'Setting the Benchmark' Part 2: Contextualising the Physical Demands of Teams in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

This study aimed to contextualise and benchmark the physical demands of teams in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. With FIFA's official approval, all sixty-four games were analysed during the competition (n = 32 teams) using a multi-camera computerised tracking system. On average, teams during Qatar 2022 covered around 108.1 ± 3.6 km in total, with 9.0 ± 0.9 and 2.3 ± 0.3 km covered at the higher intensities (≥20.0 and ≥25.0 km · h-1), respectively. Compared to the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, national teams in Qatar 2022 covered only 3% more total distance but 16-19% more distance at the higher intensities (P < 0.01; Effect Size [ES]: 0.9-2.0). When the data was adjusted based on the number of minutes played, tournament differences at the higher intensities were less pronounced (9-12%; P < 0.01; ES: 0.7-1.3). The United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Germany and IR Iran covered 19-34% more high-intensity distance than Argentina, Ecuador, Qatar, Poland and Costa Rica during the 2022 tournament (P < 0.01; ES: 3.2-3.5). Match-to-match variation of each team in Qatar 2022 revealed Ecuador and Uruguay were particularly consistent for the distances covered at higher intensities (Coefficient of Variation [CV]: 2-3%), whilst Japan demonstrated considerable variation (CV: 23-29%). Teams generally covered more total distance on a per-minute basis in the first versus the second half (P < 0.01; ES: 1.2), but no differences existed at higher intensities (P > 0.05; ES: 0.0-0.1). Correlations between the number of high-intensity runs and various phase of play events across all teams were strongest for defensive transitions and recoveries, in addition to progressions up the pitch and into the final third (r = 0.63-0.75; P < 0.01). The present findings provide valuable context into the contemporary team demands of international football. This information could be useful for practitioners to benchmark team performances and to potentially understand the myriad of factors impacting physical performances.

'Setting the Benchmark' Part 1: The Contextualised Physical Demands of Positional Roles in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

This study aimed to contextualise and benchmark the positional role demands during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. With FIFA's official approval, all sixty-four games were analysed during the competition (n=722) using a multi-camera computerised tracking system. During a typical FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match, defensive and central midfielders covered 8-19% more total distance than other positional roles (P<0.01; Effect Size [ES]: 0.8-2.5). The distances covered at higher intensities (≥20 and ≥25 km · h-1) were 16-92% and 36-138% higher for wide midfielders and wide forwards compared to central defenders, defensive and central midfielders as well as centre forwards (P<0.01; ES: 0.7-2.2 and ES: 0.6-1.4). Defensive and central midfielders covered a greater proportion of their distance at higher intensities (≥20 and ≥25 km · h-1) out-of-possession (71-83%; P<0.01; ES: 1.4-3.0), whilst attacking midfielders, wide and centre forwards more in-possession (55-68%; P<0.01; ES: 1.6-3.3). Nine out of the top ten sprint speeds attained at the tournament were from wide positional roles (35.3-35.7 km · h-1). All positional roles demonstrated a second half reduction in total distance covered compared to the first half (P<0.01; ES: 0.8-1.3). A decline between halves for the distances covered at higher intensities (≥20 and ≥25 km · h-1) were more evident in attacking midfielders, wide defenders and midfielders than for other positional roles (P<0.01; ES: 0.3-0.7). Defensive midfielders and centre forwards were found to have the highest coefficient of variation (CV: 30.9-35.9% and 67.7-67.8%) for the distances covered at higher intensities (≥20 and ≥25 km · h-1) compared to other positional roles. The current findings provide valuable contextual information about the contemporary positional demands of international football. This could be useful in the development and prescription of specific training regimes for national teams.

Transcranial direct current stimulation during a prolonged cognitive task: the effect on cognitive and shooting performances in professional female basketball players.

