Transferability of Intra- and Inter-Sectoral Coordination Between Training Tasks and Official Matches in Semi-Professional Football Players

Background: This study examined training-to-match transferability of positional coordination in semi-professional football players, comparing responses between defensive and midfield/offensive positional sectors. Methods: Twenty-nine players were monitored during the 2023–2024 season. Positional data and external load were collected using global positioning system (GPS) technology. Technical–tactical key performance indicators (KPI) were obtained from SportsBase. Internal training load was assessed using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and wellness status was evaluated using the Hooper Index (HI). Results: Official matches were associated with greater total distance, average and maximum speed, speed events, acceleration and deceleration events, and mechanical power outputs (p < 0.001), with the largest effects for maximum speed (d = 1.25), deceleration events (d = 1.14), speed events (d = 1.13), and relative mechanical power (d = 1.05). Positional responses showed distinct training-to-match patterns. In the defensive sector, the official matches showed higher spread rate (SR; p = 0.031, d = −1.83) and contraction time (CT; p = 0.007, d = −2.20). In the midfield/offensive sector, matches showed greater effective playing space, width, length, longitudinal synchronization, distance to sector centroid, and stretch index (p = 0.005–0.017; d = 1.73–2.61), whereas dyadic-distance variability was greater during training (p < 0.001, d = 4.46). Linear mixed-effects models confirmed greater locomotor and high-intensity demands during matches, while positional differences were more selective. No statistically robust tactical-sector differences were observed for KPIs, internal load, or wellness after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Conclusions: Training-to-match transferability was positional sector-dependent, with greater spatial expansion and longitudinal coordination in offensive players and higher overall locomotor demands during matches.

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Journal
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
Published
2026-09-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11030364
Primary Topic
Sports Performance and Training
Type
article
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article

Transferability of Intra- and Inter-Sectoral Coordination Between Training Tasks and Official Matches in Semi-Professional Football Players

Ricardo Ferraz, Pedro Miguel Forte, Luís Branquinho, António Silva et al.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
Sports Performance and Training
article

Transferability of Intra- and Inter-Sectoral Coordination Between Training Tasks and Official Matches in Semi-Professional Football Players

Ricardo Ferraz, Pedro Miguel Forte, Luís Branquinho, António Silva, José E. Teixeira, Eduardo Maio
article en

Abstract

Background: This study examined training-to-match transferability of positional coordination in semi-professional football players, comparing responses between defensive and midfield/offensive positional sectors. Methods: Twenty-nine players were monitored during the 2023–2024 season. Positional data and external load were collected using global positioning system (GPS) technology. Technical–tactical key performance indicators (KPI) were obtained from SportsBase. Internal training load was assessed using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and wellness status was evaluated using the Hooper Index (HI). Results: Official matches were associated with greater total distance, average and maximum speed, speed events, acceleration and deceleration events, and mechanical power outputs (p < 0.001), with the largest effects for maximum speed (d = 1.25), deceleration events (d = 1.14), speed events (d = 1.13), and relative mechanical power (d = 1.05). Positional responses showed distinct training-to-match patterns. In the defensive sector, the official matches showed higher spread rate (SR; p = 0.031, d = −1.83) and contraction time (CT; p = 0.007, d = −2.20). In the midfield/offensive sector, matches showed greater effective playing space, width, length, longitudinal synchronization, distance to sector centroid, and stretch index (p = 0.005–0.017; d = 1.73–2.61), whereas dyadic-distance variability was greater during training (p < 0.001, d = 4.46). Linear mixed-effects models confirmed greater locomotor and high-intensity demands during matches, while positional differences were more selective. No statistically robust tactical-sector differences were observed for KPIs, internal load, or wellness after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Conclusions: Training-to-match transferability was positional sector-dependent, with greater spatial expansion and longitudinal coordination in offensive players and higher overall locomotor demands during matches.

Journal of Functional Morphology and KinesiologyVol. 11(3)
University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (PT), University of Beira Interior (PT), Universidade Politécnica do Cávado e do Ave (PT), Universidade Politécnica de Bragança (PT), Life Quality Research Centre (PT), Universidade Politécnica de Portalegre (PT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 9%
Sports Performance and Training
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