Differences in high intensity running when playing a 4-4-2 formation with a high press strategy: a case study from the English Championship

The aim of this study was to identify and describe the high intensity running activity of professional footballers playing a high press strategy in a 4-4-2 formation. Data were obtained from an English Championship football team during a season of 27 home league and cup fixtures. The footballers were grouped by position: central midfield (CM) central defender (CD) full back (FB) wide midfield (WM) and centre forwards (CF) while they played a 4-4-2 formation (2 CD and 2 FB; 2 CM and 2 WM; and 2 CF). High intensity running distance was greater for both CFs and WMs than other positions. The CFs and WMs were unable to sustain the level of high intensity running observed in the first 5 minutes beyond the 65th minute of the match. When introduced as a substitute, only the CFs covered greater distances compared to the exact time when they started a match. The knowledge gained on the distances at high intensity covered on a positional basis and the impact of introducing a CF substitution provides the football manager with critical information when preparing for competition.