Identifying the ideal weekly training load for in-game performance in an elite Brazilian soccer team.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ideal training load to be applied during periods of fixture congestion to ensure an adequate dose-response effect for performance maintenance. Methods: Match performance data and corresponding pre-match training load sessions (both N = 498 match performance cases and training-block session cases) were collected (with the catapult system, VECTOR7) from 36 male professional soccer players (23.5 ± 5.2 years; 178 ± 4 cm; 75.5 ± 6.0 kg) belonging to the Brazilian First Division team during the 2022 season. The following data were collected in match and training sessions: jump, acceleration, deceleration, and change of direction (COD); running distance producing metabolic power at different intensities (>20, >20-35, >35-45, >45-55, and >55 W kg-1), total distance (m), relative distance (m/min), running distance at different speeds (>20, >25, and >30 km/h), number of sprints (running >25 km/h), and maximum speed (km/h). Mixed linear model (MLM), decision tree regression (DTR), and cluster K means model (SPSS v.26) approach were performed to identify the most critical variables (and their respective load) in the training sessions that could explain the athlete's match performance. Results: MLM and DTR regression show that training load significantly affects game performance in a specific way. According to the present data, an interference phenomenon can occur when a high load of two different skills (running in a straight line vs COD, deceleration, and jumping) is applied in the same training block of the week. The cluster approach, followed by a chi-squared test, identified significant associations between training load and athlete match performance in a dose-dependent manner. Discussion: The high load values described here have a beneficial effect on match performance, despite the interference between stimuli discussed above. We present a positive training load from a congested season from the Brazilian First Division team. The study suggests that an interference effect occurs when high physical training loads are applied to different specific physical skills throughout the season.

Competitive evaluation in male elite junior soccer players: entire match, replaced, and substitute players.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the mood states, recovery, displacement patterns, and rating of perceived exertion of elite junior soccer players during a national competition, considering substitutions in the matches. Before the games, the mood states and total quality recovery (TQR) were evaluated. During the games, the total distance (TD), low-speed distance (LSD), and high-speed distance were monitored. At the end of the matches, the rating of perceived exertion scale was used. The average and standard deviation were used to compare the match stages, soccer positions and influence of the substitutions. The significance level adopted was 5%. In relation to the mood states, fatigue presented higher values (P<0.05) for entire match and substitute players, and in the TQR, substitute players presented better recovery (P<0.05) than entire match and replaced players. In the TD, shorter distances covered were observed (P<0.05) in the first half, and the average of the midfielders was longer (P<0.05) than that of the defenders. In the LSD, the midfielders covered longer distances (P<0.05) than the strikers and defenders. It is possible to conclude that the substitutions have an impact on the player positions, match stages and maintenance of the intensity of the players.

Training intensity distribution of young elite soccer players / Distribuição da intensidade de treinamento em jovens jogadores de futebol

Abstract The current study described the training load and intensity distribution of 30 elite Under 20 soccer players (17.9 ± 0.6 years, 180.3 ± 5.7 cm, 73.7 ± 8.8kg) from a 3-time FIFA Club World Cup champion. Session-rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE), internal training load (ITL) and monotony were recorded across 40 training sessions. Mixed-effects modeling was used for data analysis. The athletes performed 33.0 ± 6.9 out of 40 planned training sessions. Most common reasons for absence from training included sickness or minor injuries. Overall, these training sessions summed 2928.7 ± 627.6 minutes. Athletes performed significantly more training sessions at low and moderate intensity zones than at high-intensity zone (p <0.0001). The current data indicate that elite young soccer players perform their training sessions predominantly at the low-intensity zone. Training monitoring is an important aspect of the sport training process evolution. In fact, previous evidence has already shown that an appropriate intensity distribution prevents maladaptation from sports training and may optimize athletic performance. Therefore, coaches should implement strategies to monitor training loads during pre-season and competitive periods.

Resumo O presente estudo descreveu a carga de treinamento e a distribuição de intensidade de 30 jogadores de elite de futebol sub 20 (17,9 ± 0,6 anos, 180,3 ± 5,7 cm, 73,7 ± 8,8 kg) de um clube de elite do estado de São Paulo. Durante 40 sessões de treinamento, a percepção subjetiva de esforço, bem como a carga interna de treinamento e a monotonia foram registradas. Os dados foram analisados por modelagem linear mista. Os atletas realizaram 33,0 ± 6,9 das 40 sessões de treinamento planejadas. As razões mais comuns para a ausência nas sessões de treinamento incluíram doenças ou lesões leves. De forma geral, essas sessões somaram 2928,7 ± 627,6 minutos. Os atletas realizaram significativamente mais sessões de treinamento em zonas de baixa e moderada intensidade comparado com a zona de alta intensidade (p <0,0001). Os dados do presente estudo indicam que os jovens jogadores de elite realizam suas sessões de treinamento predominantemente na zona de baixa intensidade. O monitoramento do treinamento colabora para a evolução do processo de treinamento esportivo. De fato, evidências anteriores já mostraram que a distribuição de intensidade apropriada impede a mal adaptação ao treinamento esportivo e pode otimizar o desempenho atlético. Portanto, treinadores devem implementar estratégias para monitorar as cargas de treinamento durante os períodos de pré-temporada e de competição.

Postactivation potentiation in elite young soccer players.

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of 16 different combinations to cause the postactivation potentiation (PAP) in elite young soccer players. Squat exercise in 4 different intensities (40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% one-repetition maximum [1RM]) was performed and its effects were evaluated in the performance of countermovement jump (CMJ), after 4 different recovery times (1, 3, 5, and 10 min). For this purpose, 25 young soccer players, underwent five experimental sessions. At the first session the control to determine 1RM in half-squat was carried out. The following four experimental sessions were comprised of four intensity combinations with four different recovery intervals in order to perform the CMJ test later, randomly determined and with 30-min interval between each combination. The conditions were compared using an analysis of variance with repeated measurements, followed by Bonferroni test, using 5% significance level (P<0.05). The different intensities investigated did not provide significant increases in CMJ height, but significant differences were noted in recovery time, where, at CMJ maximum height, 1-min interval was better than after 3 min (P<0.05), 5, and 10 min (P<0.001). On the average jump performances, 1-min interval resulted in better results (P<0.001) compared to other intervals. The 10-min recovery resulted in poorer performances compared to the other intervals (P<0.001). Our results indicate that regardless the intensity used in the half-squat exercise with elite young soccer players, the 1-min recovery time was more appropriate to promote an increase in vertical jump.