Velocity Thresholds for Women’s Soccer Matches: Sex Specificity Dictates High-Speed-Running and Sprinting Thresholds—Female Athletes in Motion (FAiM)
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There is no methodological standardization of velocity thresholds for the quantification of distances covered in various locomotor activities for women’s soccer matches, especially for high-speed running and sprinting. Applying velocity thresholds used for motion analysis of men’s soccer has likely created skewed observations about high-intensity movement demands for the women’s game because these thresholds do not accurately reflect the capabilities of elite female players. Subsequently, a cohesive view of the locomotor characteristics of women’s soccer does not yet exist. The aim of this commentary is to provide suggestions for standardizing high-speed running and sprint velocity thresholds specific to women’s soccer. The authors also comment on using generic vs individualized thresholds, as well as age-related considerations, to establish velocity thresholds.
Bradley is with the Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, United Kingdom. Vescovi is with the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. Address author correspondence to Jason Vescovi at vescovij@aol.com.
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