Understanding physical performance data: an investigation into the use of information in the support of player development in elite academy soccer

MacMaster, Calum ORCID: 0000-0002-1580-3792 (2024). Understanding physical performance data: an investigation into the use of information in the support of player development in elite academy soccer. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Soccer is becoming an ever more physically challenging sport, demanding athletes to possess a myriad of high-level physical capacities. Performance practitioners, providing physical support to soccer players, utilise technology and monitoring systems to gather data on their players physical status, and support decision making. Whilst research has begun to explore the use of collected data, thus far, none has examined the holistic approach to monitoring and the potential impact physical performance data can have on club-based decision making.
The initial phase of the project aimed to present a multi-club investigation to detail current physical performance monitoring practices, and opinions of elite soccer practitioners. Utilising an online survey, respondents highlighted the presence of a multitude of technologies, monitoring areas, and manners of data analysis. Whilst practitioners noted an increase in the data collected, only a quarter of clubs operated with a specialist data practitioner. Furthermore, practitioners evidenced redundancy in data collected, along with complex systems of data processing. Positively, practitioners did feel their monitoring practices provided a return on investment and allowed them to achieve their aims. Whilst data is certainly supporting practice within soccer clubs, this study presented concerns regarding the efficacy of current monitoring practices.
The second phase of the project increased focus on physical performance data processes. By combining observational analysis with interviews, the study aimed to determine the processes of physical performance data monitoring within an ‘example’ club. A wealth of data was collected across wellbeing, pitch-based loading, gym-based performance, and physical capacity testing. Despite evidence of data use to support the player development process, inefficiencies were again identified. Despite regular data feedback, coaching staff did not fully engage with the data. They were also shown to place reliance on their performance staff to feedback key insights. It was suggested this may be through a lack of understanding, or lack of interest in the data. It also confirmed the importance of effective and trusting relationships between performance and coaching staff.
The third phase aimed to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of physical performance monitoring through a modified feedback strategy. The first study of phase three aimed to extract insightful metrics that would be used in the feedback strategy. Results highlighted the importance of understanding the associations between changes in performance, and the complexity of physical development. Nonetheless, data highlighted the potential that manipulation of training demand to increase players’ exposure to distance covered, and internal demand, may promote a more challenging physiological stimulus, that could result in positive fitness adaptations.
This finding was used to inform the intervention process in the modification of club-based feedback strategies within the second study of phase three. The intervention successfully impacted change within the club. Through increasing coaches awareness and understanding of data, whilst reducing the amount of data presented to them in reports, training demand increased. During post-intervention interviews with coaching staff, it was clear that the positive impact of the intervention was due to this combined approach.
This research highlights the importance of ensuring collected data is accurate, informative and effectively translated to stakeholders. Through education of the importance and impact of data, physical performance information can have an impact upon the player development process within soccer clubs.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):