Acceleration-Speed Profiling of Elite Soccer Players. A Seasonal Analysis

Acceleration-speed (AS) profiling derived from global positioning system (GPS) data has emerged as a practical alternative to traditional force-velocity profiling (FVP) for monitoring sprint performance in applied settings. AS profiles yield key mechanical indicators, including maximal theoretical acceleration (A0) and maximal theoretical speed (S0), which reflect sprint capabilities. This study quantified seasonal variability and determinants of A0 and S0 across a competitive season in 19 professional male English Football League Championship players. Specifically, the influence of individual differences, the seasonal phase, the playing position, and match involvement on AS metrics was examined. Data were collected over nine months of training and match-play. Raw accelerometer data were processed in RStudio to generate individual AS profiles, constructed from non-rolling five-session splits and aggregated into three seasonal blocks (early, mid, late season). Linear mixed-effects models, with a player included as a random effect, assessed the impact of the seasonal block, the playing position, and match exposure on A0 and S0. Significant inter-individual variability was observed for both A0 and S0 (p < 0.001). S0 varied across the season, with higher mid-season values compared to early and late periods (p < 0.001), whereas A0 remained stable. The playing position influenced A0, with wide players demonstrating higher values than central positions. Greater match involvement was associated with increases in both A0 and S0. These findings indicate distinct seasonal and contextual sensitivities of AS variables, likely reflecting neuromuscular and exposure-related adaptations. AS profiling provides a viable framework for longitudinal monitoring of sprint-related mechanical characteristics in elite soccer players.