This article was downloaded by: [Florida Atlantic University]

On: 01 September 2013, At: 10:43

Publisher: Routledge
Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House,
37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK

Journal of Sports Sciences

Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information:
http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rjsp20

Match running performance fluctuations in elite

soccer: Indicative of fatigue, pacing or situational
influences?
a b
Paul S. Bradley & Timothy D. Noakes
a
Department of Sport & Exercise Sciences , University of Sunderland , Sunderland SR1 3SD ,
UK
b
Department of Human Biology , University of Cape Town , South Africa
Published online: 01 Jul 2013.

To cite this article: Journal of Sports Sciences (2013): Match running performance fluctuations in elite soccer: Indicative of
fatigue, pacing or situational influences?, Journal of Sports Sciences, DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2013.796062

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2013.796062

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE

Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained
in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no
representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the
Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and
are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and
should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for
any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever
or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of
the Content.
This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic
reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any
form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://
www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions
 Journal of Sports Sciences, 2013
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2013.796062

Match running performance fluctuations in elite soccer: Indicative of

fatigue, pacing or situational influences?

PAUL S. BRADLEY1 & TIMOTHY D. NOAKES2

1
Department of Sport & Exercise Sciences, University of Sunderland, Sunderland SR1 3SD, UK, and 2Department of Human
Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa

(Accepted 11 April 2013)

Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013

Abstract
The aims of this study were to: (1) quantify match running performance in 5-min periods to determine if players fatigue or
modulate high-intensity running according to a pacing strategy, and (2) examine factors impacting high-intensity running
such as score line, match importance and the introduction of substitutes. All players were analysed using a computerised
tracking system. Maintaining ‘high’ levels of activity in the first half resulted in a 12% reduction (P < 0.01) in the second half
for high-intensity running (effect size [ES]: 0.8), while no changes were observed in ‘moderate’ and ‘low’ groups
(ES: 0.0–0.2). The ‘high’ group covered less (P < 0.01) high-intensity running in the initial 10-min of the second versus
first half (ES: 0.6–0.7), but this was not observed in ‘moderate’ and ‘low’ groups (ES: 0.2–0.4). After the most intense
periods, players demonstrated an 8% drop in high-intensity running (P < 0.05) compared to the match average (ES: 0.2)
and this persisted for 5-min before recovering. Players covered similar high-intensity running distances in matches with
differing score lines but position-specific trends indicated central defenders covered 17% less (P < 0.01) and attackers 15%
more high-intensity running during matches that were heavily won versus lost (ES: 0.9). High-intensity running distances
were comparable in matches of differing importance, but between-half trends indicated that only declines (P < 0.01)
occurred in the second half of critical matches (ES: 0.2). Substitutes covered 15% more (P < 0.01) high-intensity running
versus the same time period when completing a full match (ES: 0.5). The data demonstrate that high-intensity running in
the second half is impacted by the activity of the first half and is reduced for 5-min after intense periods. High-intensity
running is also influenced by score line and substitutions but not match importance. More research is warranted to establish
if fluctuations in match running performance are primarily a consequence of fatigue, pacing or tactical and situational
influences.

Keywords: football, pacing, fatigue, score, substitutions, match importance

Introduction concentrations can reach 8–12 mmol ∙ l−1 (Ali &

Farrelly 1991; Bangsbo, 1994). Such demands
The activity pattern of soccer is intermittent, with
would certainly threaten homeostasis (Edwards &
players switching between brief bouts of high-intensity
Noakes, 2009).
running and longer periods of low-intensity exercise
Research demonstrates that high-intensity running
(Rampinini, Coutts, Castagna, Sassi, & Impellizzeri,
declines from the first to the second half of a match
2007). During elite matches players cover a total
(Di Salvo, Gregson, Atkinson, Tordoff & Drust,
distance of 10–13 km and 1–3 km of high-intensity
2009; Mohr et al., 2003), although some observe
running (Bangsbo, Norregaard, & Thorso, 1991;
minimal changes (Di Salvo et al., 2007). Down
Bradley et al., 2009; Mohr, Krustrup, & Bangsbo,
regulation of running performance in the second
2003). This results in an average intensity of ~70%
half could be attributed to fatigue, as studies have
of maximal oxygen uptake and elicits blood lactate
reported depleted muscle glycogen stores at the
concentrations of 3–6 mmol ∙ l−1 (Mohr, Krustrup, &
end of a match (Bendiksen et al., 2012; Krustrup
Bangsbo, 2005). However, expressing match intensity
et al., 2006). Findings demonstrate that high-intensity
as an average disguises the unique physiological stress
running is also reduced temporarily after the most
induced during intense periods (Glaister, 2005).
intense period of the match (Bradley et al., 2010,
During such periods, heart rate can exceed 95% of
2011; Di Mascio & Bradley, 2013; Mohr et al.,
maximal heart rate and peak blood lactate
2003). This could be due to a decline in muscle

Correspondence: Dr Paul S. Bradley, Department of Sport & Exercise Sciences, University of Sunderland, Darwin Building, Chester Road, Sunderland SR1
3SD, UK. Email: paul.s.bradley@sunderland.ac.uk

