To measure Peak Velocity in Soccer, Let the Players Sprint
A small presentation taken from my second published PhD study.
Our main finding is consistent with that of previous work whereby elite youth players only attained ~90% of their peak velocity during matches. Analyzing the game, we observe max sprinting efforts occurred offensively and defensively (see the video below). Offensively, when in build up and when in transition (off the ball – with ball) are the moments when a max sprint can occur. On the other hand, defensively, we can differentiate two phases; the first when our team press high as a part of our strategy leaving space at the defense back and the second, when we lose the ball in transition. Therefore, it is essential to analyze correctly our team’s game model and train these phases accordingly.
It is important players are measured during sprinting activities, namely a sprint test or to a lesser extent sprint training.
Coaches are advised to include additional specific sprint drills to prepare players for matches with a suitable stimulus of peak velocity.
