The Running Performance of Amateur Football Players in Matches with a 1-4-3-3 Formation in Relation to Their Playing Position and the 15-min Time Periods

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the differences in specific GPS variables related to the running performance of amateur football players, comparing data over 15 min periods of time throughout the match, as well as examining differences between players of different positions. The participants are adult male amateur football players from the same team. The analysis of the players’ performance was carried out using GPS transmitters over twelve league matches (Amateur Division A) for all starting players (except the goalkeeper) who completed the match without being substituted. The formation was 1-4-3-3, and the players were divided into five categories: Central Defenders (CDs), Full Backs (FBs), Central Midfielders (CMs), Wingers (Ws), and Center Forwards (FWs). Each match was divided into two halves and into periods of fifteen minutes. The analysis concerns the total distance covered within these time periods and in different speed zones. The results showed that CDs covered the shortest distance (p < 0.05), while CMs and Ws covered the longest (p < 0.05) in the most of the 15 min time periods. In both halves, it was observed that players covered greater distances at low intensity in the last 15-min periods. Finally, the total distance covered at low intensity was greater in the last 15-min period of the 2nd half compared to that of the 1st half. As footballers’ loads vary based on their playing position, the data from this study warrant extensive consideration for better training planning.