Purpose: This study aims to provide foundational data on GPS characteristics for women’s football players and to facilitate the advancement of women's football in South Korea. It does so by investigating the relationship between detailed GPS variables and match outcomes (win, draw, loss), as well as player positions (attack, midfield, defense) during the 2024 season of the WK-League (Korea Women’s Football League).
Method: The subjects of this study comprised twenty-two female players from Team S, who participated in the WK-League during the 2024 season. Movement data from all official league matches were collected using GPS devices. These data were analyzed to identify characteristics related to match outcomes and player positions.
Result: Firstly, the total distance covered and the average distance per minute were significantly greater for forwards and midfielders compared to defenders. Secondly, regarding positional analysis, Zone1 metrics were significantly greater for both forwards and defenders than for midfielders, whereas Zone2 and Zone3 were significantly highest for midfielders. In terms of Zone4, Zone5, high-intensity distance, number of sprints, and maximum speed, forwards exhibited the highest values. Thirdly, acceleration and deceleration metrics were significantly highest for midfielders based on their positions. Lastly, concerning match outcomes, Zone5, high-intensity distance, maximum speed, and acceleration were significantly higher in matches that resulted in a victory.
Conclusion: Based on the above results, it is noteworthy that the characteristics of GPS data vary according to position, and that Zone5, high-intensity distance, maximum speed, and acceleration are higher in matches that result in a victory.