Have you ever wondered how much ground women soccer players cover in a single game?
If you play yourself, you’ve probably noticed how exhausting the game can be!
Sweating it out for 90 minutes, running around the field, sprinting, chasing the ball, and playing both offense and defense isn’t a walk in the park (or pitch!).
It’s no secret that soccer requires immense athleticism and endurance, but just how many miles do women soccer players run in a game? Does position matter? And how does our impressive mileage compare to the boys?
Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents
- 1 How Many Miles Women Soccer Players Run in a Game?
- 2 Factors That Amp Up the Distance Covered
- 3 Positions and Power Plays: How Roles Affect Mileage
- 4 From Box to Box: The Mileage by Position
- 5 How To Keep Track of Your Distance in a Soccer Match.
- 6 Tactical Twists: Game Plans That Push the Boundaries
- 7 Gender Equality or Myth Buster: Comparing with Male Players
- 8 Beast Mode Training: How to Fuel Insane Fitness Levels.
- 9 The final score.
- 10 This article was written by
How Many Miles Women Soccer Players Run in a Game?
Based on all sorts of various studies conducted, it’s been shown that women soccer players, on average, run approximately 5 miles (8km) in a game, while men cover around 6 miles (9.7km). Impressive!
We know that we all run a team average of 5km each in our matches and 3km just in training!
Factors That Amp Up the Distance Covered
Of course, not every match is the same and you’re not going to run the same distance every time.
In fact, there are several factors that affect the game’s pace:
- The game’s intensity – This involves the speed at which the soccer ball moves, how often teams recover and intercept passes, and their tactical approach.
- Field size – A bigger field or pitch means more room to run around!
- Weather conditions – Are you playing in a hot or cold climate? Heavy rain or strong wind can affect the game’s pace.
- Player fitness levels – The higher your fitness level, the more ground you’re likely to cover.
- Body type – Are you tall and lean or short and stocky? Your body type can have an effect on how much ground you cover.
- Game strategy – Some teams prioritize quick attacking and others prefer a slower-paced game. It all makes a difference to how you play on the day.
- Position – Depending on what position you play, you could be running more than others. For example, midfielders tend to cover more ground than defenders.
Positions and Power Plays: How Roles Affect Mileage
Positioning plays a big role in the distance covered by soccer players on the field.
Different players have varied roles and duties that translate into different levels of movement, speed and agility.
For instance, you don’t want your goalie covering a lot of ground on the pitch! They are stationary for most of the game and cover the least distance.
Meanwhile the flashy forwards are always on the run and cover the most distance.
In between are the midfielders and defenders who have a mix of attacking and defensive duties. Wingers cover a lot of ground up and down the pitch too.
From Box to Box: The Mileage by Position
Goalkeepers: The Silent Avengers of the Field (up to 1.2 miles)
Goalkeepers are the unsung heroes of the game, and their role is crucial in ensuring the team’s success.
They cover an average of 1.2 miles (2 km) per game. Most of their movement happens within the penalty box, where they need to be alert at all times.
Defenders: Warrior Queens Who Rule Both Ends (Up to 3.8 miles)
Defenders are the backbone of the team, and they play a critical role in defending their goal while also supporting the attack.
They cover an average of 3.8 miles (6 km) per game. Defenders are always on the move, constantly chasing the ball and marking the opposition players.
Midfielders: The Dynamo Linking Every Move (Up to 5.6 miles)
Midfielders are the linchpin of the team, and they have the responsibility of linking the defense and the attack.
They cover an average of 5.6 miles (9 km) per game. Midfielders move the most on the field, covering long distances while also making quick changes in direction.
Forwards: The Flash-Speed Artists Who Chase Glory (Up to 6.4 miles)
Forwards are the players who are tasked with scoring the goals and making the team win. They cover the most distance on the field, an average of 6.4 miles (10 km) per game.
Forwards are constantly on the move, running up and down the field and making quick sprints towards the goal.
How To Keep Track of Your Distance in a Soccer Match.
Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting out, keeping track of your distance covered during a match is essential for improving your performance on the field. But how do you keep track of your distance?
Here are our four favorite ways to do it.
1. Use a GPS Tracking System
One of the most accurate ways of keeping track of your distance is by using a GPS tracking system.
These are the fancy sports bras or vests you see professional players wearing under their soccer kit.
The GPS system can track metrics such as distance covered, direction, sprint speed, and acceleration.
A GPS tracking systems are awesome as they also help you identify the areas of the pitch where you need to improve to be more effective in the game.
2. Use a Fitness Tracker
Another great way to keep track of your distance in a soccer match is by using fitness trackers.
These are wrist-worn devices like a FitBit that can track steps taken, distance covered, and the calories burned during the match.
The latest fitness trackers come with a heart rate monitor that can track your heartbeat throughout the game, which gives you a better understanding of your body’s reaction to how you play.
3. Use a Smartphone App
If you don’t want to invest in GPS tracking systems or fitness trackers, you can use a smartphone app to track your distance, speed, and direction.
There are several soccer-specific apps that can help you monitor your progress during the game.
Most of these apps allow you to share your data with other players or coaches for further analysis – like Strava and Endomondo.
4. Use a Pedometer:
It’s old technology now but if you have one lying around, a pedometer is another simple tool that can help you keep track of your distance during a soccer match.
Most pedometers are attached to your waistband and track the number of steps you take during the game.
While it may not be as accurate as a GPS tracking system, it can still give you a good idea of how much ground you have covered on the field.
Tactical Twists: Game Plans That Push the Boundaries
It’s not all about how much YOU are willing or able to run.
The distance covered by women soccer players is also influenced by the tactical strategies employed by their coach.
Teams that play a high-pressing game and focus on keeping possession will cover more distance than those that defend in a tight and compact way.
Depending on the opponent and the game situation, the coach may also ask the players to conserve their energy and focus on quick counter-attacks.
Gender Equality or Myth Buster: Comparing with Male Players
On average, women soccer players cover 5 miles (8 km) during a game, while male soccer players cover 6 miles (10 km).
While the difference may not seem a lot, women soccer players cover more distance in proportion to their body weight.
This goes to show that women’s soccer is just as demanding and physically challenging as men’s soccer!
Beast Mode Training: How to Fuel Insane Fitness Levels.
To ramp up the miles and increase your stamina for soccer, it goes without saying you’ll need to be in top physical shape.
You need to train hard and have a good balance of endurance, strength, and agility to keep up with the pace of the game.
During training, focus on building your cardiovascular fitness, improving your speed and agility, and building muscular strength to withstand the demands of the game.
With a little effort and determination, you’ll be clocking those miles like a pro.
The final score.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much distance you cover.
It’s all about playing a smart game and using your skills and knowledge to outplay your opponents.
When it comes to women’s soccer, you have to remember that female players are capable of covering impressive distances in order to help their team win.
So next time you’re training or playing a match, focus on mastering the art of distance running and giving it everything you’ve got! You’ll be sure to score big every time. Good luck!