Factors Influencing Hard Running Distances in National Collegiate Athletics Association Division I Women's Soccer Players

As the total distances covered in soccer games have remained relatively constant, the hard running distances (HRDs) covered by players have shown variations due to the higher physical demands and dynamics of team running performances. Although factors affecting the total distances covered in a match are multifactorial, no study has specifically examined match performance indicators (MPIs) that impact HRD. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to better understand how MPIs (hard running efforts, turnovers, minutes played, duels won, duels lost, and pass completions) are associated with HRD and to investigate how each variable contributes to HRD using multiple regression analysis. The study included a sample of 21 female Division I soccer players aged between 18 and 22 years (mean +/- SD = 20 +/- 1.32 years), all of whom were outfield players: center backs (n = 5), defensive midfielders (n = 4), outside midfielders (n = 5), center-attacking midfielders (n = 4), and center forwards (n = 3). Overall, all MPIs were positively associated (.639 5 r 5.992) with HRD, yet hard running efforts showed the strongest relationship with HRDs (r = .992). The regression models indicated that all variables contributed to HRD. In particular, hard running effort had the most significant impact (p < .001), implying its dominant influence on HRD compared with other variables. These findings may play a pivotal role in supporting coaches and trainers to better understand the influence of MPIs on HRD. The models developed could help predict a player's workload related to HRD.