Abstract

This study analyze the number of sprints and distances traveled at high speed by Chilean professional soccer players considering the playing position with a GPS device. Methods: The data from high-speed efforts of 10 professional soccer players were recorded. The amount of effort in sprints (> 21 km·h−1) and the distances covered in zone 4 (> 21 km·h−1 and < 25 km·h−1) and in zone 5 (> 25 km·h−1) were analyzed, differentiating and grouping the players by playing position. A Global Positioning System (GPS) device was used to collect the data, and the results were recorded in the program cloud. Results: Statistically significant differences were noted between playing positions in zone 4 (p=0.03), zone 5 (p=0.01), and number of sprints (p=0.01), with the wide forwards presenting the greatest number of sprints and distance traveled at high speed compared to the other positions, whereas the central defenders show a tendency to travel less in zones 4 and 5 and have a lower number of sprints. Conclusion: The number of sprints and distances covered at high intensity (zones 4 and 5) are different and will be specific according to the characteristics of the playing position.