© 2013 Taylor & Francis

 2 P. S. Bradley & T. D. Noakes
creatine phosphate, intramuscular acidosis or the
accumulation of potassium in the muscle interstitium
(Mohr et al., 2005), but temporary drops also seem to
be related to the time the ball is out of play and the
opportunity to engage in match activities (Carling &
Dupont, 2011). Alternatively, some suggest that
reductions in match running performance could be
due to players employing conscious or subconscious
pacing strategies to enable successful completion of
the match (Drust, Atkinson, & Reilly, 2007; Edwards
& Noakes, 2009). Although this is an attractive
hypothesis, limited data exist to support or reject
such a statement. Carling and Bloomfield (2010)
observed that teams coped with an early player dis-
missal by sparing low-intensity activity in an attempt
to preserve essential high-intensity running, which
Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013
may suggest pacing or modified tactics. If players
pace their efforts then covering ‘low’ to ‘moderate’
distances in the first half would enable them to have
the available capacity to maintain match running per-
formances in the second half. However, this has only
been established in elite players across 45-min periods
(Rampinini et al., 2007), which results in a substantial
loss of information when attempting to elucidate fac-
tors associated with pacing or fatigue. Others have
examined match-running performance across 5-min
periods but did not demarcate between positions or
investigate the influence of first half activities on sec-
ond half performances (Weston, Drust & Gregson,
2011a). Moreover, this study did not quantify match
running performance in stoppage time periods, which
could provide additional information as some suggest
that an ‘end spurt’ in the latter stages of the match
could be expected if pacing occurs (Aughey, 2010).
This would be characterised by a ‘reversed J-shape’
pacing strategy (Abbiss & Laursen, 2008), whereby
players are aware of the duration remaining until the
end of the match. Although this is a common scenario
with stoppage time announcements, no evidence
exists of a documented ‘end-spurt’ of activity in soc-
cer. Research using global positioning system (GPS)
technology observed reductions in high-intensity run-
ning towards the end of an Australian football match
but players failed to produce an ‘end spurt’ of activity
(Aughey, 2010). However, this study used a small
sample and the GPS technology had limited resolu-
tion to precisely measure high-intensity running. No
studies have investigated whether and to what extent
pacing strategies occur for players in other football
codes such as soccer. Thus, an in-depth examination
of high-intensity running in 5-min periods of matches
(plus peak and stoppage time periods) specific to
position and the influence of first half activity on
second half match running performances may provide
new insight into pacing or fatigue in soccer.
Although detailed analyses of match running per-
formance could provide information on pacing or
fatigue, this would only demonstrate outcome beha-
viour and not necessarily the motive. Studies have
investigated common factors that dictate physical per-
formance, such as match location, outcome and stan-
dard (Castellano, Blanco-Villasenor, & Alvarez,
2011; Lago, Casais, Dominguez, & Sampaio, 2010),
but not score line or importance, which could present
motives that modulate match running performance.
Furthermore, if pacing or fatigue is evident in soccer
then substitutes introduced in the latter stages of a
match would be expected to cover more high-inten-
sity running than the equivalent time period when
completing the full match. Research has reported
such a trend (Carling, Espié, Le Gall, Bloomfield, &
Jullien, 2010; Mohr et al., 2003) but either used a
separate groups analysis with a small sample or lim-
ited differentiation of player position and time. Thus,
it is clear that additional analyses on score line, match
importance and the introduction of substitutes may
provide an understanding of the factors that influence
high-intensity running. Therefore, the aims of this
study were to: (1) quantify match running perfor-
mance in 5-min periods to determine if players fatigue
or modulate high-intensity running according to
pacing and (2) examine factors impacting high-inten-
sity running in elite soccer matches.
Method
Match analysis
With approval from the institutional ethics commit-
tee, English FA Premier League matches during
successive seasons (2006/07–2008/09) were analysed
using a multiple-camera computerised tracking sys-
tem (Prozone Sports Ltd, Leeds, UK). Players’
movements were captured during matches by cam-
eras positioned at roof level and analysed using pro-
prietary software. The systems reliability and validity
has been quantified to verify the capture process and
data accuracy (Bradley et al., 2009; Di Salvo,
Collins, McNeill, & Cardinale, 2006).
Match running performance variables
Players activities were coded into the following
categories and speed thresholds: standing (0–0.6
km · h−1), walking (0.7–7.1 km · h−1), jogging
(7.2–14.3 km · h−1), running (14.4–19.7 km · h−1),
high-speed running (19.8–25.1 km · h−1) and sprint-
ing (>25.1 km · h−1). The speeds for each category
have been previously employed (Bradley et al.,
2009). The absolute distances covered by players
(m) were converted to a relative analysis of the dis-
tance covered per unit of time (m ∙ min−1). This
enabled comparisons between various periods of
the match including stoppage times. Total distance

represented the summation of distances in all cate-
gories. High-intensity running consisted of the com-
bined distance in running, high-speed running and
sprinting (≥14.4 km · h−1). Peak high-intensity run-
ning distance in a 5-min period represented the most
intense period of the match (Mohr et al., 2003).
Comparisons were then made between the average
5-min period (minus the peak) versus the subse-
quent 5-min periods up to a maximum of 15-min
to quantify the time course of recovery.
Part 1. Criteria for evaluating discrete periods of match
running performance
Data were collected in pre-defined 5-min periods
(plus stoppage times), separated into three levels of
Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013
activity and classified as ‘high’, ‘moderate’ and ‘low’
based on the total distance covered in the first half
(Rampinini et al., 2007). Data were sorted using
percentiles to produce each level (‘low’: ≤30th per-
centile; ‘moderate’: 35–65th percentile and
‘high’: ≥70th percentile). To improve the analytical
approach, boundaries were drawn between percentile
thresholds to ensured demarcation between groups
(e.g. minimising the chance of players in the low-
end of ‘high’ covering a very similar total distance to
players at the high-end of ‘moderate’). From a total
sample of 186 players, 17 were removed to create
these boundaries. Matches were played between
teams of a similar end of season league placing.
Teams were ranked into top, middle and bottom
and only matches played between teams within each
rank were analysed. Moreover, equal distribution of
home and away fixtures was ensured. Based on these
criteria, the match running performances of 169
players (single observations) in three levels and five
positions were profiled (Table I; Part 1).
Part 2. Criteria for evaluating factors influencing match
running performance
Data were analysed in pre-defined periods (plus
stoppage times) to examine the influence of score
line, importance and substitutions on match running
Table I. Sample size (n) differentiated into subsection of the study and positional subsets.
Part 1. Discrete Periods
Position/Variable Low Moderate
Central defenders 29 12
Full-backs 10 20
Central midfielders 3 11
Wide midfielders 1 5
Attackers 13 9 5
All players 56 57
Match Running Performance Fluctuations in Soccer 3
performance. Owing to limited availability of
matches for the above, we were unable to present
data in 5-min periods. Although some players were
included in each subsection of Part 2, some of the
data were comprised of a collection of different
players. On account of the subjectivity involved in
match selection, recommendations were provided
from two UEFA qualified coaches with at least
5 years of elite coaching experience.
Data pertaining to score line were collected from
matches that were competitive (≤1 goal differential)
throughout the entire 90-min compared with those
heavily won or lost (score differential ≥3 goals). All
data from heavily won or lost matches were single
observations versus a median of two competitive
matches. Match running performances of 54 players
in five positions were profiled (Table I; Part 2)
Data relating to match importance were collected
from 55 players during critical matches whereby the
outcome directly impacted upon Championships/
European places or relegation, with local derby
matches also included. This was compared with
matches of lower importance within the same seaso-
nal period. Data from critical matches were single
observations versus a median of two matches for
lower importance. Data were obtained from five
playing positions (Table I; Part 2).
Data pertaining to substitutions were collected
from 65 players completing full matches versus
those they were introduced as a substitute.
Substitution and full match comparisons were cor-
rected for exactly the same time period and only
included single observations within a similar seaso-
nal period. Data were collected from players in var-
ious positions (Table I; Part 2). Independent of
position, data were also sub-divided into substitu-
tions that occurred early (45- to 65-min: n = 40) or
late in the second half (65- to 90-min: n = 25). To
further improve the analytical approach adopted, the
average match running performance of all outfield
players at the corresponding time-point minus the
substitute was used to account for match tempo
using the procedures described by Weston et al.
(2011a,b).
Part 2. Influencing Factors
High Total Score Importance Substitution
1 42 14 14 9
9 39 14 15 9
23 37 12 11 13
18 24 7 7 20
27 7 8 14
56 169 54 55 65
 4 P. S. Bradley & T. D. Noakes

