Can different scores in first and second halves influence running and explosive-based measures?

This study aimed to examine the influence of different scores in the first and second half on running and explosive-based performance of elite male soccer players. Thirty-three professional players from one English Premier League team participated in the study across two consecutive seasons, 2021/22 and 2022/23. Matches were divided into half (first versussecond) and nine phases; WIN-WIN; WIN-DRAW; WIN-LOSS; DRAW-WIN; DRAW-DRAW; DRAW-LOSS; LOSS-WIN; LOSS-DRAW; and LOSS-LOSS. Match physical data were monitored using an 18 Hz Global Positioning System. There was a main effect for half for all variables (p < 0.001-0.008; n2 = 0.004-0.028), with distances covered per minute and number of explosive actions per minute greater in the first-half than second-half (d = 0.144-0.374). There was an interaction effect between half and phase for m/min, high-speed running per min, high metabolic load distance (HMLD) per min, HML efforts/min, and accelerations/min (p < 0.001 0.012; ?2 = 0.010-0.015). There was a reduction between first-half and second-half performance during WIN-WIN, WIN-DRAW, DRAW-WIN, DRAW-DRAW, LOSE-WIN, and LOSE LOSE for m/min (p < 0.001; d = 0.435-0.714), HMLD/min (p < 0.001-0.004; d = 0.334-0.605), and HML efforts/min (p < 0.001; d = 0.408-0.611). In conclusion, our findings emphasise the importance of considering both match half and phase when analysing players` physical performance to support the prescription of tailored training programs and tactical strategies to optimise performance across different match situations.
© Copyright 2025 Biology of Sport. Termedia Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Bibliographic Details
Subjects:
Notations:sport games
Tagging:Halbzeit
Published in:Biology of Sport
Language:English
Published: 2025
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2025.144296
Volume:42
Issue:2
Pages:169-175
Document types:article
Level:advanced