The role of motion analysis in elite soccer: Contemporary performance measurement techniques and work rate data.

Chris Carling, Jonathan Bloomfield, LEE NELSON, Tom Reilly

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (journal)peer-review

457 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The optimal physical preparation of elite soccer (association football) players has become an indispensable part of the professional game, especially due to the increased physical demands of match-play. The monitoring of players’ work rate profiles during competition is now feasible through computer-aided motion analysis. Traditional methods of motion analysis were extremely labour intensive and were largely restricted to university-based research projects. Recent technological developments have meant that sophisticated systems, capable of quickly recording and processing the data of all players’ physical contributions throughout an entire match, are now being used in elite club environments. In recognition of the important role that motion analysis now plays as a tool for measuring the physical performance of soccer players, this review critically appraises various motion analysis methods currently employed in elite soccer and explores research conducted using these methods. This review therefore aims to increase the awareness of both practitioners and researchers of the various motion analysis systems available, and identify practical implications of the established body of knowledge, while highlighting areas that require further exploration.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)389
Number of pages862
JournalSports Medicine
Volume38
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 21 Nov 2012

Keywords

  • Global Position System
  • Motion Analysis
  • Work Rate
  • Global Position System Receiver
  • Sprint Performance

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