Statistical analysis the first versus last 5-min and stoppage time of the first
half (ES: 1.0–1.3). Although, similar trends were evi-
Analyses were conducted using statistical software
dent between the first versus last 5-min and stoppage
(SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). Descriptive statistics
time of the second half in the ‘low’ group (ES: 0.5–
were calculated on each variable and z-scores con-
0.8), the ‘high’ group only illustrated differences (P <
firmed data normality. Factorial analysis of variance
0.05) between the first versus last 5-min but not stop-
(ANOVA) tests were used to explore the influence of
page time (ES: 0.5–0.8), with no differences observed
first half activity and the impact of both score line and
for the ‘moderate’ group (ES: 0.4–0.6). The ‘high’
importance on match running performance.
group covered less (P < 0.05) high-intensity running
Interactions were examined between measures of phy-
in the initial 10-min period of the second versus the
sical performance across playing positions and time
first half (ES: 0.6–0.7), but this was not observed for
periods. In the event of a difference occurring, univari-
‘moderate’ and ‘low’ groups (ES: 0.2–0.4; Figure 1
ate analyses using Bonferroni-corrected pairwise com-
(b)). The ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ groups demon-
parisons were employed. Differences between players
strated declines (P < 0.01) in high-intensity running
introduced as substitutes versus the identical period of
between the first versus last 5-min of the first half (ES:
time when completing the full match or against the
0.8–0.9), with differences (P < 0.01) only evident in
Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013

mean match running performances of the remaining

stoppage time for the ‘low’ group (ES: 0.8). The ‘low’,
players were determined using Bonferroni-corrected
‘moderate’ and ‘high’ groups displayed similar high-
dependent and independent t-tests. Effect size (ES)
intensity running between the first versus last 5-min of
was calculated to determine the meaningfulness of
the second half (ES: 0.2–0.5) and stoppage time period
the difference (Cohen, 1988). The magnitude of the
(ES: 0.0–0.3). No differences were observed for sprint-
ES was classified as trivial (<0.2), small (>0.2–0.6),
ing (Figure 1(c)).
moderate (>0.6–1.2), large (>1.2–2.0) and very large
After collapsing categories, total distance covered
(>2.0–4.0) based on guidelines from Batterham and
was greater (P < 0.01) in the initial 10-min of the
Hopkins (2006). Statistical significance was set at P <
first versus the second half (ES: 0.5–0.6), with the
0.05. Data are presented as means and standard error
only other exception occurring at the end of the half
of the mean.
(40- versus 85-min; ES: 0.4). Players covered more
(P < 0.01) total distance in the first versus final
5-min period of each half (ES: 0.6–1.0) and in first
Results
but not second half stoppage time (ES: 0.2–0.9).
Between half match running performance High-intensity running was greater (P < 0.01) during
the initial 10-min of the first versus second half only
Reductions of 4–7% (P < 0.01) were observed for
(ES: 0.3–0.4), with the most comparable periods
total distance in the second half for players maintain-
occurring in stoppage time. High-intensity running
ing ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ levels of activity in the first
was greater (P < 0.01) in the first versus final 5-min
half (ES: 0.9–1.2), while this did not differ for the
and stoppage of the first half (ES: 0.5–0.6) but not in
‘low’ group (ES: 0.2). Maintaining ‘high’ levels of
the second half (ES: 0.1–0.3).
activity in the first half resulted in 12% less
Central defenders and central/wide midfielders
(P < 0.01) high-intensity running in the second half
reduced (P < 0.05) their total distance in the
(ES: 0.8), but no changes were evident for ‘low’ to
initial 10-min of the second versus first half (ES:
‘moderate’ groups (ES: 0.0–0.2). No differences were
0.7–0.9), while full-backs were only lower for the
observed for sprinting. After collapsing categories,
second 5-min period (ES: 0.7; Figure 1(d)). Total
total distance and high-intensity running were greater
distance covered declined (P < 0.01) between the
(P < 0.01) in the first versus the second half (ES: 0.2–
first versus last 5-min period of both halves for
0.4) but sprinting remained unchanged (ES: 0.1).
full-backs and attackers (ES: 0.8–1.0), while cen-
tral defenders, central/wide midfielders only exhib-
Part 1. Discrete periods of match running performance ited first half reductions (ES: 1.2–1.4). Only
midfielders demonstrated reductions (P < 0.01)
The ‘high’ group covered less (P < 0.01) total distance
in high-intensity running in the initial 5-min of
in the initial 10-min of the second half (ES: 0.9–1.0), in
the second versus first half (ES: 0.7; Figure 1
addition to other periods (70- and 85-min) versus the
(e)). Attackers and central/wide midfielders
same first half period (ES: 0.8–0.9; Figure 1(a)). The
demonstrated declines (P < 0.01) in high-intensity
‘low’ and ‘moderate’ groups only covered less (P <
running between the first versus last 5-min period
0.01) total distance in the initial 5- and 10-min periods
of the first half (ES: 0.8–1.2) but this was not
of the second compared with the first half (ES: 0.7–
evident in full-backs and central defenders (ES:
0.8). The ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ groups demon-
0.4–0.5). Although, full-backs reduced (P < 0.05)
strated declines (P < 0.01) in total distance between
their distances in first half stoppage time compared
 Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013

st st st
'High' 1 half 'Mod' 1 half 'Low' 1 half

160 A 50 B 6 C

5
140 40 Δ
Δ *
Δ Δ * 4
Δ Δ * * *
Δ
*
120 * * * Δ 30 3
* * Δ
Δ Δ * * * Δ
Δ Δ *
Δ Δ Δ 2
100 Δ Δ ** Δ Δ 20 Δ Δ
Δ Δ Δ
1

HIR Distance (m · min−1)

Sprint Distance (m · min−1)

Total Distance (m · min−1)

80 10 0

5
5

5
+ +

50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90

10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
+ + +
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90

10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
Time (min) Time (min) Time (min)

ATT FB CB CM WM

D 50 E 6 F
160

5
40 Δ **
140 Δ
** 4
Δ Δ
Δ Δ ** Δ
ΔΔ
120 30 3
Δ
Δ * Δ
Δ Δ
Δ Δ 2
100 * 20

HIR Distance (m · min−1)

Sprint Distance (m · min−1)

**
1

Total Distance (m · min−1)

Δ Δ
Δ Δ
80 Δ 10 0

5
5

30
35
+ + + +

10
15
20
25
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
+ +
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90

10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90

Time (min) Time (min) Time (min)