The negative effect of prolonged cognitive demands on psychomotor skills in athletes has been demonstrated. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could be used to mitigate this effect. This study examined the effects of tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during a 30-min inhibitory Stroop task on cognitive and shooting performances of professional female basketball players. Following a randomised, double-blinded, sham-controlled, cross-over design, players were assigned to receive anodal tDCS (a-tDCS, 2 mA for 20 min) or sham-tDCS in two different sessions. Data from 8 players were retained for analysis. Response Time decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.44; no effect of condition, or condition vs. time interaction). No difference in mean accuracy and shooting performance was observed between tDCS conditions. The results suggest that a-tDCS exert no additional benefits in reducing the negative effects of prolonged cognitive demands on technical performance compared to sham (placebo).Practitioner summary: Prolonged cognitive demands can negatively affect the athletes' performance. We tested whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) could attenuate these effects on cognitive and shooting performance in professional female basketball players. However, tDCS did not exert any additional benefits compared to sham.Abbreviations: tDCS: transcranial direct current stimulation; a-tDCS: anodal transcranial direct current stimulation; PFC: prefrontal cortex; DLPFC: dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; PCT: prolonged cognitive task; TT: time trial; RT: response time; NASA-TLX: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index; RPE: ratings of perceived exertion; CR-10 scale: category rating scale; EEG: electroencephalogram; AU: arbitrary units.

Contextualised high-intensity running profiles of elite football players with reference to general and specialised tactical roles.

The present study aimed to contextualise physical metrics with tactical actions according to general and specialised tactical roles. A total of 244 English Premier League players were analysed by coding player's physical-tactical actions via the fusion of tracking data and video. Data were analysed across 5 general (Central Defensive Players = CDP, Wide Defensive Players = WDP, Central Midfield Players = CMP, Wide Offensive Players = WOP, Central Offensive Players = COP) and 11 specialised positions (Centre Backs = CB, Full-Backs = FB, Wing-Backs = WB, Box-to-Box Midfielders = B2BM, Central Defensive Midfielders = CDM, Central Attacking Midfielders = CAM, Wide Midfielders = WM, Wide Forwards = WF, Centre Forwards = CF). COP covered more distance at high-intensity (> 19.8 km · h-1) when performing actions such as 'Break into Box', Run in Behind/Penetrate', and 'Close Down/Press' than other positions (ES: 0.6-5.2, P < 0.01). WOP covered more high-intensity 'Run with Ball' distance (ES: 0.7-1.7, P < 0.01) whereas WDP performed more 'Over/Underlap' distance than other positions (ES: 0.9-1.4, P < 0.01). CDP and WDP covered more high-intensity 'Covering' distances than other positions (ES: 0.4-2.4, P < 0.01). Nonetheless, data demonstrated that implementing specialised positional analysis relative to a generalised approach is more sensitive in measuring physical-tactical performances of players with the latter over or underestimating the match demands of the players compared to the former. A contextualised analysis may assist coaches and practitioners when designing position or even player-specific training drills since the data provides unique physical-tactical trends across specialised roles.

Accumulative weekly load in a professional football team: with special reference to match playing time and game position.

The aim of this study was to compare weekly accumulative load during the in-season competitive period by professional soccer players according to the amount of time played in official matches (90-min, >60-min, <60-min, and 0-min) regarding the players' position. Twenty-four professional outfield football players were monitored by GPS devices during training sessions and official matches and the accumulative weekly load were calculated for the following external load variables: total distance (TD; m), high speed running (HSR; >19.8 km·h-1), sprint meters (SPR; >25.2 km·h-1), high metabolic load distance (HMLD; >25.5 W·kg-1), number of accelerations (ACC; >3 m·s-2) and decelerations (DEC; <-3 m·s-2). This study revealed that players (as a whole o per demarcation) with more match playing time had a higher accumulative weekly load for most of the variables, but particularly at TD and HMLD (90-min and >60-min vs. <60-min and 0-min), HSR (90-min vs. <60-min and 0-min) and SPR (90-min vs. <60-min and 0-min). In addition, less positional variation was observed in relation to the competition requirements. This information would allow coaches to refine the required load with the objective of optimizing performance to soccer players.

The validity and reliability of an integrated approach for quantifying match physical-tactical performance.

