The Evolution of Physical and Technical Performance Parameters in the English Premier League.

This study examined the evolution of physical and technical soccer performance across a 7-season period in the English Premier League. Match performance observations (n = 14 700) were analysed for emergent trends. Total distance covered during a match was ~2 % lower in 2006–07 compared to 2012–13. Across 7 seasons, high-intensity running distance and actions increased by ~30 % (890 ± 299 vs. 1 151 ± 337 m, p < 0.001; ES: 0.82) and ~50 % (118 ± 36 vs. 176 ± 46, p < 0.001; ES: 1.41), respectively. Sprint distance and number of sprints increased by ~35 % (232 ± 114 vs. 350 ± 139 m, p < 0.001; ES: 0.93) and ~85 % (31 ± 14 vs. 57 ± 20, p < 0.001; ES: 1.46), respectively. Mean sprint distance was shorter in 2012–13 compared to 2006–07 (5.9 ± 0.8 vs. 6.9 ± 1.3 m, p < 0.001; ES: 0.91), with the proportion of explosive sprints increasing (34 ± 11 vs. 47 ± 9 %, p < 0.001; ES: 1.31). Players performed more passes (35 ± 17 vs. 25 ± 13, p < 0.001; ES: 0.66) and successful passes (83 ± 10 % vs. 76 ± 13 %, p < 0.001; ES: 0.60) in 2012–13 compared to 2006–07. Whereas the number of short and medium passes increased across time (p < 0.001; ES > 0.6), the number of long passes varied little (p < 0.001; ES: 0.11). This data demonstrates evolution of physical and technical parameters in the English Premier League, and could be used to aid talent identification, training and conditioning preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]