A Comparison of Two Different Defensive Based Playing Formations on the Running Activity Profiles of Soccer Teams

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of two different defensive based playing formations (3-Defender formation and 4-Defender formation) on both the reference and the opponent teams' running activity profiles. 8 official matches (n=4, 3-Defender formation; n=4, 4-Defender formation) of Galatasaray football team (Turkish Super League) and opposition teams performed with two different playing formations were monitored. The sample matches were monitored and analyzed using a multiple-camera computerized tracking system. Running activity data variables obtained from the software were analyzed in 5 different categories (total running distance in kilometers, mean speed in km.h(-1), high-intensity running (20 km.h(-1) to 24 km.h(-1)) distance in meters, sprint (>24 km.h(-1)) distance, sprint numbers. The results of this study indicate that running activity profiles of reference and opposition teams generally do not differ (p >0.05) according to the different game formation of the reference team. Only the reference team's total running distance was higher (p <0.05) in the 4-Defender formation than the 3-Defender formation (2.52%).