Match-running performance of young soccer players in different game formats

Present study aimed to analyse the effect of game format, age-group, and playing position on match-running variables of soccer players (age ranging from 6.94 ± 0.7 to 13.46 ± 0.5 years; height ranging from 125.36 ± 6.04 to 159.16 ± 7.78 cm; weight ranging from 27.16 ± 5.75 to 49.89 ± 8.89 kgf). Match-running variables were assessed using global positioning system technology. Results suggest that game formats, which include more players have a significant effect on match-running variables than those having fewer players (p < 0.001). Moreover, oldest age-groups covered significantly higher distances in all categories than younger groups, total distance (TD): η2 = 0.32, p < 0.001; low-intensity running (LIR): η2 = 0.09, p < 0.001; high-intensity running (HIR): η2 = 0.25, p < 0.001; very high-intensity running (VHIR): η2 = 0.34, p < 0.001; very high-intensity activity (VHIA): η2 = 0.42, p < 0.001; and sprinting (SP): η2 = 0.41, p < 0.001). Match-running variables also differ among playing positions. Defenders covered lowest TD and HIR in all age-groups; midfielders covered highest TD and LIR in all age-groups (p < 0.001); forwards covered highest VHIR, VHIA, and SP in U14 age-group. Defenders covered lowest TD, LIR, HIR, and VHIR; midfielders covered highest TD and HIR regardless game format (p < 0.001); forwards covered highest VHIR, VHIA, and SP in 11v11 format (p < 0.001). These findings can provide an opportunity for coaches to maximise the efficiency of their training sessions.