Impact of Acceleration and Acceleration-Initial Speed Profiles on Team Success in LaLiga

Abstract

Acceleration and Acceleration-Initial Speed Running are important factors in soccer performance. The aims of the study were (a) analyze by playing position the acceleration-initial speed (AS0) profile and (b) analyze the relevance of the number of accelerations > 3 m·s−2 according to final league position. The subjects (n = 309) from the Spanish First Division during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 seasons were classified in six positions: Central Defenders (CD), Full Backs (FB), Central Midfielders (CM), Offensive Midfielders (OF), Wingers (W), and Forwards (F). A total of 6180 match observations were recorded using the Mediacoach System. The parameters analyzed were accelerations > 3 m·s−2 and AS0 profile variables, maximal theoretical acceleration (A0Int), and maximal theoretical initial running speed (S0Int). The AS0 profile was calculated using a linear regression model. Welch’s analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a consistent relationship between the A0Int variable of the AS0 profile and team success in CM, FB, and W positions. Moreover, the successful teams for CD, CM, FB, OM, and W positions showed a statistically higher number of accelerations > 3 m·s−2 than unsuccessful teams. In conclusion, these findings suggest the importance of enhancing acceleration abilities, particularly for lower-performing teams, to achieve the physical standards of successful teams.