High frequency performance analysis of professional soccer goalkeepers: a pilot study

High-speed video analysis was performed during ten official-matches, to assess the performance of ten goalkeepers (GK) from Italian third/fourth divisions (C-D). Methods. The variables studied were: number (N.) of frontal and lateral actions with distance covered (speed during first-last meter) and total distance covered during match. Results. Match analysis showed that N. of lateral (right/left) changes of direction in GK-C was 48% (P<0.005) lower, and forward changes of action 53% greater (P<0.001) compared to GK-D. N. of forward and lateral actions in GK-C was 49% and 67% (P<0.001 and P<0.0001) greater than GK-D, respectively. Particularly, in GK-C the covered average distance, frontal and lateral, was 27% and 58% (P<0.005 and P<0.001) greater than in GK-D, respectively. Velocity of first meter of forward and lateral actions for GK-C were 9% and 27% lower (P>0.05 and P>0.05) than GK-D, respectively. Last meter of forward and lateral actions for GK-C was 57% greater and 43% lower (P<0.001 and P<0.005) than GK-D, respectively. Finally, total covered distance, considering all actions, was 60% greater for GK-C compared to GK-D (P<0.001). Conclusion. The work presented in this paper identifies the relevant aspects of the goalkeeper game that are valuable for a coach in terms of team and individual performance analysis.