Figure 1. (a) Total distance, (b) high-intensity running and (c) sprinting in 5-min periods of elite matches when players are separated based on ‘high’, ‘moderate’ and ‘low’ activity in the first half. (d)
Total distance, (e) high-intensity running and (f) sprinting in 5-min periods of elite matches when players are separated into playing positions. Lower than same first half period: (*P < 0.05; **P <
0.01). Lower than first 5-min period of the half (ΔP < 0.05; ΔΔP < 0.01). Attacker (ATT), Full-backs (FB), Central defender (CB), Central midfielder (CM), Wide midfielder (WM), High-intensity
running (HIR), Stoppage time (+). Data are presented as means and standard error of the mean.
Match Running Performance Fluctuations in Soccer
5
 6 P. S. Bradley & T. D. Noakes
with the first 5-min (ES: 0.8). Sprinting was highly
variable and thus no differences were found for
any position across periods (Figure 1(f)).
Players were tracked in the 15-min after the most
intense period of the match to observe the time
course of recovery. After the most intense period
of the match, players demonstrated an 8% drop in
high-intensity running (P < 0.01) compared with
the match average, but this only persisted for 5-
min before recovering to mean values (ES: 0.2;
Figure 2).
Part 2: Factors influencing match running performance
High-intensity running and sprinting were similar in
matches that were competitive, heavily won or lost
Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013
(Table II). Matches that were competitive or won
produced decrements (P < 0.01) in high-intensity
running in the second half but when losing high-
intensity running was maintained (ES: 0.1–0.3).
Central defenders covered 10–17% less high-inten-
sity running (P < 0.01) during matches that were
heavily won versus lost or competitive (ES: 0.6–0.9).
Attackers covered 15% and 54% more high-intensity
running and sprinting in matches won (P < 0.01)
versus defeated (ES: 0.9–1.4).
Match running performance was unchanged
between matches of differing importance (Table III).
Between half trends indicated that total distance
declined (P < 0.01) in the second half of both critical
and less important matches (ES: 0.3–0.4) but high-
intensity running only declined in critical matches
(ES: 0.2). Central defenders and full-backs demon-
strated reductions (P < 0.05) in second half high-
intensity running in critically important matches
only (ES: 0.5–0.6).
Players introduced as substitutes covered more
(P < 0.01) total and high-intensity running distance
50
40
HIR Distance (m · min−1)
30
*
20
10
0 effect sizes for all). A multitude of mechanisms have
Peak 5-min Post 5-min Post 10-min Post 15-min Average 5-min
Figure 2. The most intense 5-min period of a match and the time
course of recovery in the subsequent 15-min. *Lower (P < 0.05)
than average 5-min period minus the peak value. High-intensity
running (HIR). Data are presented as means and standard error
of the mean.
compared with the equivalent time period when
completing the full match (ES: 0.5–0.6), although
sprinting did not differ (ES: 0.2; Table IV). Total
distance and high-intensity running were greater
(P < 0.05) in central midfielders when introduced
as substitutes compared with the exact time period
during full matches (ES: 0.7–0.9). Sprinting was
only higher (P < 0.05) in central defenders and
full-backs when entering the match as substitutes
(ES: 0.6–0.7). Data separated into early and late
substitutions, produced similar relative increases for
high-intensity running (14–16%; ES: 0.5) and total
distance covered (7–8%; ES: 0.6) compared with the
equivalent time period when completing the full
match (Table IV). To account for match tempo,
we compared the mean player match running per-
formances with that of the substitutes. Data trends
indicated that substitutes also covered more
(P < 0.01) distance in total (ES: 1.0) and at high-
intensity (ES: 1.1) compared to the mean for all
remaining players at the same time period, although
sprinting did not differ (ES: 0.5).
Discussion
The present study revealed that total distance and
high-intensity running were markedly lower in the
second half for players in a ‘high’ activity group
compared with ‘moderate’ and ‘low’ groups. This
finding agrees with research separating elite players
and referees into similar categories (D’Ottavio &
Castagna, 2001; Rampinini et al., 2007; Weston,
Castagna, Impellizzeri, Rampinini, & Abt, 2007)
but this is the first study to investigate this trend in
5-min periods of matches. Interestingly, high-inten-
sity running was lower in the initial 10-min of the
second versus first half for the ‘high’ group but not
for ‘moderate’ and ‘low’ groups. The differences
denoted immediately after the half time interval
could indicate a pacing strategy but given the com-
plexity of soccer match-play and the limitations of
the methods used (time-motion analysis), other fac-
tors cannot be discounted. For instance, the decline
in high-intensity running may indicate fatigue occurs
across the course of the second half due to the ‘high’
demands of the first half. This decline was evident
across most equivalent periods of the match but the
lack of statistical significance can be explained by the
stringent Bonferroni correction applied due to the
large array of pairwise comparisons (small-moderate
been proposed to explain fatigue development in
soccer, but researchers have failed to identify its
precise cause (Mohr et al., 2005). This is unsurpris-
ing given the complexities of match running perfor-
mance, which is influenced by a myriad of factors
(Drust et al., 2007). Fatigue is not causally linked to
 Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013

Table II. Match running performance in competitive matches (1 ≤ goal differential) versus those heavily won or lost (≥3 goal differential). αHigher (P < 0.01) in win than loss. xHigher (P < 0.05) in
win than loss. ºLower (P < 0.05) in win compared to loss and competitive. ~Lower (P < 0.01) in win compared to loss and competitive. +Lower (P < 0.05) in loss compared to win and competitive.
Δ
Lower (P < 0.01) in second half. =Lower (P < 0.05) in second half. Total distance covered (TDC), High-intensity running (HIR) and Sprinting (SPR). Data are presented as means and standard
error of the mean.

Competitive Heavy Win Heavy Loss

Position/Variable First Second Total First Second Total First Second Total

Central defenders (n = 14)