This study aimed to: (1) develop an integrated approach to quantifying match physical-tactical performance and (2) comprehensively examine the validity and reliability of this novel approach. Both UEFA qualified coaches and performance analysts (n = 30) participated to verify the scientific robustness of this new method. The percentage of correct responses were used to verify the validity of the integrated approach and the minimum acceptable agreement was set at 80%. Two well-trained groups of observers analysed a randomly selected English Premier League match for inter- and intra-observer reliability using the kappa statistic. A high degree of validity was demonstrated as the mean percentage of correct responses by all participants, accounting for 91.8 ± 4.3% for all, 92.2 ± 4.7% for out-of-possession, and 91.6 ± 5.7% for in-possession physical-tactical variables. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were found to be strong (κ = 0.81) to almost perfect (κ = 0.94), respectively. Additional analyses demonstrated that there was a nearly perfect correlation between data derived from the novel filter used for the present study to capture high-intensity running and those obtained from the filter of the commercial data provider (r = 0.99; P < 0.01). The data demonstrates that the integrated approach is valid and reliable regarding the quantification of physical-tactical performances. Therefore, it is now possible to unveil unique high-intensity profiles of elite players related to key tactical actions. This may help coaches and practitioners better understand the physical-tactical performances of players, as well as effectively translate physical metrics into training.

Contextualised peak periods of play in English Premier League matches.

The present study aimed to determine the physical-tactical trends of elite players/teams during peak 1-, 3- and 5-min periods of match-play. A total of 50 English Premier League matches (n = 583 player observations) were analysed by coding the players' physical-tactical activities through the synchronisation of tracking data and video. The contextualised data showed that during the peak periods (i.e., the most demanding passage of play), players/teams covered the largest distances for 'Recovery Run' (28-37%) out of possession and 'Support Play' (9-13%) in possession. In the following periods, players covered less high-intensity distance versus the average with a more pronounced decline in the next 1-min period than longer duration 3- and 5-min periods (48% vs ~25-30%, ES: 0.4-0.5, P < 0.01); team data showed similar trends with different relative patterns (31% vs 17-30%, ES: 0.5-0.8, P < 0.01). After peak periods, players/teams performed 20-53% less high-intensity distances for 'Covering' and 'Recovery Run' (ES: 0.2-0.7, P < 0.01) out of possession. However, players covered 28-91% less distance for 'Run with Ball' (ES: 0.1-0.5, P < 0.05) when in possession. Some physical-tactical actions exhibited inconsistency in different time durations of the next periods; however, these physical-tactical data were position-specific. This may signify that each position has certain physical-tactical actions to execute even after the peak periods, especially when they are tactically required to do so. As the data demonstrates unique physical-tactical trends of players/teams during the peak and next periods of play, this could help practitioners prescribe position- and player-specific drills, and better understand transient decrements in high-intensity running after intense passages of play.

Are There Differences in Elite Youth Soccer Player Work Rate Profiles in Congested vs. Regular Match Schedules?

ABSTRACT: Zanetti, V, Carling, C, Aoki, MS, Bradley, PS, and Moreira, A. Are there differences in elite youth soccer player work rate profiles in congested vs. regular match schedules? J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 473-480, 2021-Official international tournaments in which youth soccer players participate can involve very congested schedules. Yet, no information regarding physical and technical match performance during congested vs. regular (noncongested) cycles is available. In this study, accelerations, decelerations, mean metabolic power (MP), and technical performance (offensive and defensive variables) were compared across very congested match (VCM; 10 international matches played over 3 successive days, including 2 days with 2 consecutive matches separated by a 4- to 5-hour interval) and 10 regular (noncongested match [NCM]) match periods in elite male Under 15 (U15, n = 11) and Under 17 (U17, n = 13) soccer players. Players wore a 15-Hz Global Positioning System unit with a 100-Hz triaxial accelerometer. The session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed 30 minutes after match. Results showed a higher number of accelerations per minute observed in VCM vs. NCM (U15; 2.27 ± 0.35 vs. 2.12 ± 0.23; effect size [ES] = 0.49; U17; 2.27 ± 0.41 vs. 2.01 ± 0.31; ES = 0.69). Decelerations per minute were higher during VCM (U15; 1.99 ± 0.27 vs. 1.84 ± 0.25; ES = 0.55; and U17; 1.98 ± 0.35 vs. 1.80 ± 0.27; ES = 0.56). Mean MP was higher in the VCM (U15; 0.42 ± 0.06 vs. 0.37 ± 0.02; ES = 1.08; U17; 0.46 ± 0.03 vs. 0.30 ± 0.03; ES = 1.94). Technical actions per minute were higher in the VCM for U17 (ES = 1.60 and 1.37, for offensive and defensive performance, respectively) but lower (during VCM) for U15 (ES = 3.59 and 0.28, for offensive and defensive performance). U15 reported a higher session RPE in the VCM (7.9 ± 0.5 AUs vs. 6.9 ± 0.5 AUs). The findings suggest that running activity in these youth players was unaffected overall in tournaments with congested schedules, and that the intensity of match-play was actually greater than in regular match schedules.

