Abstract

Introduction: Football is a sport of collaboration and opposition, whose performance depends on variables such as external load, which is influenced by factors like the type of tournament and position of play. Objective: To compare the external load between playing positions (defensive, midfield, and offensive) in professional female football players in terms of Total Distance Covered (DTR) and speed zones, as well as differences between national and international competitions. Method: The sample included 23 players (24.9 ± 4.2 years) from the Chilean first division, analyzing data from 23 national competition matches and 4 international competition matches using 10 Hz GPS devices. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in all speed zones between the three playing positions and in the DTR between the defensive-midfield and midfield-offensive lines. No differences were found in external load variables between national and international tournaments. Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of playing position in external load parameters; however, the absence of differences between national and international competitions contrasts with previous studies. Conclusion: Significant differences exist in external load between playing positions, both in lower speeds (<19 km/h) and higher speeds (>19 km/h), particularly between the defensive and midfield lines, midfield and offensive lines, and between defensive and offensive lines. Additionally, differences in DTR were observed between players in the defensive and midfield lines, and midfield and offensive lines. No significant differences were found based on the type of tournament. © 2025 Federacion Espanola de Docentes de Educacion Fisica. All rights reserved.