TDC (m ∙ min−1) 105.3 ± 1.8 100.1 ± 1.6Δ 102.6 ± 1.6 103.2 ± 1.8 97.2 ± 1.6Δ 100.2 ± 1.6 105.0 ± 2.3 101.5 ± 1.9 103.2 ± 2.0
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 21.1 ± 0.9 19.2 ± 1.1 20.1 ± 0.9 19.1 ± 1.1 17.0 ± 0.9º= 18.0 ± 0.9~ 21.5 ± 1.5 21.9 ± 1.27 21.7 ± 1.3
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 1.38 ± 0.12 1.69 ± 0.15 1.54 ± 0.12 1.01 ± 0.15º 1.49 ± 0.13 1.21 ± 0.10º 1.67 ± 0.18 1.94 ± 0.25 1.80 ± 0.19
Full-backs (n = 14)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 116.9 ± 1.9 112.2 ± 2.1= 114.5 ± 1.8 117.7 ± 1.9 111.6 ± 2.1Δ 114.6 ± 1.9 119.4 ± 3.0 113.5 ± 2.0 116.4 ± 2.1
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 31.0 ± 1.5 29.0 ± 1.4 30.0 ± 1.4 32.0 ± 1.6 28.2 ± 1.4= 30.1 ± 1.4 33.4 ± 2.1 31.9 ± 1.6 32.7 ± 1.6
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 3.08 ± 0.34 2.99 ± 0.32 3.02 ± 0.30 3.51 ± 0.30 3.00 ± 0.35 3.26 ± 0.28 3.06 ± 0.34 3.69 ± 0.31 3.38 ± 0.28
Central midfielders (n = 12)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 123.7 ± 1.5 117.6 ± 1.8Δ 120.6 ± 1.6 125.7 ± 1.8 116.9 ± 1.7Δ 121.3 ± 1.6 123.1 ± 1.7 120.1 ± 1.5 121.6 ± 1.4
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 33.9 ± 1.6 31.3 ± 1.2= 32.6 ± 1.3 36.1 ± 2.0 31.0 ± 1.5Δ 33.5 ± 1.6 34.8 ± 1.4 33.1 ± 1.1 33.9 ± 1.1
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 2.35 ± 0.25 2.41 ± 0.23 2.39 ± 0.21 2.71 ± 0.39 2.44 ± 0.24 2.57 ± 0.25 2.42 ± 0.24 2.83 ± 0.29 2.64 ± 0.20
Wide midfielders (n = 7)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 126.9 ± 3.2 123.9 ± 2.2 125.4 ± 2.2 127.3 ± 3.2 120.6 ± 2.7Δ 124.0 ± 2.9 121.8 ± 3.9 121.9 ± 4.4 121.8 ± 3.9
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 36.6 ± 2.6 35.7 ± 1.9 36.1 ± 1.9 37.5 ± 2.6 35.4 ± 1.8 36.5 ± 2.1 34.2 ± 2.8 34.4 ± 3.5 34.2 ± 2.9
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 3.49 ± 0.26 3.51 ± 0.39 3.50 ± 0.23 3.49 ± 0.27 3.37 ± 0.30 3.44 ± 0.12 2.70 ± 0.30 2.53 ± 0.39 2.60 ± 0.35
Attackers (n = 7)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 106.3 ± 2.8 103.0 ± 2.8= 104.6 ± 2.7 106.7 ± 2.1 106.3 ± 2.9x 106.5 ± 2.4 107.4 ± 2.8 100.4 ± 1.5= 103.9 ± 2.0
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 24.2 ± 1.6 24.3 ± 1.7 24.3 ± 1.6 25.0 ± 1.2 26.2 ± 2.0 25.6 ± 1.5x 23.8 ± 2.0 20.6 ± 1.0+ 22.2 ± 1.4
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 2.99 ± 0.50 3.89 ± 0.42 3.44 ± 0.42 3.73 ± 0.35x 4.20 ± 0.46x 3.96 ± 0.38α 2.60 ± 0.49 2.53 ± 0.28+ 2.57 ± 0.37
All players (n = 54)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 115.3 ± 1.5 110.6 ± 1.5Δ 112.9 ± 1.4 115.6 ± 1.6 109.5 ± 1.5Δ 112.5 ± 1.5 115.2 ± 1.6 111.3 ± 1.5Δ 113.2 ± 1.5
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 29.0 ± 1.1 27.2 ± 1.0Δ 28.1 ± 1.0 29.4 ± 1.23 26.6 ± 1.1Δ 28.0 ± 1.1 29.5 ± 1.2 28.4 ± 1.1 28.9 ± 1.1
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 2.52 ± 0.16 2.71 ± 0.16 2.61 ± 0.15 2.71 ± 0.20 2.69 ± 0.18 2.69 ± 0.17 2.45 ± 0.15 2.74 ± 0.16 2.60 ± 0.14
Match Running Performance Fluctuations in Soccer
7
 Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013

Table III. Match running performance in critical versus less important matches. ΔLower (P < 0.01) in second half. =Lower (P < 0.05) in second half. Total distance covered (TDC), High-intensity
running (HIR) and Sprinting (SPR). Data are presented as means and standard error of the mean.

Critical Importance Lower Importance

Position/Variable First Second Total First Second Total

Central defenders (n = 14)

P. S. Bradley & T. D. Noakes

TDC (m ∙ min−1) 103.9 ± 1.6 99.6 ± 1.2Δ 101.7 ± 1.3 103.7 ± 1.6 99.8 ± 1.6Δ 101.7 ± 1.5
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 20.4 ± 0.7 19.0 ± 0.6= 19.7 ± 0.6 20.1 ± 0.8 19.3 ± 1.3 19.7 ± 1.0
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 1.53 ± 0.12 1.59 ± 0.14 1.56 ± 0.10 1.36 ± 0.12 1.60 ± 0.20 1.48 ± 0.13
Full-backs (n = 15)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 117.8 ± 1.7 112.3 ± 1.5Δ 115.0 ± 1.5 114.7 ± 1.3 113.7 ± 1.7 114.2 ± 1.3
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 31.5 ± 1.2 29.3 ± 1.2= 30.4 ± 1.2 29.5 ± 0.9 30.3 ± 1.2 29.9 ± 0.9
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 3.53 ± 0.28 3.28 ± 0.34 3.40 ± 0.29 2.84 ± 0.26 3.43 ± 0.36 3.14 ± 0.28
Central midfielders (n = 11)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 123.8 ± 2.5 118.6 ± 2.3Δ 121.1 ± 2.3 123.8 ± 2.7 117.2 ± 2.8Δ 120.5 ± 2.7
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 33.8 ± 1.6 30.9 ± 1.4 32.3 ± 1.4 33.7 ± 1.9 29.2 ± 1.6Δ 31.4 ± 1.6
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 2.52 ± 0.34 2.62 ± 0.32 2.57 ± 0.28 2.59 ± 0.39 2.25 ± 0.26 2.41 ± 0.25
Wide midfielders (n = 7)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 121.9 ± 2.8 120.7 ± 4.4 121.3 ± 3.4 119.5 ± 4.3 115.6 ± 3.5 117.5 ± 3.7
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 32.8 ± 1.6 34.1 ± 2.7 33.4 ± 2.0 31.7 ± 3.0 30.0 ± 2.3 30.8 ± 2.6
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 3.63 ± 0.48 3.72 ± 0.49 3.67 ± 0.41 3.49 ± 0.46 3.10 ± 0.50 3.29 ± 0.45
Attackers (n = 8)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 113.9 ± 3.3 108.4 ± 4.1 111.1 ± 3.5 111.5 ± 3.3 108.6 ± 3.4 110.0 ± 3.3
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 27.3 ± 2.3 27.1 ± 2.8 27.2 ± 2.5 26.9 ± 1.9 27.8 ± 2.1 27.4 ± 2.0
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 2.93 ± 0.52 3.22 ± 0.37 3.08 ± 0.43 3.06 ± 0.20 3.36 ± 0.36 3.21 ± 0.26
All players (n = 55)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 115.4 ± 1.4 110.8 ± 1.4Δ 113.1 ± 1.4 113.9 ± 1.4 110.4 ± 1.4Δ 112.1 ± 1.3
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 28.7 ± 0.9 27.3 ± 1.0Δ 28.0 ± 0.9 27.9 ± 0.9 26.9 ± 0.9 27.3 ± 0.9
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 2.74 ± 0.18 2.77 ± 0.17 2.75 ± 0.16 2.53 ± 0.16 2.68 ± 0.18 2.60 ± 0.15
 Match Running Performance Fluctuations in Soccer 9

