Biology of Sport · Published 2026-01-01 · DOI 10.5114/biolsport.2026.158681
This study aimed to determine how contextualized physical performance metrics influence offensive and defensive outcomes in professional football. We examined external load and high-intensity actions over two seasons, adopting a dual-team approach including a reference team and its opponent. Positional data from all outfield players in 760 matches were collected using a video-based tracking system, capturing sprinting, accelerations, decelerations, and high-intensity efforts across in-possession, out-of-possession, and out-of-play phases. Sprinting distance in possession was associated with a higher number of goals scored (β = 0.308, standard error [SE] = 0.057, p < 0.001). High metabolic power distance during out-of-play phases was also a positive predictor of offensive effectiveness (β = 1.274, SE = 0.218, p < 0.001). High-intensity deceleration distance in possession was negatively related to goals scored (β = -0.257, SE = 0.089, p = 0.004). Defensively, higher opponent intensity—such as sprinting distance in possession and high metabolic power distance during out-of-play phases—was associated with a higher number of goals conceded (β = 0.212, SE = 0.052, p < 0.001; β = 1.379, SE = 0.207, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas high metabolic power distance of the reference team during out-of-play phases was negatively associated (β = -0.966, SE = 0.241, p < 0.001). The influence of in-possession decelerations differed between seasons, indicating that timing and tactical context modulate how these actions affect goals conceded. A focused set of contextualized physical metrics critically shape offensive and defensive outcomes and can guide training and tactical strategies to enhance team performance.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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