Characteristics of Physical Abilities of College Soccer Players According to their Usual Playing Position

-Relationships of the Distance and Speed of Movements during a Game with Physiologic Characteristics-

Abstract

For 25 college soccer players, characteristics of physical abilities were evaluated according to their usual playing positions. The distance and speed of players' movements during a game were analyzed, and the percentages of the total distance over which they moved during the game were estimated by aerobic and anaerobic energy-producing mechanisms. No significant difference was noted in the results of fitness tests according to position, but analysis of the distance and speed of movements during the game suggested differences in the physiological requirements of players in different positions. Therefore, utilization of the assessment of physical abilities specific to soccer in coaching may lead to the appropriate positioning of players based on the characteristics of their physical abilities and the design of training menus to develop the abilities required for various positions.