Table IV. Match running performance in various playing positions associated with a more pronounced decline in sprint
and time periods for substitutes introduced in the second half performance before the second half (Mohr,
versus the identical period of time in a full match. *Higher (P <
Krustrup, Nybo, Nielsen, & Bangsbo, 2004).
0.01) than the identical time period in full match. ΔHigher (P <
0.05) than the identical time period in full match. Early (45- to 65- Although additional factors could explain the reduc-
min) or late (65- to 90-min) refers to the time period of the second tion in running performance at the start of the sec-
half the substitutes were introduced. Total distance covered ond half, such as the tempo of the match (Weston
(TDC), High-intensity running (HIR) and Sprinting (SPR). et al., 2011b) and the intense nature of the initial
Data are presented as means and standard error of the mean.
period of the first half which could be an inappropri-
Substitution Equivalent Time in ate benchmark to use as a comparison period
Position/Variable Appearance Full Match (Lovell, Barrett, Portas, & Weston, 2013).
Alternatively, some suggest that reductions in
Central defenders (n = 9)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 108.8 ± 4.4 99.7 ± 2.5 match running performance could be due to players
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 25.3 ± 2.7 22.5 ± 2.6 employing a pacing strategy to enable the comple-
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 1.85 ± 0.39Δ 1.11 ± 0.34 tion of a match without any single physiological
Full-backs (n = 9) system failing (Drust et al., 2007). Although limited
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 118.3 ± 4.7 105.0 ± 4.8 data exists to fully explain pacing in team sports, a
Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013

