Relationships between high intensity running and outcome of technical-tactical skills in professional soccer players during match play

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between high-intensity activities (HIA: speed, acceleration, Metabolic Power) and the outcomes of some technical-tactical skills in professional soccer players (n=610, age 26.8±7.0) during 50 games of the Italian “SERIE A” season 2013-2014. The analysis was carried out through a semi-automatic match analysis video-system. Each technical skill was automatically recognized and the number of events that overcame the threshold values we set as significant for high intensity activities, within 5s before the execution. Shots on goal showed that the HIA might be a discriminant factor in the outcomes (71.1% Success vs 61.5% Not Success, χ2 test, p<0.001). Crossing is clearly influenced by one preceding HIA (p<0.001). This study provides important insights referring to the different physical components occurring before performing a technical skill, highlighting the need of a close cooperation among coaches and physical trainers when assessing a match and designing the training programs.