Positional assessment and physical fitness characteristics of male professional soccer players in South Africa : sport science

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the physical fitness of professional soccer players in South Africa and assess the difference in fitness status between different playing positions. Professional soccer players (N = 140) from various clubs in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa underwent a battery of tests assessing key physiological components during the first half of their competitive season. Players were separated into one of four primary playing positions (goalkeepers, GK, n = 16; defenders, DEF, n = 48; midfielders, MID, n = 46; forwards, FWD, n = 30) on the basis of their playing position and designated role within the team. Descriptive statistics (mean + SD) were calculated for the entire group and each position, and a one-way ANOVA was used to compare the positions for each of the physical tests. No differences were found between positions in age, flexibility, absolute vertical jump height, strength-endurance, acceleration and speed, or agility.