The work of coaches and strength and conditioning coaches is to train the players as well as possible to be successful on the pitch. This involves trying to match or even increase the physical, technical and tactical requirements of a match in training tasks. Football players must be prepared for maximum demand scenarios during a match (the so-called “worst-case scenarios”). Understanding the demands of the game seems to be vitally important for improving a player’s capabilities. This is why we are interested to know what will football look like in the future. We must anticipate this during training to prepare the players as well as possible.
Several studies published in recent years give us some clues on what the game will be like in the near future.1,2,3 Wallace and Norton (2014) studied the evolution of the game by taking the World Cup Finals from 1966 to 2010 as an example. According to their results, it is possible to simulate what a football match will look like in the future by using different regression models for five-game indicators:
- Real game time (%) = 539,8 ─ 0.2419 x X, r=0.44; p=0.032.
- Ball speed (m/s) = ─42,958 + 0.026 x X, r=0.446; p=0.029.
- Pass frequency per minute = ─166.194 + 0.090 x X, r=0.796 p=0.0001.
- Duration of free kicks not on goal (s) = ─277.50 + 0.148 x X, r=0.18; p=0.0001.
- Duration of free kicks on goal (s) = ─1088.4 + 0.573 x X, r=0.36; p=0.0104.
The real-time of game play decreased significantly in the period 1966–2010, going from 64.23% to 53.66%. In 2030 this value could be 48.74%. The ball speed increased noticeably in the period 1966–2010: almost 1.20 m/s. If this trend is maintained, it will reach 9.73 m/s in 2030. The frequency of passes per minute increased from 10.75 passes in 1966 to 14.71 in 2010. In 2030 it could rise to 16.51 passes per minute. The duration of free kicks to the goal as well as those not, have also significantly increased. Players spend more time to take free kicks, especially those on goal. In 2026 it is expected for a free-kick to take 74.79 seconds, compared to the 38.12 in 1966.
The physical performance profile has also changed in recent years. According to various studies,4,5 the total distance covered by football players is similar now to 10 years ago. However, the number of sprints and high-intensity actions has increased, and the distance covered during these efforts has decreased in recent seasons. In other words, more interventions at high intensity but with shorter duration and distance.
Ultimately, it seems that football will continue to evolve towards a faster game, where the technical level of the players will be higher, and where high-intensity efforts will be more of a determining factor. Game time will progressively decrease until there is more time without the players playing than time with the ball in play. Additionally, dead ball situations will gain more importance. It will become a more intermittent sport. Coaches, strength and conditioning coaches and other members of the coaching staff will have to bear this evolution in mind in order to prepare the players for matches in the best way possible.
Carlos Lago Peñas
References
1 Barreira, D., Garganta, J., Castellano, J., Prudente, J., & Anguera, M.T. (2014). Evolución del ataque en el fútbol de élite entre 1982 y 2010: Aplicación del análisis secuencial de retardos. Revista de Psicología del Deporte, 23(1), 139-146.
2 Kuhn, T. (2005). Changes in Professional Soccer: a qualitative and quantitative study. In T. Reilly, J. Cabri & D. Araújo (Eds.), Science and Football V (pp. 184-195). London: E & FN Spon.
3Wallace, J.K. & Norton, K.I. (2014). Evolution of World Cup soccer finals games 1966-2010: Game structure, speed and play pattern. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 17(2), 223-228.
4 Barnes, C.; Archer, D.T.; Hogg, B.; Bush, M. & Bradley, P.S. (2014). The evolution of physical and technical performance parameters in the English Premier League. International Journal of Sport Medicine, 35(13), 1095-1100.
5 Bush, M. Barnes, C.; Archer, D.T.; Hogg, B.; Bush, M. & Bradley, P.S. (2015). Evolution of match performance parameters for various playing position in the English Premier League. Human Movement Science, 39, 1-11.
FAQs
The ball speed increased noticeably in the period 1966–2010: almost 1.20 m/s. If this trend is maintained, it will reach 9.73 m/s in 2030. The frequency of passes per minute increased from 10.75 passes in 1966 to 14.71 in 2010. In 2030 it could rise to 16.51 passes per minute.
How will technology change football in the future? ›
Conclusion: Football has a bright future full of technological innovations. As these technologies advance, they will alter not just how players interact with the game but also how fans around the globe perceive it. Football will be played in a more thrilling, inclusive, and dynamic way than it has in the past.
