The Effect of Match Running on Team Success in Professional Soccer

This study aimed to examine match running performance (RP) in professional soccer teams in terms of success variables. A total of 626 observations obtained via a multicamera tracking system (InStat Ltd.) from a total of 323 matches played by 19 teams in the Turkish Super League (TSL) during a season were analyzed. The success of the teams was examined as two different independent variables: i) according to the endof-season final table ranking (1st rank: the first five teams that have qualified for the European League; 2nd rank: the second rank five teams; 3rd rank: the third rank five teams; and 4th rank: the four relegated teams). ii) According to the match outcome (win, draw, loss). The RP variables included total distance (TD), covered distance in five speed zones (walking, jogging, running, high-speed running (HSR) and sprinting), high-intensity acceleration (HIA) and maximum acceleration. ANOVA and post hoc tests revealed that 1strank teams were significantly more common in running, HSR, sprinting and acceleration (p < .05). There was no difference between the TD groups (p > .05). The TD, walking sprinting and max. acceleration values of the winning teams were greater (p < .05). The short-term success goal for teams is to win a match or score a point, and the long-term goal is to be at the top of the final table in the season. Therefore, the current research revealed that high-intensity RPs and high intensity acceleration in matches are especially decisive in the success of teams.