Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the evolution of physical and technical performances in elite soccer. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: Soccer match performance observations (n=14700) collected using a multiple-camera computerized tracking system over seven seasons and controlled for season, phase of season, position and standard were analysed for emergent trends. Results: Total distance covered during a match was ~2% lower in 2006-07 compared to 2012-13. Across seven seasons, high-intensity running distance increased by ~30% (890±299 vs 1151 ± 337 m, p<0.001; ES: 0.82). The number of high-intensity running actions increased over the same period (118±36 vs 176±46, p<0.001; ES: 1.41). Sprint distance increased by ~35% between 2006-07 and 2012-13 (232±114 m vs 350±139 m, p<0.001; ES: 0.93) with a concomitant increase in the number of sprints (31±14 vs 57±20, p<0.001; ES: 1.46). Mean sprint distance was shorter in 2012-13 compared to 2006-07 (5.9±0.8m vs 6.9±1.3m, p<0.001; ES: 0.91), with the proportion of explosive sprints increasing (34±11 vs 47±9%, p<0.001; ES: 1.31). Players performed ~40% more passes (35±17 vs 25±13, p<0.001; ES: 0.66), with a greater percentage of successful passes in 2012-13 compared to 2006-07 (83±10% vs 76±13%, p<0.001; ES: 0.60). The increased number of short and medium passes followed a similar pattern to total passes (p<0.001; ES>0.6), whereas the number of long passes varied little between seasons (p<0.001; ES: 0.11). Conclusions: The data demonstrate significant evolution of physical and technical parameters in the English Premier League and this information could aid talent identification, training preparation and injury prevention.