HIR (m ∙ min−1) 32.8 ± 3.1 25.3 ± 1.7 model proposed by Edwards and Noakes (2009)
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 3.85 ± 0.59Δ 2.86 ± 0.49 suggests that players may dynamically modulate
Central midfielders (n = 13) their high-intensity efforts in an attempt to avoid
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 123.3 ± 2.6Δ 111.7 ± 4.3 fatigue. The results of the present study and others
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 35.9 ± 2.4Δ 30.28 ± 2.3
(D’Ottavio & Castagna, 2001; Rampinini et al.,
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 2.34 ± 0.31 2.24 ± 0.41
2007; Weston et al., 2007) could provide support
Wide midfielders (n = 20) for this model as players covering the lowest total
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 124.4 ± 2.7Δ 117.9 ± 2.5
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 37.5 ± 1.8 33.3 ± 1.8
distances in the first half had the available capacity to
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 4.67 ± 0.58 3.63 ± 0.35 be able to maintain match running parameters in the
second half. Additional complexities are found on
Attackers (n = 14)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 106.0 ± 3.0 103.2 ± 3.3 closer inspection of the data in 5-min periods for
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 26.7 ± 2.3 25.2 ± 1.4 various activity groups. Unsurprisingly, the ‘high’
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 2.60 ± 0.43 3.37 ± 0.44 and ‘low’ groups were primarily composed of mid-
All players (n = 65) fielders and central defenders/attackers, respec-
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 117.2 ± 1.7* 109.2 ± 1.7 tively. Rampinini et al. (2007) did not report such
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 32.5 ± 1.2* 28.3 ± 1.0 a trend when observing second half declines in
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 3.25 ± 0.27 2.84 ± 0.21 match running performance after ‘high’ first half
Early substitution (n = 40) activity, despite reporting positional variation in
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 114.1 ± 2.1* 106.7 ± 2.0 match running performance. Midfielders perform
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 30.9 ± 1.5* 27.1 ± 1.2
more total distance and high-intensity running
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 3.13 ± 0.31 2.68 ± 0.25
than attackers and central defenders (Bradley
Late substitution (n = 25) et al., 2009, 2010, 2011; Di Salvo et al., 2009)
TDC (m ∙ min−1) 122.2 ± 2.8Δ 113.1 ± 3.1
HIR (m ∙ min−1) 35.1 ± 2.0Δ 30.4 ± 1.8
and this finding could simply reflect position-speci-
SPR (m ∙ min−1) 3.46 ± 0.48 3.10 ± 0.37 fic decrements or tactical requirements. Thus, cau-
tion is needed before attributing these findings to
fatigue or pacing as the tactical role of the player
could also dictate the amount of high-intensity run-
ning undertaken in the first half and its resultant
a single factor (Edwards & Noakes, 2009); however impact on the second half. Moreover, the analytical
the sustained decline in match running performance approach used in this section of the study (percen-
in the second half has been associated with a low- tiles) could have marginally impacted on the data
ering of muscle glycogen (Krustrup et al., 2006; trends. We separated various groups based on the
Saltin, 1973). This could explain the marked reduc- total distance covered in the first half but a limita-
tions in high-intensity running during the second tion of such an approach is that there was limited
half period for the ‘high’ compared with ‘low’ and separation between some players (e.g. players in the
‘moderate’ groups. Reductions in match running low-end of ‘high’ could have a total distance close
performance in the first period of the second half to players at the high-end of ‘moderate’). This
should be expected and could be attributed to the could have also been an issue with Rampinini
fall in muscle temperature during the half-time et al.’s (2007) analytical approach in which an
break. Research observed a 2°C drop in muscle order function separated similar groups. Although
temperature after the half-time break and this was we removed 17 players from the analysis to separate
 10 P. S. Bradley & T. D. Noakes
groups, this is still a factor to consider when evalu-
ating the data trends.
Data collapsed independent of activity level or
position highlights some noteworthy trends. High-
intensity running distance was greater in the initial
period of the first versus second half but after this
period no differences were evident, with the most
comparable periods occurring in stoppage time. On
the contrary, total distance declined in the first and
last part of the second half compared with the same
first-half period. If team sports players do pace their
efforts then some suggest an ‘end spurt’ in high-
intensity running in the latter stages of the match
could be expected (Aughey, 2010). Although our
data failed to support the ‘end spurt’ hypothesis,
high-intensity running and sprinting were main-
Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013
tained throughout the second half compared with
the same first half period. The maintenance of
high-intensity running and sprinting probably
occurred at the expense of a more pronounced
decline in total distance throughout the second
half. Carling and Bloomfield (2010) also observed a
similar finding when teams attempted to cope with
an early player dismissal. This trend could demon-
strate a pacing strategy that spares low-intensity
activity such as walking and jogging in an attempt
to preserve essential high-intensity running (Drust
et al., 2007; Edwards & Noakes, 2009). Studies
have generally observed reductions in total distance
and high-intensity running as the match progresses
(Bradley et al. 2009; Rampinini et al., 2007) and
concluded that fatigue mechanisms are responsible.
However, these studies have tracked match running
performance in 15- and 45-min periods, which
results in a substantial loss of specific information.
Thus, this study illustrates the importance of analys-
ing data in 5-min periods (including stoppage times)
to allow perturbations in match performance to be
observed.
Although others have observed declines in high-
intensity running after the most intense period (Di
Mascio & Bradley, 2013; Mohr et al., 2003) this is
the first study published to date that has quantified
the time course of recovery. We observed that high-
intensity running after the most intense period was
below the match average for 5-min before recover-
ing. Krustrup et al. (2006) found sprint performance
declined after intense periods in the first and second
half but this was not associated with muscle lactate,
pH, or glycogen content. It has been suggested that
the temporary decline in high-intensity running dur-
ing matches could be related to the accumulation of
potassium in the muscle, which results in electrical
disturbances that impact force development (Mohr
et al., 2005). Alternatively, Edwards and Noakes
(2009) suggest that such high demands would cer-
tainly threaten homeostasis and players thus seek out
extended opportunities to minimise energy expendi-
ture. Thus, this study provides evidence of the need
for recovery after the most intense periods and sports
scientists should design training aimed at coping
with multiple intense actions. However, caution is
needed when attributing these temporary drops to
fatigue or pacing due to the low magnitude of the
effect size statistic and given that they also seem to
be related to the time the ball is out of play and the
opportunity to engage in match activities (Carling &
Dupont, 2011). This was evident in the present
study for players in the same match whereby a large
stoppage between the 20- to 25-min period resulted
in a substantial drop in match running performance
as opposed to fatigue or pacing. Furthermore, the
temporary drop in high-intensity running may have
been underestimated, as our results are based on
pre-defined 5-min periods of matches as opposed
to rolling 1-min periods. Mohr et al. (2003)
observed a 12% decline in high-intensity running
after the most intense period using a rolling method,
indicating that the drop could be even greater and
extend for a longer period (Varley, Elias, & Aughey,
2012). Thus, future studies are advised to use rolling
periods that also account for the degree the ball is
out of play to fully establish the magnitude and time
course of transient fluctuations in high-intensity
running.
Results demonstrated that players entering the
second half as substitutes covered 15% more high-
intensity running compared with the identical time
period when completing a full match. This was par-
ticularly evident in midfielders. Research reported a
25% greater distance in high-intensity running dur-
ing the final 15-min of matches in substitutes versus
separate players completing the full match (Mohr
et al., 2003). Discrepancies between studies are
due to the separate groups analyses and the low
sample size in the Mohr et al. (2003) study. It
could be argued that the differences are due to the
time periods in which match running performance
was monitored in each study (second half versus
final 15-min). However, this is the first study to
separated data into early and late substitutions, and
this resulted in very similar relative changes in high-
intensity running compared with the same full match
period. Carling et al. (2010) demarcated between
midfielders and attackers but observed that the latter
failed to improve their match running performance
during the first 10-min of being introduced as sub-
stitutes compared with the equivalent full time per-
iod. This trend was evident within the present study
and further supports the assertion that coaches repla-
cing players still need to consider the contribution
that a particular substitute can make based on situa-
tional and positional factors. Our data provide a
more valid expression of full versus partial match
 Match Running Performance Fluctuations in Soccer
running performance comparisons across all playing
positions and time periods of the second half. This
data support the notion that selected playing posi-
tions completing full matches either experience fati-
gue in the second half or use a more effective pacing
strategy compared with being introduced as an early
or late substitute.
This is the first study to demonstrate that players
are able to maintain their high-intensity running
performances in the second half of heavily defeated
matches, but this was not evident in heavily won
matches. This seems unsurprising as successful
teams cover less distance in total and at high-inten-
sity compared with unsuccessful teams (Di Salvo
et al., 2009; Rampinini et al., 2007). Playing against
strong opposition has been found to be associated
Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013
with lower ball possession (Bloomfield, Polman, &
O’Donoghue, 2005; Lago, 2009) and it is possible
that teams that are heavily defeated have to cover
greater high-intensity running distance without the
ball in an attempt to close players down and regain
possession (Bradley, Lago-Peñas, Rey, & Gomez
Diaz, 2013). Team strategies are also influence by
score line as teams will employ different playing
styles when ahead, level or behind (Lago and
Martin, 2007). This is the first study to highlight
