[ad_1]
The average period of close contact between Premier League players in training is just over three seconds, which is well below the threshold for contracting coronavirus, according to a landmark study that could prove crucial to “project restart.”
Several clubs plan to present the investigation to their squads as they seek to reassure them of the safety of returning to contact training.
The study, titled White Paper on Player Proximity, was conducted by STATSports, the company that provides GPS vests and monitoring software to 15 Premier League clubs and various teams around the world.
Download the new Independent Premium app
Share the full story, not just the headlines
Using data from 11 training sessions at four clubs between February 25 and March 12, it was possible to measure a two-meter circle around the players, dubbed the Subbuteo base by the researchers, and accurately track the frequency whereupon the teammates invaded it.
The main findings were that the average foray lasts only 3.3 seconds, from an average of 350 forays per session. Since that can be amplified by situations like fixed piece exercises, most forays last less than a second. All of this is considered lower than the threshold for contracting coronavirus, particularly because it is outside.
see more
The white paper could be especially important as players’ concerns about the second phase of the “project restart”, a return-to-contact training, which is currently considered the biggest obstacle to return. The captains of the Premier League expressed their greatest reservation about it in the videoconference on Wednesday, as well as the lack of details and information. Some managers see convincing them as the main challenge.
Players are particularly concerned about prolonged contact in training, given the government’s two-meter social distance guidelines and the previous lack of scientific research on soccer.
It is hoped that this white paper can change that and be persuasive. The clubs intend to present it to the players over the next week, while explaining the plans for the second phase. The idea is to complement it with other scientific research, such as studies showing that outdoor sport is one of the safest work environments.
The independent It has been said that the clubs were surprised by how low the figures in the white paper were, and that was even more relevant since they come from sessions prior to the coronavirus crisis, and may have involved incursions during water breaks and rest periods.
The average time and number of raids would be even lower if what is now called “Covid-friendly drills” is used for phase two. The idea would be to further reassure players and show them in black and white what training would entail and what scientific research is.
The 11 training sessions used for the research involved 75 players, who used the STATSports Apex GNNS device as part of standard daily practice. Data were taken from total time on pasture.
STATSports is helping several players in the Premier League (STATSports)
Warm-up exercises and possession-based exercises were found to produce the highest frequency of forays, while large games, including 11-a-side games, and medium-sized games and small-group technical exercises they produced less than two forays per minute.
Set pieces and one-on-one naturally involve longer raid lengths, but the data may also allow coaches to adapt to this.
Clubs are confident that the white paper can greatly allay their captains’ concerns.
