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Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports

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A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 36119

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jose Luis Felipe Hernández

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Guest Editor

School of Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
Interests: physical activity; sport sciences; sport technology; sport surfaces
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Jorge Garcia-Unanue

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Guest Editor

IGOID Research Group, Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
Interests: sport management; sport facilities; sport policy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Leonor Gallardo Guerrero

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Prof. Dr. Javier Sanchez-Sanchez

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Guest Editor

School of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
Interests: time–motion analysis; GPS; match tracking; football; physical demands
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last few years, the progress in wearable technology and its presence in elite sports have increased. This situation has promoted the development of different tracking devices and tools which permit monitoring and control of the physical activities and movement patterns of players during training and matches. This makes it possible to understand the demands of sport and for this information to be used to in the improvement of performance and the reduction of injury risk. These technologies have begun to provide more valid, reliable, and time-efficient measures, particularly in outdoor sports. However, recent progress in this kind of technology has made it possible to apply this tracking to indoor team sports. The denomination of principal track tools was established for FIFA®, such as in the example of electronic performance and tracking systems (EPTS) which primarily track player and ball positions but can also be used in combination with microelectromechanical devices (accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.) and heart-rate monitors as well as other devices to measure load or physiological parameters. The Special Issue will review the existing literature, emphasizing new studies and results with different devices and designs. In this regard, it is significant to note the importance and novelty of new technologies applicable to the sports sector, such as GPS, LPS, tracking systems, etc., which deal with some interesting topics that are being presently studied. Moreover, study of the environment in elite team sports, which is of interest for researchers and readers to promote performance and reduce injury risk, will also be covered in this Special Issue. All kind of studies will be considered, including original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and bibliometric studies.

Dr. Jose Luis Felipe Hernández
Dr. Jorge Garcia-Unanue
Prof. Dr. Leonor Gallardo Guerrero
Dr. Javier Sanchez-Sanchez
Guest Editors

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Keywords

tracking system
GPS
LPS
monitoring
performance
elite sports
movement patterns

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 190 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports

by Jose Luis Felipe, Jorge Garcia-Unanue, Leonor Gallardo and Javier Sanchez-Sanchez

Sensors 2021, 21(24), 8251; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21248251 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2075

Abstract

Technology has become established in elite sport in recent years and is used on a regular basis, especially in team sports [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

9 pages, 1684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterisation of Goal Scoring Patterns during Open Play Related to Zone Pitch Division and Number of Players Involved in the 2018 FIFA World Cup

by Joaquin Cerda, Javier Sanchez-Sanchez, David Viejo-Romero, Luis Jimenez-Linares, Jesus Vicente Gimenez, Jorge Garcia-Unanue and Jose Luis Felipe

Sensors 2021, 21(16), 5601; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21165601 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2001

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterise all the goal scoring patterns during open play (elaborate attacks versus counterattacks) related to zone pitch division and the number of players involved in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. An Iterative Dichotomiser 3 (ID3) decision tree algorithm was used to classify all the goal scoring patterns (94 goals in 64 matches). The results did not show statistical differences between the type of scoring goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup (p > 0.05; ES = Moderate). According to the result of the patterns of how the goals were achieved, an ID3 algorithm decision tree with seven classification decision nodes was calculated. Consequently, this study may aid national team coaches for the next World Cup to establish notational analyses and spatial-temporal relations to understand how scoring patterns during open play are related to zone pitch division and the number of players involved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports)

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13 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Training Load in Different Age Category Soccer Players and Relationship to Different Pitch Size Small-Sided Games

by Fernando J. Santos, Teresa P. Figueiredo, Dalton M. Pessôa Filho, Carlos E. L. Verardi, Anderson G. Macedo, Cátia C. Ferreira and Mário C. Espada

Sensors 2021, 21(15), 5220; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21155220 - 31 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2850

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the training load in different age category soccer players associated with distinct pitch size small-sided games (SSGs). Twenty-four soccer players (eight in each age category: U-12, U-15, and U-23) performed three consecutive 4 vs. 4 ball possession SSGs (SSG1: 16 × 24 m; SSG2: 20 × 30 m; and SSG3: 24 × 36 m) all with 3 min duration and 3 min rest. Subjects carried ultra-wideband-based position-tracking system devices (WIMU PRO, RealTrack System). Total distance covered increased from SSG1 to SSG3 in all age categories and predominantly in running speeds below 12 km·h⁻¹. Moreover, distance covered in 12–18 km·h⁻¹ running speed was different in all performed SSGs and age categories. Residual or null values were observed at 18–21 km·h⁻¹ or above running speed, namely in U-12, the only age category where metabolic power and high metabolic load distance differences occurred throughout the performed SSGs. Edwards’ TRIMP differences between age categories was only observed in SSG2 (U-12 < U-15). The design of SSGs must consider that the training load of the players differs according to their age category and metabolic assessment should be considered in parallel to external load evaluation in SSGs. Wearable technology represents a fundamental support in soccer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports)

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9 pages, 1249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Match Analysis of Soccer Refereeing Using Spatiotemporal Data: A Case Study

by Bruno Gonçalves, Diogo Coutinho, Bruno Travassos, João Brito and Pedro Figueiredo

Sensors 2021, 21(7), 2541; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21072541 - 05 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3336

Abstract

This case study explored how spatiotemporal data can develop key metrics to evaluate and understand elite soccer referees’ performance during one elite soccer match. The dynamic position of players from both teams, the ball and three elite referees allowed to capture the following performance metrics: (i) assistant referees: alignment with the second last defender; (ii) referee: referee diagonal movement—a position density was computed and a principal component analysis was carried to identify the directions of greatest variability; and (iii) referee: assessing the distance from the referee to the ball. All computations were processed when the ball was in-play and separated by 1st and 2nd halves. The first metric showed an alignment lower than 1 m between the assistant referee and the second last defender. The second metric showed that in the 1st half, the referee position ellipsis area was 548 m², which increased during the 2nd half (671 m²). The third metric showed an increase in the distance from the referee to the ball and >80% of the distance between 5–30 m during the 2nd half. The findings may be used as a starting point to elaborate normative behavior models from the referee’s movement performance in soccer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports)

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12 pages, 1511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Global Positioning System Analysis of Physical Demands in Elite Women’s Beach Handball Players in an Official Spanish Championship

by Juan Antonio Sánchez-Sáez, Javier Sánchez-Sánchez, Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez, José Luis Felipe, Jorge García-Unanue and Daniel Lara-Cobos

Sensors 2021, 21(3), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21030850 - 27 Jan 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3572

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aims to analyze the physical demands of elite beach handball players during an official competition. Nine elite female (mean age: 24.6 ± 4.0 years; body weight: 62.4 ± 4.6 kg; body height: 1.68 ± 0.059 m; training experience: 5 years; training: 6 h/week) beach handball players of the Spanish National Team were recruited for this study. A Global Positioning System was incorporated on each player’s back to analyze their movement patterns. Speed and distance were recorded at a sampling frequency of 15 Hz, whereas acceleration was recorded at 100 Hz by means of a built-in triaxial accelerometer. The main finding of the study is that 53% of the distance travelled is done at speeds between 1.5 and 5 km/h and 30% of the distance is between 9 and 13 km/h (83% of the total distance covered), which shows the intermittent efforts that beach handball involves at high intensity, as reflected in the analysis of the internal load with 62.82 ± 14.73% of the game time above 80% of the maximum heart rate. These data help to orientate training objectives to the physical demands required by the competition in order to optimize the players’ performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports)

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11 pages, 1304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Demands of U10 Players in a 7-a-Side Soccer Tournament Depending on the Playing Position and Level of Opponents in Consecutive Matches Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

by Antonio Hernandez-Martin, Javier Sanchez-Sanchez, Jose Luis Felipe, Samuel Manzano-Carrasco, Carlos Majano, Leonor Gallardo and Jorge Garcia-Unanue

Sensors 2020, 20(23), 6968; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20236968 - 06 Dec 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2541

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the physical demands of U10 players in a 7-a-side-soccer tournament based on the playing positions in 6 consecutive matches by global positioning systems (GPS). Variables of total distance, relative distance in different speed zones, maximum speed, time interval between accelerations, maximum speed acceleration, maximum acceleration, acceleration distance and the number of high-intensity accelerations were analysed. Differences between playing positions were found in the total distance covered by the midfielders. They covered higher total distances than the defenders (+1167 m; 95% CI: 411 to 1922 m; effect size (ES) = 1.41; p < 0.05) and forwards (+1388 m; CI 95%: 712 a 2063 m; TE = 0.85; p < 0.05). The total covered distance increased in the final rounds with respect to the group stage (p < 0.05; ES: 0.44 to 1.62), and high-intensity actions, such as the number of accelerations, were greater in the final rounds compared to the group stage (p < 0.05; ES: 0.44 to 1.62). The physical performance of young football players in a tournament with consecutive matches on a 40 × 62 m football field on the same day is influenced by the playing position and dependent on the level difference between opponents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports)

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11 pages, 1178 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Global Positioning System Analysis of Physical Demands in Small and Large-Sided Games with Floaters and Official Matches in the Process of Return to Play in High Level Soccer Players

by Demetrio Lozano, Miguel Lampre, Adrián Díez, Oliver Gonzalo-Skok, Diego Jaén-Carrillo, Daniel Castillo and José Luis Arjol

Sensors 2020, 20(22), 6605; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20226605 - 18 Nov 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2716

Abstract

The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to analyze the physical demands in the return to play (RTP) process of high-level soccer players in the role of floater in different soccer sided games (SGs) formats (i.e., 4vs4 + 2 and 8vs8 + 1); and (ii) to analyze the differences in physical demands encountered by regular and floater players among the SGs formats and official matches by means of global positioning system technology (GPS APEX pod, North Ireland) was used. Twenty-six highly trained, male soccer players (U16 years) participated in this investigation. Players were classified into two groups: 23 regular and 3 floater players, a total of eight SGs were analyzed, which involved the recording of 80 observations of regular and floater players. Match-play players showed most likely–probable differences in distance covered at high-intensity per minute (D > 14.4/min), at high-speed running per minute (D > 21/min), and peak velocity (Vpeak) in comparison to floaters in the 8vs8 + 1 LSG (large-side-games), and presented most likely differences in accelerations >2/min in comparison to match-play players. Therefore, the use of floaters during the last phase of the RTP (return to play) seems to be a useful strategy for progressive reintroduction into specific training (1) floater in the 4vs4 + 2 SSG; (2) floater in the 8vs8 + 1 LSG; (3) regular player in the 4vs4 + 2 SSG; and (4) regular player in the 8vs8 + 1 LSG before starting full trainings and returning to competition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports)

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10 pages, 2617 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Can Tracking Data Help in Assessing Interpersonal Contact Exposure in Team Sports during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

by Bruno Gonçalves, Romeu Mendes, Hugo Folgado, Pedro Figueiredo, Bruno Travassos, Henrique Barros, Adalberto Campos-Fernandes, Paulo Beckert and João Brito

Sensors 2020, 20(21), 6163; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20216163 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6668

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the temporary closure of physical activity and sports facilities, and the generalized cancellation or postponement of sports events have a massive impact on social and economic development. In this study, we explored the feasibility of using tracking data from a football match to assess interpersonal contact between individuals by calculating two measures of respiratory exposure. The dynamic tracking positioning of all players and referees during one international football match was analyzed. For each individual, two measures of respiratory exposure were calculated, based on the 2 m interpersonal distance recommendations for contact tracing for COVID-19 control. Overall, individuals spent a median of 0:12 mm:ss (IQR = 0:45 mm:ss) exposed to interpersonal contact of fewer than 2 m from others. The highest value of exposure was observed between two players of opposing teams (6:35 mm:ss). The results suggest that tracking data can be used to assess respiratory exposure to interpersonal contact in team sports, such as football. The measures of exposure calculated can be used to the prompt identification of high-risk contacts of COVID-19 cases during a match or a training session, but also the risk stratification of different sports and physical activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports)

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11 pages, 2094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kinematic Analysis of the Postural Demands in Professional Soccer Match Play Using Inertial Measurement Units

by José M. Oliva-Lozano, Elisa F. Maraver, Víctor Fortes and José M. Muyor

Sensors 2020, 20(21), 5971; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20215971 - 22 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2635

