Analysis of Running Performance Characteristics of Players in Different Positions in the Chinese Super League

Utilizing running data from the STATS Pro computer video tracking system as the data source, this study compares the running differences of players in various positions across different teams in the Chinese Super League (CSL) to understand the running characteristics of players in domestic high-level football matches. The aim is to explore the demands of modern football in terms of running capabilities and to provide reference for training and match strategies of domestic high-level teams. Mathematical statistics and other methods were used to compare the running data of the top 5 teams in the first half of the 2024 CSL season. Results indicate that: (1) For all positions, including full-backs, wingers, center-backs, central midfielders, and forwards, the running distance in the first half is significantly greater than in the second half. Central midfielders cover the most total running distance, while center-backs cover the least. In terms of running distances and frequencies at different speed zones, full-backs lead in sprinting distance and high-intensity running distance in both halves and overall. Wingers are ranked first in high-speed running distances in both halves and overall. When considering the number of runs at different speeds, wingers lead in high-speed and high-intensity running counts, while full-backs lead in sprinting counts in both halves and overall. Center-backs rank lowest in sprinting, high-speed running, and high-intensity running distances and counts across all periods.