Examining the running distances of the teams in the Turkish super league in the 2016-2017 season according to the ranking of success

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the running distances of the back, defender, midfielder, wing and forward players of the teams, which are divided into three groups at the end of the league, in different speed categories, and to determine the statistical differences that may occur between the running distances they cover. Materials and Methods: The data of this study consisted of time motion analyzes of 306 official league matches played in the 2016-2017 season of the Turkish Super League. In time motion analysis, 2 computer-based high resolution cameras were used. The 18 teams were divided into three groups of six according. Athletes with time motion analysis ; were categorized according to their positions and only the players who remained in the game for 90 minutes on the field were included in the study. The activity profiles of the players were examined as different running speeds and the distances they covered in the activity profiles were evaluated within the 45 and 90 minutes of the competition. Results: When the obtained data were evaluated statistically; while there were significant differences in favor of the first group compared to the other groups in the running speeds where the ball was in their team, there were significant differences in favor of the second group compared to the other groups in the running where the ball was in the opponent team and the total (with and without the ball) running. It was determined that as the running intensity increased, the level of significance decreased. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that teams which cover more distance with the ball and also teams which have the physical quality and tactical variations to be able to perform high-intensity and sprint runs with the ball have the probability of becoming champions more in the Turkish Football Super League. Keywords: Elit Soccer, Total Running Distance, Covered Running Distance with the Ball and without the Ball, Match Analysis, Video Camera Tracking System, League Ranks.