Danilo Arruda

The present study examined associations between Team Surface Area (TSA), tactical formations, and match running performance (MRP) during defensive subphases (high, mid, and low-blocks) and possession build-up in elite football. Matches from 31 teams in the 2022 FIFA World Cup were analyzed across four formations (3-4-3, 4-3-3, 4-4-2, and 4-2-3-1). MRP variables included total distance covered (m), Zone 4 distance (20–25 km·h ^–1 ; m), Zone 5 distance (>25 km·h ^–1 ; m), HSR actions in Zone 4, sprint actions in Zone 5, and top speed (km·h ^–1 ). Mixed-effects models assessed main and interaction effects of TSA and formation type on MRP. TSA alone showed no significant effect on MRP variables after correction for multiple comparisons. Zone 4 distance showed significant TSA × formation interactions in low-block and mid-block phases (both BH-FDR-adjusted p = 0.037), with 3-4-3 showing more positive associations with increasing TSA than 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1. HSR actions showed a significant TSA × formation interaction in the low-block (BH-FDR-adjusted p = 0.002), with increasing TSA associated with greater HSR demands in 3-4-3 but lower HSR demands in 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1. Larger possession build-up areas were associated with increased HSR actions irrespective of formation (BH-FDR-adjusted p = 0.002). Total distance covered, Zone 5 distance, sprint actions, and top speed were not significantly affected after correction for multiple comparisons. These findings indicate that MRP in elite football is better explained by the interaction between tactical structure and spatial organization than by TSA or formation alone. MRP should therefore be interpreted within a phase-specific tactical context.

Periodization has been used for years in the sports domain as a method of controlling and planning training to reach the highest performance and decrease injury risk. Several periodization models have been developed, such as traditional, block, and undulating. Those models are theoretical training structures designed to facilitate understanding, study, and organization of training. Based on studies, certain models have shown to be superior to others. For instance, block periodization seemed to be more efficient for advanced athletes than traditional and undulating models. While for novice athletes, the chosen model has not seemed to affect their development. Although periodization has been largely studied, the experiments have several limitations, such as considering only training variation as periodization, using short-term investigations, and disregarding the technical and tactical components. Therefore, this critical review aimed to describe and discuss the contents related to traditional, block, and undulating periodization models and to provide coaches with a practical application of each of those models to develop strength, power, and endurance for novice and advanced athletes.