High-Intensity Running Performance Characteristics of Players in Different Positions During the Qatar World Cup

To explore the characteristics of high-intensity running performance among Chinese Super League (CSL) players, this study uses the high-intensity running metrics from 831 players who completed all 64 matches during the 2022 Qatar World Cup as research subjects. The independent variables include player positions, team strength, while nine high-intensity running metrics serve as dependent variables. The data series inference method is employed to define the significance of the impact of player positions, team strength, and match formations on high-intensity running performance. The research results reveal that players in different positions exhibit significant differences in high-intensity running distance, speed, sprinting ability, and performance under ball control. Additionally, the strength of the team also impacts players' high-intensity running capabilities. Players from top-tier teams show greater high-intensity running ability when controlling the ball, particularly in wide positions, while players from mid-to-Iower-tier teams rely more on high-intensity running during defensive situations. This study provides coaches and football professionals with data-driven insights to develop more scientific conditioning programs and tactical strategies.