Soccer-Specific Reactive Repeated-Sprint Ability in Elite Youth Soccer Players: Maturation Trends and Association With Various Physical Performance Tests.

Di Mascio, M, Ade, J, Musham, C, Girard, O, and Bradley, PS. Soccer-specific reactive repeated-sprint ability in elite youth soccer players: maturation trends and association with various physical performance tests. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3538-3545, 2020-Repeated-sprint ability is an important physical prerequisite for competitive soccer and deviates for players in various stages of growth and development. Thus, this study investigated reactive repeated-sprint ability in elite youth soccer players in relation to maturation (age at peak height velocity) and its association with performance of other physical tests. Elite male youth players from an English Premier League academy (U12, n = 8; U13, n = 11; U14, n = 15; U15, n = 6; U16, n = 10; and U18, n = 13) completed the reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST; 8 × 30-m sprints with 30-second active recovery), and other physical tests including the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2), arrowhead agility test, countermovement jump test with arms (CMJA), in addition to 10- and 20-m straight-line sprints. Reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST) performance (total time across 8 sprints) progressively improved from U12 to U16 (p < 0.01; effect size [ES]: 1.0-1.9), yet with no differences found between U16 and U18. No between-group differences in RRST performance were evident after accounting for age at peak height velocity (p > 0.05; ES: <0.3). Correlation magnitudes between performance on the RRST and other tests were trivial to moderate for the Yo-Yo IR2 (r = -0.15 to 0.42), moderate to very large for the arrowhead agility test (r = 0.48-0.90), moderate to large for CMJA (r = -0.43 to 0.66), and trivial to large for 10- and 20-m sprints (r = 0.05-0.61). The RRST was sensitive at tracking maturation trends in elite youth players, although performance improvements were not as marked from 15 to 16 years of age. RRST performance correlates with several physical qualities decisive for competitive soccer (agility, speed, power, and aerobic endurance).

Skeletal muscle and performance adaptations to high-intensity training in elite male soccer players: speed endurance runs versus small-sided game training.

PURPOSE: To examine the skeletal muscle and performance responses across two different exercise training modalities which are highly applied in soccer training. METHODS: Using an RCT design, 39 well-trained male soccer players were randomized into either a speed endurance training (SET; n = 21) or a small-sided game group (SSG; n = 18). Over 4 weeks, thrice weekly, SET performed 6-10 × 30-s all-out runs with 3-min recovery, while SSG completed 2 × 7-9-min small-sided games with 2-min recovery. Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis pre and post intervention and were subsequently analysed for metabolic enzyme activity and muscle protein expression. Moreover, the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 2 test (Yo-Yo IR2) was performed. RESULTS: Muscle CS maximal activity increased (P < 0.05) by 18% in SET only, demonstrating larger (P < 0.05) improvement than SSG, while HAD activity increased (P < 0.05) by 24% in both groups. Na+-K+ ATPase α1 subunit protein expression increased (P < 0.05) in SET and SSG (19 and 37%, respectively), while MCT4 protein expression rose (P < 0.05) by 30 and 61% in SET and SSG, respectively. SOD2 protein expression increased (P < 0.05) by 28 and 37% in SET and SSG, respectively, while GLUT-4 protein expression increased (P < 0.05) by 40% in SSG only. Finally, SET displayed 39% greater improvement (P < 0.05) in Yo-Yo IR2 performance than SSG. CONCLUSION: Speed endurance training improved muscle oxidative capacity and exercise performance more pronouncedly than small-sided game training, but comparable responses were in muscle ion transporters and antioxidative capacity in well-trained male soccer players.

