Match Performance Variables of Thai Football Players in the First Division and the Second Division Teams

Abstract

Understanding running performance during a soccer match is essential so that coaches can use this information to prepare the athlete’s physical readiness. Several studies investigated match running performance in many leagues, such as the English Premier League and La Liga League. However, match-running performance studies in the Thai soccer leagues are minimal. Therefore, the current study compared the match-running performances between different Thai soccer league levels. The study recruited thirty-one professional male soccer players from Thai League 1 (n = 17) and Thai League 2 (n = 14) during the Thai League competition from 2022–2023. Total distance (TD) and high metabolic load distance (HMLD) data were collected using the STATSports Apex Units (GPS) from 8 home matches (4 matches for each level). Statistical analysis revealed no differences between Thai Leagues 1 and 2 in both TD (7.78 ± 0.2 km vs. 7.64 ± 0.43 km, p = 0.64) and HMLD (1.33 ± 0.09 km vs. 1.22 ± 0.08 km, p = 0.157), respectively. Despite no significant differences observed, these data still provide valuable information for coaches regarding the match-running performances of Thai soccer leagues. Further studies with more match comparisons in different playing positions and other metrics are warranted for a better understanding of the demands of the Thai soccer league.