Comparative characteristics of high-intensity running indicators of football players in various positions participating in the Russian youth football league

The purpose of the study is to compare the indicators: high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, maximum speed, running at a speed of 19.8-25 km/h and over 25 km/h among football players of various playing positions participating in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons of the youth football league within the territory of the Russian Federation. Research methods and organization. The study involved players from the youth team "Zenit," which is part of the youth football development department of FC "Zenit," St. Petersburg. The GPS technology Gpexe Pro2 system (Italy) was utilized. The following parameters were recorded: maximum speed (km/h), high-intensity accelerations (>2.5 m/s²), frequency; high-intensity decelerations (>2.5 m/s²); speed zone of 19.8–25.1 km/h, distance covered; speed zone ≥25.2 km/h, distance covered. Research results and conclusions. It has been established that football players who participated in the 2023-24 season have lower values in high-intensity running according to GPS metrics compared to players from the 2022-23 season. Coaches working with athletes in the training phase of sports improvement (ages 16-18) are advised to take into account and utilize the proposed competitive benchmarks when planning training sessions that focus on technical, conditioning, tactical, and combined aspects.