Match running demands in Colombian women’s professional soccer players: influence of contextual factors

This study examined the influence of contextual variables (formation, match location, and ranking) on match running demands in Colombian women’s professional soccer. Data were collected from 111 matches (119 players; 758 player observations) across eight First Division teams. Physical demands were assessed using GPS-derived metrics, including total distance (TD), relative total distance (TDrel), distance covered across five speed zones (Zones 1–5), sprint count (≥23.0 km·h⁻¹), maximum running speed, high acceleration distance (HAD, ≥2.5 m·s⁻²), high deceleration distance (HDD, ≤−2.5 m·s⁻²), and Player Load (PL). Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare performance across four formations (4–2–3–1, 4–4–2, 3–5–2, and 4–3–3), two match locations (home and away), and three ranking groups (top, intermediate, and bottom). Ranking had no significant influence on physical demands. In contrast, formation significantly affected several locomotor variables, with the 3–5–2 formation generally associated with greater running demands. Match location consistently influenced performance, with higher physical outputs observed during home matches. These findings provide the first context-specific description of match running demands in Colombian women’s professional soccer and may assist practitioners in optimizing training and match preparation.