positional differences in match running performance
during various score lines, with attackers covering
more and central defenders less high-intensity run-
ning in matches heavily won versus lost. Bradley
et al. (2011) found attackers in offensive formations
covered more high-intensity running than in defen-
sive formations and our findings could be linked to
the tactical characteristics inherent within these sys-
tems. This highlights the complexities of match run-
ning performance and sports scientists must
consider the influence of tactical and situational fac-
tors before attempting to draw inferences. Caution is
also needed when interpreting these findings as a
small sample size was used in some positional sub-
sets, and this is especially relevant given the variable
nature of some match running parameters (Gregson,
Drust, Atkinson, & Di Salvo, 2010). However, this is
an unavoidable drawback given the elite nature of
the players and the rarity of the data set (e.g. heavily
defeated/won matches using a repeated measures
design).
The results indicated that match running perfor-
mance did not change considerably between
matches of differing importance. Altogether, these
findings would suggest that match importance does
not impact on the overall physical demands of elite
soccer match play. However, the aim of any teams’
tactics is to ensure optimal team organisation in
order to best utilise the physical and technical cap-
abilities of its players and thus this trend could sim-
ply reflect tactical discipline nullifying the
11
importance of the occasion. However, failure to
find an effect for match importance could be due
to the analysis of 45-min periods as opposed to
highly sensitive 5-min periods that could have indi-
cated that the initial period of the first half was
higher in critical versus less important matches as
teams attempt to establish their authority through
increased tempo, and more research using such an
approach is warranted.
This study attempted to investigate match run-
ning performance fluctuations in elite soccer
matches, but the reader should be aware of certain
limitations. For instance, studies investigating influ-
encing factors in soccer (Lago et al., 2010), gener-
ally use multivariate statistical models on variables
common to the entire sample (match outcome,
location, standard) and adjusted data for effective
playing time (Castellano et al., 2011) but this was
not possible within the present study given the lack
of commonality in the data set (critical/less impor-
tance versus heavily won/lost matches). Finally, a
limitation of using distances covered in various
speed thresholds to determine fatigue or pacing is
that most maximal accelerations do not result in
speeds associated with high-intensity running but
are metabolically taxing (Varley & Aughey, 2013).
Thus, the true energy cost of match running per-
formance cannot be established.
In summary, the data demonstrate that high-
intensity running in the second half is impacted
by the activity of the first half and is reduced for
5-min after intense periods. High-intensity running
is influenced by score line and substitutions but
not match importance. However, the reader must
be aware of the present study’s limitations and the
challenging nature of using time-motion data to
determine if pacing or fatigue occurs in complex
sports such as soccer. Thus, more research is war-
ranted to establish if perturbations in match run-
ning performance are primarily a consequence of
fatigue, pacing or tactical and situational
influences.
References
Abbiss, C.R., & Laursen, P.B. (2008). Describing and under-
standing pacing strategies during athletic competition. Sports
Medicine, 38, 239–252.
Ali, A., & Farrally, M. (1991). Recording soccer players’ heart
rates during matches. Journal of Sports Sciences, 9, 183–189.
Aughey, R.J. (2010). Australian football player work rate: evidence
of fatigue and pacing? International Journal of Sports Physiology
and Performance, 5, 394–405.
Bangsbo, J. (1994). The physiology of soccer – with special refer-
ence to intense intermittent exercise. Acta Physiologica
Scandinavica, 151(suppl 619), 1–155.
Bangsbo, J., Norregaard, L., & Thorso. F. (1991). Activity profile
of competition soccer. Canadian Journal of Sport Sciences, 16,
110–116.
 12 P. S. Bradley & T. D. Noakes
Batterham, A.M., & Hopkins, W.G. (2006). Making meaningful
inferences about magnitudes. International Journal of Sports
Physiology and Performance, 1, 50–57.
Bendiksen, M., Bischoff, R., Randers, M.B., Mohr, M., Rollo, I.,
Suetta, C., Bangsbo, J., & Krustrup, P. (2012). The Copenhagen
soccer test: physiological response and fatigue development.
Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 44, 1595–1603.
Bloomfield, J., Polman, R., & O’Donoghue, P. (2005). Effects of
score-line on team strategies in FA Premier League soccer.
Journal of Sports Sciences, 23, 192–193.
Bradley, P.S., Carling, C., Archer, D., Roberts, J., Dodds, A., Di
Mascio, M., Paul, D., Diaz, A.G., Peart, D., & Krustrup, P.
(2011). The effect of playing formation on high-intensity run-
ning and technical profiles in English FA Premier League
soccer matches. Journal of Sports Sciences, 29, 821–830.
Bradley, P.S., Di Mascio, M., Peart, D., Olsen, P., & Sheldon, B.
(2010). High-intensity activity profiles of elite soccer players at
different performance levels. Journal of Strength and
Conditioning Research, 24, 2343–2351.
Downloaded by [Florida Atlantic University] at 10:43 01 September 2013
Bradley, P.S., Lago-Peñas, C., Rey, E., & Gomez Diaz, A. (2013).
The effect of high and low percentage ball possession on phy-
sical and technical profiles in English FA Premier League
soccer matches. Journal of Sports Sciences, Epub ahead of print.
Bradley, P.S., Sheldon, W., Wooster, B., Olsen, P., Boanas, P., &
Krustrup, P. (2009). High-intensity running in English FA
Premier League soccer matches. Journal of Sports Sciences, 27,
159–168.
Carling, C., & Bloomfield, J. (2010). The effect of an early dis-
missal on player work-rate in a professional soccer match.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13, 126–128.
Carling, C., & Dupont, G. (2011). Are declines in physical per-
formance associated with a reduction in skill-related perfor-
mance during professional soccer match-play? Journal of
Sports Sciences, 21, 63–67.
Carling, C., Espié, V., Le Gall F., Bloomfield, J., & Jullien, H.
(2010). Work-rate of substitutes in elite soccer: A preliminary
study. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13, 253–255.
Castellano, J., Blanco-Villasenor, A., & Alvarez, D. (2011).
Contextual variables and time-motion analysis in soccer.
International Journal of Sports Medicine, 32, 415–421.
Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioural
sciences (2nd ed.). Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum.
D’Ottavio, S., & Castagna, C. (2001). Physiological load imposed
on elite soccer referees during actual match play. Journal of
Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 41, 27–32.
Di Mascio, M., & Bradley, P.S. (2013). Evaluation of the most
intense period of high-intensity running in English FA Premier
League soccer matches. Journal of Strength and Conditioning
Research. 27, 909–915.
Di Salvo, V., Collins, A., McNeill, B., & Cardinale, M. (2006).
Validation of ProZone: A new video-based performance analy-
sis system. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport,
6, 108–119.
Di Salvo, V., Baron, R., Tschan, H., Calderon Montero, F.J.,
Bachl, N., & Pigozzi, F. (2007). Performance characteristics
according to playing position in elite soccer. International
Journal of Sports Medicine, 28, 222–227.
Di Salvo, V., Gregson, W., Atkinson, G., Tordoff, P., & Drust, B.
(2009). Analysis of high intensity activity in Premier League
soccer. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 30, 205–212.
Drust, B., Atkinson, G., & Reilly, T. (2007). Future perspectives
in the evaluation of the physiological demands of soccer. Sports
Medicine, 37, 783–805.
Edwards, A.M., & Noakes, T.D. (2009). Dehydration: Cause of
fatigue or sign of pacing in elite soccer? Sports Medicine, 39,
1–13.
Glaister, M. (2005). Multiple sprint work: Physiological
responses, mechanisms of fatigue and the influence of aerobic
fitness. Sports Medicine, 35, 757–777.
Gregson, W., Drust, B., Atkinson, G., & Di Salvo, V. (2010).
Match-to-match variability of high-speed activities in pre-
mier league soccer. International Journal of Sports Medicine,
31, 237–242.
Krustrup, P., Mohr, M., Steensberg, A., Bencke, J., Kjaer, M., &
Bangsbo, J. (2006). Muscle and blood metabolites during a
soccer game: Implications for sprint performance. Medicine
and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38, 1165–1174.
Lago, C. (2009). The influence of match location, quality of
opposition, and match status on possession strategies in pro-
fessional association football. Journal of Sports Sciences, 27,
1463–1469.
Lago, C., & Martin, R. (2007). Determinants of possession of the
ball in soccer. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25, 969–974.
Lago, C., Casais, L., Dominguez, E., & Sampaio, J. (2010). The
effect of situational variables on distance covered at various
speeds in elite soccer. European Journal of Sport Science, 10,
103–109.
Lovell, R., Barrett, S., Portas, M., & Weston, M. (2013). Re-
examination of the post half-time reduction in soccer work-
rate. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 16, 250–254.
Mohr, M., Krustrup, P., & Bangsbo, J. (2003). Match performance
of high-standard soccer players with special reference to develop-
ment of fatigue. Journal of Sports Sciences, 21, 519–528.
Mohr, M., Krustrup, P., & Bangsbo, J. (2005) Fatigue in soccer:
A brief review. Journal of Sports Sciences, 23, 593–599.
Mohr, M., Krustrup, P., Nybo, L., Nielsen, J., & Bangsbo, J. (2004).
Muscle temperature and sprint performance during soccer
matches – beneficial effects of re-warm-up at half time.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 15, 136–143.
Rampinini, E., Coutts, A.J., Castagna, C., Sassi, R., &
Impellizzeri, F.M. (2007). Variation in top level soccer
match performance. International Journal of Sports Medicine,
28, 1018–1024.
Saltin, B. (1973). Metabolic fundamentals in exercise. Medicine
and Science in Sports, 5, 137–146.
Varley, M.C., & Aughey, R.J. (2013). Acceleration profiles in elite
Australian soccer. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 34
(1), 34–39.
Varley, M.C., Elias, G.P., & Aughey, R.J. (2012). Current match-
analysis techniques’ underestimation of intense periods of high-
velocity running. International Journal of Sports Physiology and
Performance, 7, 183–185.
Weston, M., Castagna, C., Impellizzeri, F.M., Rampinini, E., &
Abt, G. (2007). Analysis of physical match performance in
English Premier League soccer referees with particular refer-
ence to first half and player work rates. Journal of Science and
Medicine in Sport, 10, 390–397.
Weston, M., Drust, B., & Gregson, W. (2011a). Intensities
of exercise during match-play in FA Premier League
referees and players. Journal of Sports Sciences, 29, 527–
532.
Weston, M., Batterham, A.M., Castagna, C., Portas, M.D.,
Barnes, C., Harley, J., & Lovell, R. (2011b). Reduction in
physical match performance at the start of the second half in
elite soccer. International Journal of Sports Physiology and
Performance, 6, 174–182.