17 Jul Adaptation and Performance Improvement for Teams Promoted to LALIGA EA Sports
Introduction: In professional football, the ability to perform intermittent high-intensity physical efforts along with quick and precise technical actions is crucial. This research focuses on how physical and technical variables change for players promoted from the Second Division to the First Division in Spain. This information is particularly relevant for teams that achieved promotion last season and are starting their preseason for LALIGA EA Sports 2024/25: Valladolid, Leganés, and Espanyol.
Key Findings:
- Increased Physical Effort:
- Players perform more high-intensity running (HIR) in the First Division than in the Second Division.
- The distance covered in HIR and total distance covered are significantly greater in the First Division.
- Wingers and full-backs show the greatest increase in HIR distance, indicating higher physical demands in these positions.
- Fewer Technical Actions:
- There is a decrease in the number of total passes, short passes, long passes, dribbles, and shots in the First Division.
- There were no significant changes in passing accuracy and passing verticality.
- Consistency in Defensive Actions:
- No significant differences were found in defensive variables such as aerial duels, interceptions, tackles, and clearances between the two divisions.
Practical Applications for Valladolid, Leganés, and Espanyol:
- Training Planning:
- Increase Training Intensity: Coaches should focus on improving players’ capacity for high-intensity efforts, especially for full-backs and wingers. Including more sprints and endurance exercises can be beneficial.
- Position-Specific Training: As physical demands vary by position, training should be adapted to prepare players in wide positions to cover greater distances at high intensity.
- Competition Strategies:
- Focus on Defense and Counterattacks: With a reduction in offensive technical actions, it is crucial to develop strategies that maximize the efficiency of counterattacks and solid defense.
- Adaptation to High-Intensity Play: Prepare players for a faster and more physically demanding game in the First Division. This includes working on quick decision-making and technical execution under pressure.
- Monitoring and Recovery:
- Use of Tracking Technologies: Utilize systems like TRACAB to monitor real-time physical performance and adjust training accordingly.
- Physical Load Management: Implement recovery and load management programs to prevent injuries and maintain optimal performance throughout the season.
Conclusion: Promotion to the First Division requires significant adaptation to higher physical demands and a reduction in the number of offensive technical actions. Coaches should focus on improving physical capacity and adapting game strategies to ensure a successful transition to the higher category. This information will be highly useful for the teams of Valladolid, Leganés, and Espanyol as they prepare for the new season in LALIGA EA Sports 2024/25.
Access to the scientific publication: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2024.127386