07 Mar Evolution of physical and technical parameters in the Spanish LaLiga 2012-2019
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in Paper
LaLiga has changed significantly in the last decade, and this study analyzed more than 32,000 match observations from eight consecutive seasons (2012–2020) to track how physical and technical demands have evolved across positions and team rankings.
Key insights for coaches and performance staff:
- Less total distance, more intensity: Players now cover 3% less total distance than in 2012, but perform more high-intensity runs (HIR). The game is faster, with shorter rest periods between sprints.
- Position-specific evolution:
- Central defenders are more involved in building play, increasing total passes (+30%) while also performing more high-intensity runs.
- External defenders and forwards increased sprint efforts but reduced tackles and clearances, showing a shift toward offensive contribution.
- External midfielders did not significantly increase HIR distance, suggesting they already operate close to their physical ceiling.
- Technical redistribution: Passing volume has not changed overall, but central defenders now assume a much greater share of passes, while midfielders and forwards decreased their involvement.
- Defensive actions transformed: Tackles and clearances dropped dramatically (−46% and −41% respectively), while interceptions increased (+10%), reflecting a cleaner, more anticipatory defensive style.
- Team quality differences: Top and mid-ranked teams improved passing accuracy, while lower-ranked teams relied more on intensity and defensive interceptions.
Practical applications:
- Conditioning should focus on repeated high-intensity efforts and recovery capacity, not just total distance.
- Recruitment and player development must adapt: central defenders now require stronger passing skills to initiate build-up.
- Defensive training should emphasize anticipation and positioning over tackles and clearances.
- Match analysis must consider rank-specific and role-specific trends when benchmarking performance.
Read the full paper here (DOI): https://doi.org/10.1080/24733938.2022.2049980