Evolution of Physical and Technical Performance in the Turkish Super League

Abstract

This study compared physical and technical performance parameters of matches across three consecutive seasons (2020-2023) in the Turkish Super League (TSL). A total of 936 official matches were analyzed. Four physical and fourteen technical performance parameters were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) applied to season-averaged match data. Performance parameters demonstrated overall improvements across the three seasons; total distance covered (TD) similar to 6% corresponding to a large effect size (ES) (p < .001, eta(2) = 0.20), high-intensity running (HSR) similar to 10% reflecting a medium ES (p < .001, eta(2) = 0.12), sprint similar to 20.3%; however, this change was associated with a small-to-medium ES (p < .001, eta(2) = 0.10), maximal speed (MSS) similar to 1.2% corresponded to a small ES (p < .001, eta(2) = 0.06). Offensive performance showed gains in expected goals (xG) similar to 13%, box entries similar to 7.2%, passes similar to 3%, completed passes similar to 2.6%, key passes similar to 20% and completed key passes similar to 17.5% (all p < 0.05). Defensive actions also improved, with interceptions similar to 5% and duels similar to 4%, though the magnitude of change corresponded to a small effect size (eta(2) approximate to 0.01). These findings suggest progressive enhanced physical and technical performance, indicating an overall increase in match intensity across seasons in the TSL.