Physical Demands of Soccer Positions

by Joshua Smith
(Cape Town, South Africa)

With regards to football (soccer) one will find, as each position differs, so do the energy and thus physical demands placed on the body. Strikers ultimately need to be fast, agile and strong (especially if a target man, holding up the ball).

Midfielders are the work horses on the field and act as a link between the defense and act, stringing through passes and building up an attack from a deep position on the field. Midfielders typically cover +/- 10 -12km's in a match and have been found to have the same Vo2max of middle distance marathon runners.

Defenders need to be utility strong and agile, speed is a major benefit, but explosive power (vertical jump power) is extremely important (for centre backs) so they are able to deal with aerial balls being put into the box.

Full backs/wing backs will typically be very fast and have the aerobic profile of a midfielder, as they will attack along the flank and then have to cover back to defend.

In terms of physical performance testing of athletes, a standard battery of tests would include: height and weight, anthropometric measures, bench press, vertical jump, speed 10m and 40m, pushups, agility and a bleep test.

Each position will differ with regard to expected results from the tests - thus highlighting how each position has different physical demands.