title: The evolution of physical and technical performance parameters in the English Premier League.
abstract: This study examined the evolution of physical and technical soccer performance across a 7-season period in the English Premier League. Match performance observations (n=14 700) were analysed for emergent trends. Total distance covered during a match was ~2% lower in 2006-07 compared to 2012-13. Across 7 seasons, high-intensity running distance and actions increased by ~30% (890±299 vs. 1 151±337 m, p<0.001; ES: 0.82) and ~50% (118±36 vs. 176±46, p<0.001; ES: 1.41), respectively. Sprint distance and number of sprints increased by ~35% (232±114 vs. 350±139 m, p<0.001; ES: 0.93) and ~85% (31±14 vs. 57±20, p<0.001; ES: 1.46), respectively. Mean sprint distance was shorter in 2012-13 compared to 2006-07 (5.9±0.8 vs. 6.9±1.3 m, p<0.001; ES: 0.91), with the proportion of explosive sprints increasing (34±11 vs. 47±9%, p<0.001; ES: 1.31). Players performed more passes (35±17 vs. 25±13, p<0.001; ES: 0.66) and successful passes (83±10% vs. 76±13%, p<0.001; ES: 0.60) in 2012-13 compared to 2006-07. Whereas the number of short and medium passes increased across time (p<0.001; ES>0.6), the number of long passes varied little (p<0.001; ES: 0.11). This data demonstrates evolution of physical and technical parameters in the English Premier League, and could be used to aid talent identification, training and conditioning preparation.
authors.affiliation: Sports Science, CB Sports Performance Ltd, Rugeley, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Archer
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hogg
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Bradley
mesh_terms: D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis