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

Abstract

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 versus second) 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; η² = 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; η² = 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.