Overview

Soccer is tough! Players run many miles during a game. It depends on the team’s style of playing. So, what’s the average distance run in soccer? Let’s check out the data to find out!

What is soccer?

Soccer is a sport played by two teams. Each team has 11 players and a goal at each end of the rectangular field. The aim is to kick or head the ball into the opponent’s goal. It is the most beloved sport worldwide, with approx. 3.5 billion fans.

A soccer game is usually divided into two halves of 45 minutes. Players cover an average of 12 miles in a 90-minute game. This distance is based on factors like age and play level. Professional soccer players may cover up to 14 miles during a match, while youth players may only cover half that amount.

In professional games, team substitutions are made at intervals, for fatigue or tactical reasons. This provides the players with an opportunity to walk and recover between possessions and sprints.

What is the average distance run in a soccer game?

Gaining knowledge of the physical challenges of a soccer match can be advantageous for players, coaches and supporters. Soccer is a heavily demanding sport and needs its players to have energy, speed and agility. A research was done that used GPS units to figure out the average kilometers a professional soccer player runs in a 90-minute match.

The results showed that professional players run between 7 to 9 kilometers. The bulk of that distance is done at a moderate intensity running speed of 16 to 17 kilometers per hour. Sprinting takes up around 10%, when the player is either attempting to catch up with opponents or when they have possession of the ball and are trying to overpower their opponent or make a forward run.

These averages may be different for male and female players or for recreational and professional games. It may also vary depending on the playing style of each team or singular player’s skills and strategies. Understanding how distances are divided amongst different intensities could aid soccer coaches in making training sessions which are tailored to target some of the aerobic fitness needed by athletes for competing in a match.

Factors Affecting Running Distance

Running in a soccer game has many influences. Player technical skills, team tactics, player fitness, and team style of play are the factors we will explore to find out how they affect running distance.

Age and level of players

The age and skill of players impact the average running distance in soccer. Adult players cover more ground than juniors, due to speed and intensity. Professionals run more often and aggressively than amateurs. Elite teams run more than amateur teams. So, individual player talent and squad level affect running distances in soccer.

Playing positions

Athletes’ positions on the field greatly affect how much they run during a game.

• Defenders are required to run the most, with an average of over 8km.
• Midfielders cover 8-10km, while forwards/strikers usually cover 6-8km.

Defenders must keep up with strikers, but also make overlapping runs down the flank, adding to their distance. Midfielders help control possession, move the ball upfield, and support attackers in creating scoring chances. Forwards/strikers mainly focus on scoring goals, so their runs are shorter, but highly intense.

Playing style

When looking at the amount a soccer player runs in a game, it’s important to consider the team’s style of play and formation. Teams that attack aggressively usually need their players to cover more ground than those who defend. Possession-focused play also leads to more running. On the other hand, teams with more players behind the ball will usually run less.

Formation affects running distances greatly. Soccer formations are usually attacking, balanced or defensive. Tactics can produce vastly different levels of exercise for players. For example, a narrow 4-4-2 formation sees midfielders covering more ground than those in an asymmetric 4-3-3. Here, wide midfielders move around to outnumber defenders. So, coaching philosophy is key when considering running distances in a soccer match.

Average Distance Run in a Soccer Game

Soccer demands physical strength. Different fitness levels are needed to play it well. To cover long-distance runs and short sprints, it’s essential to know the average distance run in a soccer game. Let us inspect this statistic and what it implies for players.

Professional players

Contrary to popular belief, professional soccer players don’t run non-stop for 90 minutes. UEFA’s study shows they cover between 6-13 km (3.7-8 miles) in a 90-minute match, depending on the position and intensity of the game.

• Goalkeepers usually travel the least – 5 km (3.1 miles) – since they focus on protecting the goal and making saves.
• Midfielders are well-known for their endurance; they travel 7-8 km (4.3-5 miles), defending and attacking across the whole pitch.
• Wingers cover 7-8 km (4.7-5 miles) too, but due to take-ons or dribbling, they need more acceleration.
• Forwards have the highest running metric out of all positions, reaching 8-9 km (over 90 minutes). This is because they make their way through opposing defences, or get close enough for shooting opportunities.

Amateur players

Amateur soccer players typically run 7 kilometers (or 4.3 miles) during a match. This includes: 4.8 km (3 miles) of low intensity running, 1.4 km (0.9 miles) of moderate to high intensity running, and 0.8 km (0.5 miles) of sprinting.

Goalkeepers may need to cover up to 1050 meters in stationary positions. That means if they play the full 90 minutes, they will have run 8150 meters altogether!

It’s important for players of all levels and ages to understand how much running is involved in a soccer match. This helps when planning training regimes and rest periods between matches, for optimal performance.

Other factors

The average distance a player runs during a soccer game can change from match to match. It depends on the individual player’s ability, the level of competition, field size, conditions of play and team formation. Tactics also have an effect on how far each player has to run.

How well a team is doing affects how much running they do. If they are attacking, they will move up-field more. Defenses may need to cover bigger distances to mark opposition attacks or catch opponents with the ball.

High match intensity often means more distance running. This is especially true when two teams have different motivations like competing for relegation or Champions League/Europa League qualification. These factors all add up to different levels of individual exertion, which affects the average distance run in a soccer game.

Conclusion

Soccer players run an average of 5-7 miles in a game. It depends on the skill and position of the player. But it’s usually 5-7 miles. For higher levels, it can even reach 8.5 miles. This has been scientifically proven.

Summary of findings

Research shows the average distance a soccer player runs is around seven miles. This varies by position, game length, and extra time. Sprinting, position changes, and adjusting running during play can cause individuals to cover up to 10-13 miles.

Weather, like cold or hot, and individual playing style can significantly alter the distance. Coaches and players should be aware of this variation. It could be different in a single game or over multiple games.

Recommendations

To wrap up, the amount of ground covered during a soccer game hinges on which position a player plays and how fit they are. Forwards and midfielders likely cover more miles than defenders and goalkeepers. To strengthen their aerobic capacity, athletes should make sprints and intervals part of their weekly exercise plan. What’s more, they should stay hydrated before, during, and after the activity or practice. Optimal performance on the field additionally requires a fitting nutrition plan to enhance overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the average distance run in a soccer game?

A: The average distance run in a soccer game varies depending on the position of the player and the intensity of the game. On average, a player will run between 7 and 9 kilometers during a match.