How has football changed over the last 100 years? ›
When the NFL first formed in 1920, it was a much different game than the one we know today. Over the years, rule changes have been made to make the game safer, more exciting and more competitive. One of the most significant changes came in 1978 when the league implemented sudden-death overtime.
How have footballs changed over time? ›
Early footballs were sewn up with laces. These days, footballs are made from synthetic leather patches sewn together in a design based on the 'Buckminster Ball' or known as the Buckyball.
Has the NFL football changed over the years? ›
The American football is the centerpiece of the most popular sport in the United States, and its unique shape and distinct color make it instantly recognizable to any sports fan. Just as the game of football has evolved steadily over the years, the design and construction of the football itself has also changed.
What is the future technology for the NFL? ›
THE FUTURE IS NOW
In a sense, in the ever-evolving NFL, the future is already here. The NFL has used radio-frequency identification (RFID) transmitters (tags) using a system developed by Zebra Technologies. The league has permitted transmitters (tags) to be placed in each player's shoulder pads since 2014.
How will AI change football? ›
By harnessing the power of machine learning and data analytics, NFL teams are elevating their game plans, enhancing player performance, and creating unforgettable fan experiences. To begin with, one of the most impactful uses of AI in football is in strategic game planning.
Did the NFL ever use a white football? ›
They did use a white ball in pro football for night games in the 1950s, maybe earlier and a bit later too. I think as lighting improved, or when the NFL stopped playing night games in the 1960s, they decided they didn't need a light colored ball any more.
What did the very first football look like? ›
When pig bladders were first used, the balls were mostly round, similar in shape to traditional balls. It is said that the shape changed from round to OVAL as the result of an inter-collegiate football game between RUTGERS and PRINCETON in 1869.
Has football gotten safer over the years? ›
Recent innovation in player equipment – including sensors in mouthguards and shoulder pads – provides the league with data that informs advances in equipment, training and how the game is played, leading to a safer and more exciting game.
After the week of play if the ball is lightly used or in good condition it is kept by the team and used as a practice ball. If the ball has significant wear from either the game or week of practice than it is usually either disposed of, donated, or auctioned off. The Super Bowl is the marquee sporting event of the USA.
Has football improved over the years? ›
One thing most people in the college football world agree on: the game itself is as good as it's ever been. Every year, the players get bigger and faster. The passes get more accurate.
Who invented football? ›
Walter Camp is credited with altering the rules of rugby to create the game of modern North American football we are familiar with today. The line of scrimmage, use of downs, point system, the number of players per side, and the creation of the quarterback position all stemmed from Walter Camp's influence.
What NFL does not exist anymore? ›
Defunct franchises
| Club | City | Joined NFL |
|---|
| Baltimore Colts | Baltimore, Maryland | 1950 |
| Boston Yanks | Boston, Massachusetts | 1943 |
| Brooklyn Dodgers/Tigers | Brooklyn, New York | 1930 |
| Brooklyn Lions | Brooklyn, New York | 1926 |
44 more rowsThe NFL announced an expansion of its Global Markets Program, with four new clubs and five new markets set to participate in 2024. The announcement follows the approval from the International Committee at the 2024 Annual Meeting in Orlando.
Has the NFL logo changed? ›
The Transformation in 2008: A Turning Point in NFL History
In 2008, the NFL decided it was time to upgrade its logo. They wanted to make it look more modern and shiny.
What effect does technology have on football? ›
In football, technology is primarily seen as a supporting mechanism. Experts agree that technology makes the game fairer and adjacent processes, such as training or scouting, more efficient. It should not jeopardize the purity of the game. The influence of science is on the rise.
How will technology change sport in the future? ›
The data relayed from smart equipment can help to quickly improve players' technique and improve their skill. In addition, technological advances in adaptive sports equipment will also improve access to sports. They will enable more people to play or watch the games that they love.
What technology can be used in football? ›
This article delves into the various ways technology has revolutionized the world of elite football, highlighting the use of GPS and LPS systems, physical assessment platforms, and software for sleep management.
How technology is changing in the future? ›
As AI technology evolves, we can expect more advanced machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and computer vision. This will enable more personalized and efficient services, such as virtual personal assistants, intelligent chatbots, and automated customer service.