Quantification of a Professional Football Team's External Load Using a Microcycle Structure.

Martín-García, A, Gómez Díaz, A, Bradley, PS, Morera, F, and Casamichana, D. Quantification of a professional football team's external load using a microcycle structure. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3520-3527, 2018-The aims of this study were to (a) determine the external load of a football team across playing position and relative to competition for a structured microcycle and (b) examine the loading and variation the day after competition for players with or without game time. Training and match data were obtained from 24 professional football players who belonging to the reserve squad of a Spanish La Liga club during the 2015/16 season using global positioning technology (n = 37 matches and n = 42 training weeks). Training load data were analyzed with respect to the number of days before or after a match (match day [MD] minus or plus). Training load metrics declined as competition approached (MD-4 > MD-3 > MD-2 > MD-1; p < 0.05; effect sizes [ES]: 0.4-3.1). On the day after competition, players without game time demonstrated greater load in a compensatory session (MD + 1C) that replicated competition compared with a recovery session (MD + 1R) completed by players with game time (MD + 1C > MD + 1R; p < 0.05; ES: 1.4-1.6). Acceleration and deceleration metrics during training exceeded 50% of that performed in competition for MD + 1C (80-86%), MD-4 (71-72%), MD-3 (62-69%), and MD-2 (56-61%). Full backs performed more high-speed running and sprint distance than other positions at MD-3 and MD-4 (p < 0.05; ES: 0.8-1.7). The coefficient of variation for weekly training sessions ranged from ∼40% for MD-3 and MD-4 to ∼80% for MD + 1R. The data demonstrate that the external load of a structured microcycle varied substantially based on the players training day and position. This information could be useful for applied sports scientists when trying to systematically manage load, particularly compensatory conditioning for players without game time.

Influence of Tactical and Situational Variables on Offensive Sequences During Elite Football Matches.

Sarmento, H, Figueiredo, A, Lago-Peñas, C, Milanovic, Z, Barbosa, A, Tadeu, P, and Bradley, PS. Influence of tactical and situational variables on offensive sequences during elite football matches. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2331-2339, 2018-This study examined the influence of tactical and situational variables on offensive sequences during elite football matches. A sample of 68 games and 1,694 offensive sequences from the Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A, German Bundesliga, English Premier League, and Champions League were analyzed using χ and logistic regression analyses. Results revealed that counterattacks (odds ratio [OR] = 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-1.83; p < 0.01) and fast attacks (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.11-1.85; p < 0.01) increased the success of an offensive sequence by 40% compared with positional attacks. The chance of an offensive sequence ending effectively in games from the Spanish, Italian, and English Leagues were higher than that in the Champions League. Offensive sequences that started in the preoffensive or offensive zones were more successful than those started in the defensive zones. An increase of 1 second in the offensive sequence duration and an extra pass resulted in a decrease of 2% (OR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.98-0.99; p < 0.001) and 7% (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.91-0.96; p < 0.001), respectively, in the probability of its success. These findings could assist coaches in designing specific training situations that improve the effectiveness of the offensive process.

The Demands of Amputee Soccer Impair Muscular Endurance and Power Indices But Not Match Physical Performance.

We investigated the match demands (distances covered and acute physiological responses) of amputee soccer and its impact on muscular endurance and power. Measures such as heart rate, blood lactate concentration, subjective rating of perceived exertion, and time-motion characteristics were recorded in 16 Brazilian amputee soccer players during matches. Before and after matches, players completed a battery of tests: push-ups, countermovement vertical jump performance, and medicine ball throwing. Small differences were found between the first and second half for the distance covered in total and across various speed categories. Heart rate responses, blood lactate concentrations, and peak speed did not differ between halves, and all neuromuscular performance measures decreased after the match particularly after push-ups, although the rating of perceived exertion increased markedly compared with prematches. Although match physical performances were consistent across halves, the overall demands impaired test performance, especially for upper limb and closed kinetic chain exercise.

Exercise-related sensations contribute to decrease power during repeated cycle sprints with limited influence on neural drive.