Abstract

The development of wearable sensors has allowed the analysis of trunk kinematics in match play, which is necessary for a better understanding of the postural demands of the players. The aims of this study were to analyze the postural demands of professional soccer players by playing position. A longitudinal study for 13 consecutive microcycles, which included one match per microcycle, was conducted. Wearable sensors with inertial measurement units were used to collect the percentage (%) of playing time spent and G-forces experienced in different trunk inclinations and the inclination required for different speeds thresholds. The inclination zone had a significant effect on the time percentage spent on each zone (p < 0.001, partial eta-squared (ηp² = 0.85) and the G-forces experienced by the players (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.24). Additionally, a significant effect of the speed variable on the trunk inclination zones was found, since trunk flexion increased with greater speeds (p < 0.001; ηp² = 0.73), except for midfielders. The players spent most of the time in trunk flexion between 20° and 40°; the greatest G-forces were observed in trunk extension zones between 0° and 30°, and a linear relationship between trunk inclination and speed was found. This study presents a new approach for the analysis of players’ performance. Given the large volumes of trunk flexion and the interaction of playing position, coaches are recommended to incorporate position-specific training drills aimed to properly prepare the players for the perception-action demands (i.e., visual exploration and decision-making) of the match, as well as trunk strength exercises and other compensatory strategies before and after the match. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports)

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12 pages, 1196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Playing Position, Match Half, and Match Day on the Trunk Inclination, G-Forces, and Locomotor Efficiency Experienced by Elite Soccer Players in Match Play

by José M. Oliva-Lozano, Elisa F. Maraver, Víctor Fortes and José M. Muyor

Sensors 2020, 20(20), 5814; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20205814 - 14 Oct 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2493

Abstract

The rapid growth of wearable sensors has allowed the analysis of trunk kinematics during the match, which is necessary for having a better understanding of the postural demands of soccer players. However, some contextual variables may have an impact on the physical demands of the players. This study aimed to analyze the effect of three contextual variables (playing position, match half, and match day) on the sagittal trunk inclination, G-forces, and locomotor efficiency experienced by soccer players in match play. Then, wearable sensors were used to collect the trunk kinematics during 13 matches. Firstly, positional differences were found on the trunk inclination (p = 0.01) and the G-forces experienced by the players (p < 0.001). For example, the greatest and lowest trunk inclination was found for FW (~34.01°) and FB (~28.85°) while the greatest and lowest G-forces were found for WMF (1.16 G) and CD (1.12 G), respectively. However, there were no positional differences in the locomotor efficiency (p = 0.10). Secondly, the match half had a significant effect on the trunk inclination (p = 0.01) and the G-forces experienced by the players (p < 0.001) with significantly lower values observed during the second half. No differences between halves were found on the locomotor efficiency for any playing position (p = 0.41). Finally, no significant effect of match day on any variable was observed. This investigation is one of the first steps towards enhancing the understanding of trunk kinematics from elite soccer players. The positional differences found on the trunk inclination and G-forces imply that the development of position-specific training drills considering the postural demands is necessary to prepare the players not only for the physical demands but also for successful performance in the field of regard. The resistance to fatigue needs to be trained given the differences between halves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports)

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11 pages, 912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local Positioning System Analysis of Physical Demands during Official Matches in the Spanish Futsal League

by Carlos Serrano, Jose Luis Felipe, Jorge Garcia-Unanue, Enrique Ibañez, Enrique Hernando, Leonor Gallardo and Javier Sanchez-Sanchez

Sensors 2020, 20(17), 4860; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20174860 - 28 Aug 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3889

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the match half and the playing position on physical requirements in the Spanish Professional Futsal League players during official games. The external load from distance, speed, acceleration and deceleration variables were obtained from fourteen elite futsal players during 10 official matches of the 2019–2020 season using a Local Positioning System with ultra-wideband technology installed on the futsal pitch. The results revealed similar results from physical requirements between first and second half (p > 0.05). Wingers demonstrated greater high-speed running distance (+4.04 m·min⁻¹; CI95%: 0.35 to 7.72; ES: 0.87) than pivots (p > 0.05). There were a high number of accelerations (7.42–9.41 n·min⁻¹) and decelerations (7.37–9.12 n·min⁻¹) per minute in all player positions. The principal finding of the current manuscript did not evidence differences in the physical performance of players between the first and second half. The physical requirements varied among pivots and wingers regarding high-intensity actions. These outcomes add new contributions to the understanding of futsal physical demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tracking Systems Used to Monitor the Performance and Activity Profile in Elite Team Sports)

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