FACTORS INFLUENCING HARD RUNNING DISTANCES IN NCAA DIVISION I FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS

Author

Isaac A. Sam, University of South Dakota

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

2023

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Kinesiology and Sport Management

First Advisor

Hyung S Yang

Abstract

As the total distances covered in soccer games have remained relatively constant, the hard running distances covered by players have shown varying changes due to the higher physical demands and dynamics of team running performances. Although factors affecting the total distances covered in a match are multifactorial, no study has specifically examined match performance indicators (MPI) that impact hard running distances (HRD). Consequently, the purpose of this study was to better understand how MPI (hard running efforts, turnovers, minutes played, duels won, duels lost, and pass completions) are associated with HRDs and to investigate how each variable contributes to HRDs using multiple regression analysis. The study included a sample of 21 female Division I soccer players aged between 18 and 22 (Mean ± Standard Deviation = 20 ± 1.32 years), all of whom were outfield players: center backs (n = 5), defensive midfielders (n = 4), outside midfielders (n = 5), center-attacking midfielders (n = 4), and center forwards (n = 3). Overall, all match performance indicators were positively associated (0.639 ≤ r ≤ 0.992) with hard running distances; yet hard running efforts (HRE) showed the strongest relationship with HRDs (r = 0.992). The regression models indicated that all variables contributed to hard running distances. Particularly, hard running effort (HRE) had the most significant impact (p < 0.001), implying its dominant influence on HRDs compared to other variables. These findings may play a pivotal role in supporting coaches and trainers to better understand the influence of MPIs on hard running distances. The models developed could help predict a player’s workload concerning HRDs.

Subject Categories

Education | Kinesiology | Sports Management

Keywords

fatigue, hard running distances, hard running efforts, match performance indicators, women’s soccer

Number of Pages

25

Publisher

University of South Dakota

Recommended Citation

Sam, Isaac A., "FACTORS INFLUENCING HARD RUNNING DISTANCES IN NCAA DIVISION I FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS" (2023). Dissertations and Theses. 203.
https://red.library.usd.edu/diss-thesis/203