The effect of different tournament stages on the movement dynamics of futsal players while in ball-possession

Purpose. This study aimed to classify typical futsal movement patterns while in ball possession and clarify the effect of tournament stages on these movement profiles. Methods. A total of 5647 movements in possession of a ball during 8 international futsal matches were analysed. These matches consisted of 4 group stages, and there were 4 knockout stage matches (2 semi-finals, a third-place play-off, and the final). On the basis of the observation of 2 experienced analysts, 8 translational and rotational movement indicators were established: forward translation, backward translation, sideway translation, and slow rotation (defined as the low traction demand movement), and side-cut, u-cut, fast rotation, and sudden stop (defined as the high traction demand movement). Results. The overall results highlighted that 82.48% of the analysed movements were translational movements [top-three highest movements proportion: (1) forward translation: 26.52%, (2) side-cut: 15.76%, and (3) sideway translation: 14.36%]. Furthermore, there was a significantly higher frequency of translational movements among players during knockout stage matches ( p = 0.03), suggesting that these translational movements form the foundation aspects in maintaining ball possession. Also, a significantly higher occurrence was observed for 2 high traction demand movements [u-cut ( p = 0.02) and fast rotation ( p < 0.0001)] during knockout stage matches compared with group stage matches. Conclusions. High traction demand translational movements related to changes of direction were significantly influenced by the stages of the tournament in highly competitive futsal matches.