Wingers’ running performance demands and technical-tactical actions dependent on different playing formations in an amateur football team. A case study.

Abstract

Abstract We examine the differences in running performance demands and technical-tactical actions for male amateur football wingers in four tactical formations: 1-4-2-3-1, 1-4-4-2, 1-3-5-2 and 1-3-4-2-1 during an entire season. Running demands were assessed in terms of: total distance run; distance traveled at 3 different speed ranges (D > 14.4 km/h; D > 19.8 km/h; and D > 25 km/h); and number of accelerations registered in two different magnitude bands (Acc 2–4; and Acc > 4) while technical-tactical actions were assessed through 3,269 team match observations. The 1-3-5-2 formation requires the highest running demands with large differences identified in D > 19.8 comparing 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-3-5-2; in D > 25.0 comparing 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-3-5-2, and comparing 1-3-5-2 and 1-3-4-2-1. In addition, wingers in 1-3-5-2 register the lowest scores for several technical-tactical actions: Shots: 1-3-5-2 vs 1-3-4-2-1; Goal Area Shots:1-3-5-2 vs 1-3-4-2-1; and Dribbles: 1-3-5-2 vs 1-3-4-2-1. Finally, wingers registered the highest levels of defensive technical-tactical actions in 1-4-4-2 and 1-3-5-2. Findings suggest it would be of benefit for coaches to focus on formulating specific training plans to address the specific demands placed on wingers playing in these amateur matches and running performance demands and technical-tactical actions should be considered together with tactical formation.