Anthropometric profile, selected physical parameters, technical skills and match demands of university-level female soccer players

v Goalkeepers were taller, heavier, possessed the highest BF% and showed higher values for all skinfold, breadth, girth and length measurements. Defenders showed the second-highest breadth and girth measurements. Midfielders were the shortest and lightest players, with the lowest BF% and the lowest values in most measurements. Positional groups did not differ significantly (p≤0.05) in somatotype characteristics. Morphological differences therefore exist between different playing positions. In order to fulfil the second objective, a demographic questionnaire and a physical performance and technical skill datasheet were used. Data from 48 South African sub-elite female soccer players (age: 22.0 ± 2.7 years; standing height: 158.9 ± 5.8 cm; body mass: 55.5 ± 8.1 kg) were used for analysis. Players completed the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test before and directly following the execution of an anaerobic repeated sprint ability (RSA) test and an aerobic Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) test on two consecutive days. Penalty time (32.6%) and total performance time (10.1%) increased significantly (p<0.001) following the Yo-Yo IR1. Penalty time (20.4%) and total performance time (8.5%) also increased following the RSA test. Peak heart rate values of 190 bpm and 186 bpm were recorded following the aerobic and anaerobic fitness tests, respectively. Although aerobic fatigue will influence technical skill performance more than anaerobic fatigue, both forms of fatigue would affect performance negatively. The third objective was achieved through an observational study. Data from 30 sub-elite female soccer players (age: 22.8 ± 2.4 years; standing height: 158.6 ± 4.5 cm; body mass: 54.1 ± 6.1 kg) representing two university teams during a tournament were collected through GPS units sampling at 10 Hz, and equipped with 100 Hz accelerometer. The activity profiles of the starting line-up were recorded during all matches, providing 84 individual match files. Data of players who completed full matches were analysed. Players were categorised according to playing position, namely forwards, midfielders and defenders. Goalkeepers were excluded from the analysis. Each team was monitored for five matches during the course of a week-long tournament. The matches were played on a standardised soccer field and consisted of two 35 minute halves. Comparisons were made based on different GPS-derived variables, including total distance, distances covered in different velocity zones, low-intensity activities (LIA), moderate-intensity activity, high-intensity activities (HIA) and corresponding heart rates, work rate and player load (PL). Differences in match demands within and between matches were assessed using percent difference, effect size and 90% confidence intervals. Midfielders covered the greatest absolute and relative total distances, and achieved the highest LIA and PL per minute of play. Defenders covered significantly (p≤0.05) less relative distance and LIA per minute of play compared to midfielders. Forwards covered the greatest distance at high-intensity (HI), while the