Starters and non-starters soccer players in competition: is physical performance increased by the substitutions?

Abstract

Background: Non-starters soccer players have a great role within the team, being indispensable to reduce fatigue, as well as to maintain and increase the team’s performance during the match. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the physical performance of the starter and non-starters players during competitive soccer matches. Methods: Twenty-two soccer players participated in this study, divided into two groups according to the role in the match (starters or non-starters). WIMU Global Positioning System devices were used in order to record physical performance metrics. Independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA tests were performed to compare starters and non-starters, and the playing position, respectively, and two-way ANOVA test was perform with these factors too. Results: There were no differences in the main physical performance metrics between starters and non-starters players during competition, although there were differences in physical performance metrics according to the playing position. Midfielders performed highest distance per minute, player load, and distance covered between 12 and 21 km·h− 1 (p