).26
IJSPP Vol. 10, No. 7, 2015
Sprinting Speed in Soccer   895
References
1. Stølen T, Chamari K, Castagna C, Wisloff U. Physiology of
soccer: an update. Sports Med. 2005;35:501–536. PubMed
doi:10.2165/00007256-200535060-00004
2. Cometti G, Maffiuletti NA, Pousson M, Chatard JC, Maffulli N. Iso-
kinetic strength and anaerobic power of elite, subelite and amateur
French soccer players. Int J Sports Med. 2001;22:45–51. PubMed
doi:10.1055/s-2001-11331
3. Faude O, Koch T, Meyer T. Straight sprinting is the most frequent
action in goal situations in professional football. J Sports Sci.
2012;30:625–631. PubMed doi:10.1080/02640414.2012.665940
4. Varley MC, Aughey RJ. Acceleration profiles in elite Australian soccer.
Int J Sports Med. 2013;34:34–39. PubMed
5. Di Salvo V, Baron R, Gonzalez-Haro C, Gormasz C, Pigozzi F, Bachl
N. Sprinting analysis of elite soccer players during European Champi-
ons League and UEFA Cup matches. J Sports Sci. 2010;28:1489–1494.
PubMed doi:10.1080/02640414.2010.521166
6. Buchheit M, Simpson BM, Peltola E, Mendez-Villanueva A. Assessing
maximal sprinting speed in highly trained young soccer players. Int J
Sports Physiol Perform. 2012;7(1):76–78. PubMed
7. Mendez-Villanueva A, Buchheit M, Simpson B, Peltola E, Bourdon P.
Does on-field sprinting performance in young soccer players depend
on how fast they can run or how fast they do run? J Strength Cond Res.
2011;25:2634–2638. PubMed doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e318201c281
8. Bradley PS, Di Mascio M, Peart D, Olsen P, Sheldon B. High-intensity
activity profiles of elite soccer players at different performance levels.
J Strength Cond Res. 2010;24:2343–2351. PubMed doi:10.1519/
JSC.0b013e3181aeb1b3
9. Bradley PS, Sheldon W, Wooster B, Olsen P, Boanas P, Krustrup P. High-
intensity running in English FA Premier League soccer matches. J Sports
Sci. 2009;27:159–168. PubMed doi:10.1080/02640410802512775
10. Suarez-Arrones L, Torreno N, Requena B, et al. Match-play activity
profile in professional soccer players during official games and the
relationship between external and internal load [published online ahead
of print October 7, 2014]. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. PubMed
11. Mendez-Villanueva A, Buchheit M, Simpson B, Bourdon PC.
Match play intensity distribution in youth soccer. Int J Sports Med.
2013;34:101–110. PubMed
12. Mendiguchia J, Samozino P, Martinez-Ruiz E, et al. Progression of
mechanical properties during on-field sprint running after returning to
sports from a hamstring muscle injury in soccer players. Int J Sports
Med. 2014;35(8):690–695. PubMed
13. le Gall F, Carling C, Williams M, Reilly T. Anthropometric and fit-
ness characteristics of international, professional and amateur male
graduate soccer players from an elite youth academy. J Sci Med Sport.
2010;13:90–95. PubMed doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2008.07.004
14. Mendez-Villanueva A, Buchheit M, Kuitunen S, Douglas A, Peltola E,
Bourdon P. Age-related differences in acceleration, maximum running
speed, and repeated-sprint performance in young soccer players. J Sports
Sci. 2011;29:477–484. PubMed doi:10.1080/02640414.2010.536248
15. Vaeyens R, Malina RM, Janssens M, et al. A multidisciplinary selec-
tion model for youth soccer: the Ghent Youth Soccer Project. Br J
Sports Med. 2006;40:928–934, discussion 934. PubMed doi:10.1136/
bjsm.2006.029652
16. Buchheit M, Mendez-Villanueva A, Simpson BM, Bourdon PC. Match
running performance and fitness in youth soccer. Int J Sports Med.
2010;31:818–825. PubMed doi:10.1055/s-0030-1262838
17. Mendez-Villanueva A, Buchheit M, Kuitunen S, Poon TK, Simpson
BM, Peltola E. Is the relationship between sprinting and maximal
aerobic speeds in young soccer players affected by maturation? Pediatr
Exerc Sci. 2010;22(4):497–510. PubMed
896  Al Haddad et al
18. Barbero-Alvarez JC, Coutts A, Granda J, Barbero-Alvarez V, Cast-
agna C. The validity and reliability of a global positioning satellite
system device to assess speed and repeated sprint ability (RSA) in
athletes. J Sci Med Sport. 2010;13:232–235. PubMed doi:10.1016/j.
jsams.2009.02.005
19. Coutts AJ, Duffield R. Validity and reliability of GPS devices for
measuring movement demands of team sports. J Sci Med Sport.
2010;13:133–135. PubMed doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2008.09.015
20. Hopkins WG, Marshall SW, Batterham AM, and Hanin J. Progressive
statistics for studies in sports medicine and exercise science. Med Sci
Sports Exerc. 2009;41(1):3–12. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31818cb278
21. Castagna C, D’Ottavio S, Abt G. Activity profile of young soccer play-
ers during actual match play. J Strength Cond Res. 2003;17:775–780.
PubMed
22. Rebelo A, Brito J, Maia J, et al. Anthropometric characteristics,
physical fitness and technical performance of under-19 soccer
IJSPP Vol. 10, No. 7, 2015
View publication stats
players by competitive level and field position. Int J Sports Med.
2013;34(4):312–317. PubMed
23. Buchheit M, Mendez-Villanueva A, Mayer N, et al. Locomotor
performance in highly-trained young soccer players: does body size
always matter? Int J Sports Med. 2014;35:494–504. PubMed
24. Boone J, Vaeyens R, Steyaert A, Vanden Bossche L, Bourgois J.
Physical fitness of elite Belgian soccer players by player position.
J Strength Cond Res. 2012;26:2051–2057. PubMed doi:10.1519/
JSC.0b013e318239f84f
25. Guex K, Millet GP. Conceptual framework for strengthening exer-
cises to prevent hamstring strains. Sports Med. 2013;43:1207–1215.
PubMed doi:10.1007/s40279-013-0097-y
26. Verrall GM, Slavotinek JP, Barnes PG. The effect of sports specific
training on reducing the incidence of hamstring injuries in professional
Australian Rules football players. Br J Sports Med. 2005;39:363–368.
PubMed doi:10.1136/bjsm.2005.018697