Kinematic demands of FIFA’s EPTS validation circuit compared to a sport-specific alternative

This study compared the kinematic demands of FIFA's Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS) validation circuit with an alternative sport-specific circuit (SSC). The aim was to determine which circuit presents high-intensity demands known to challenge EPTS accuracy. Four amateur soccer players (age: 29.4 ± 5.9 years) performed both circuits using global positioning system (GPS). Speed, acceleration and change of direction (COD) was divided into zones and compared between the circuits. Results showed that the SSC resulted in greater distance, time and entrances in speed zones 3 and 4, as well as in moderate and high acceleration/deceleration zones. SSC also exhibited more time and entries in high-speed COD zones. FIFA's circuit demonstrated higher peak speed and more time in speed zone 5. Differences in COD between circuits reflect the intensity and type of exercises performed, with the SSC including more sprints and rapid direction changes. In conclusion, the SSC presents more kinematic demands in high-intensity situations critical for EPTS validation, whereas the FIFA circuit demonstrates less challenging movement patterns. FIFA could improve the validation protocol by updating the circuit to include more demanding sport-specific movements thus increasing the evaluated devices validity in high-intensity situations which are of very high interest for sports.