An Intraindividual Approach to Quantifying the Most Demanding Periods of Play in U-23 Male Soccer: Frequency During a Match Matters

Abstract

Lino-Mesquita, J, Nakamura, FY, Baptista, I, Barreira, J, Pimenta, R, and Afonso, J. An intraindividual approach to quantifying the most demanding periods of play in U-23 male soccer: Frequency during a match matters. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—The aims of this study were to: (a) profile individuals' most demanding periods of play (MDPs) (defined by the minimum and maximum values measured) using the match-to-match variability of running-based match demands (total distance [TD], high-speed running distance [HSRD], and sprint distance [SpD]), and analyze their frequency; (b) compare positional group differences in the frequency of MDPs. Across 31 matches, 15 male players from a Portuguese under-23 team were monitored using a global positioning system (GPS). One-minute MDPs were identified by a rolling average method for TD, HSRD, and SpD. Using a novel intraindividual approach, individual MDP profiles were established based on each player's minimum and maximum match values. The frequency of MDPs per match was then quantified within each player's individual range. The mean intraindividual coefficient of variation was 6.9% (5.2–12.1%) for TD, 27.7% (18.3–44.0%) for HSRD, and 37.5% (21.3–54.9%) for SpD. MDPs occurred 3.88 ± 2.25 (TD), 4.44 ± 2.28 (HSRD), and 3.92 ± 2.25 (SpD) times per player per match. Forwards and offensive midfielders demonstrated greater frequency of MDPs than central defenders ( p ≤ 0.05). Across positional group comparisons, effect sizes were moderate to large for TD ( g = 0.54–1.01) and moderate for HSRD ( g = 0.54), although confidence intervals were wide, indicating substantial within-group variability. These findings suggest that the frequency of MDPs provides additional insights into match demands beyond peak values alone and supports the implementation of individualized training strategies within positional groups.