Intra-positional technical performance under different physical demands in elite football: a comparison between most demanding passage and extremely demanding passage.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated positional differences in technical performance between the Most Demanding Passage (MDP) and the Extremely Demanding Passage (EDP) in elite football. EDP was defined as the top 5% of match phases based on position-specific high-intensity running (HIR) distributions. METHODS: A total of 4,102 outfield player observations from 176 Chinese Super League matches were analysed, including 3,664 MDP and 438 EDP observations. Technical indicators were compared between MDP and EDP using both bivariate statistical analysis and a Random Forest classifier combined with SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) to identify the most influential variables contributing to differences between conditions. RESULTS: Significant intra-positional differences were found. Central defenders increased short-pass accuracy (p < .001, ES = 0.62) and ball-carrying distance (p = .01, ES = 0.52), while reducing long passes (p < .001, ES = -0.44). Full-backs exhibited lower long-pass volume (p < .001, ES = 0.57) and forward pass length (p < .001, ES = 0.48). Central midfielders recorded fewer successful long passes (p < .001, ES = 0.34) and more ball losses (p = .03, ES = 0.30). Forwards showed declines in lateral passing (p = .02, ES = 0.37) and individual possession time (p = .002, ES = 0.36). Wide midfielders exhibited minimal changes between conditions. The Random Forest and SHAP analysis further indicated that passing actions (e.g., short passes, long passes) and ball progression behaviours (e.g., ball carrying) were the primary contributors to distinguishing EDP from MDP across playing positions. DISCUSSION: Overall, these results suggest that technical performance varies in a position-dependent manner under extreme physical demands, highlighting the importance of role-specific training strategies that replicate high-intensity match conditions.