PURPOSES: We manipulated the inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) to examine the effects of physiological perturbations on exercise-related sensations and the neural drive of the quadriceps during repeated, brief, maximal cycle sprints. METHODS: Nine active males completed a repeated sprint cycle protocol (10 × 4-s maximal sprints with 30 s of passive recovery) in normoxia (NM; FiO2 0.21) and severe normobaric hypoxia (HY; FiO2 0.13). Peak power, quadriceps Root Mean Squared electromyography (RMS EMG), physiological (heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, blood lactate concentration) and perceptual responses were recorded. RESULTS: The 10 sprints in HY were associated with lower arterial oxygen saturation values compared to NM [80.7 ± 0.9 vs. 95.6 ± 0.6%; P < 0.001; effect size (ES) = 0.98], higher blood lactate values (11.9 ± 0.4 vs. 9.9 ± 0.9 mmol L-1; P = 0.05; ES = 0.36), and greater exercise-related sensations (~36%; P < 0.001; ES > 0.47). Mean power for sprints 1-10 were lower (-13 ± 3%; P = 0.001; ES = 0.79), and sprint decrement was more pronounced in HY compared to NM (21.4 ± 3.7 vs. 13.2 ± 2.7%; P = 0.003). There was a 17% decrease in RMS EMG activity from the first to the last sprint (P < 0.001; ES = 0.65), independent of condition (P = 0.597; ES = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Despite severe hypoxia exacerbating both physiological and perceptual perturbations, the performance decrement observed during the repeated sprint protocol did not coincide with an accentuated decline in RMS EMG activity. These data suggest that higher-than-normal exercise-related sensations or perceptions coincide with fatigue during repeated sprinting, independent of changes in neural drive, when the task characteristics are known beforehand.

Repeated-Sprint Sequences During Female Soccer Matches Using Fixed and Individual Speed Thresholds.

Nakamura, FY, Pereira, LA, Loturco, I, Rosseti, M, Moura, FA, and Bradley, PS. Repeated-sprint sequences during female soccer matches using fixed and individual speed thresholds. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1802-1810, 2017-The main objective of this study was to characterize the occurrence of single sprint and repeated-sprint sequences (RSS) during elite female soccer matches, using fixed (20 km·h) and individually based speed thresholds (>90% of the mean speed from a 20-m sprint test). Eleven elite female soccer players from the same team participated in the study. All players performed a 20-m linear sprint test, and were assessed in up to 10 official matches using Global Positioning System technology. Magnitude-based inferences were used to test for meaningful differences. Results revealed that irrespective of adopting fixed or individual speed thresholds, female players produced only a few RSS during matches (2.3 ± 2.4 sequences using the fixed threshold and 3.3 ± 3.0 sequences using the individually based threshold), with most sequences composing of just 2 sprints. Additionally, central defenders performed fewer sprints (10.2 ± 4.1) than other positions (fullbacks: 28.1 ± 5.5; midfielders: 21.9 ± 10.5; forwards: 31.9 ± 11.1; with the differences being likely to almost certainly associated with effect sizes ranging from 1.65 to 2.72), and sprinting ability declined in the second half. The data do not support the notion that RSS occurs frequently during soccer matches in female players, irrespective of using fixed or individual speed thresholds to define sprint occurrence. However, repeated-sprint ability development cannot be ruled out from soccer training programs because of its association with match-related performance.

Monitoring Training Loads in Professional Basketball Players Engaged in a Periodized Training Program.

Aoki, MS, Ronda, LT, Marcelino, PR, Drago, G, Carling, C, Bradley, PS, and Moreira, A. Monitoring training loads in professional basketball players engaged in a periodized training program. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 348-358, 2017-The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of external training load (eTL) and internal training load (iTL) during seasonal periods, and examine the effect of a periodized training program on physical performance in professional basketball players. Repeated measures for 9 players (28 ± 6 years; 199 ± 8 cm; 101 ± 12 kg) were collected from 45 training sessions, over a 6-week preseason phase and a 5-week in-season phase. Physical tests were conducted at baseline (T1), week 4 (T2), and week 9 (T3). Differences in means are presented as % ± confident limits. A very likely difference was observed during in-season compared with preseason for the eTL variables (measured by multivariable monitoring device), mechanical load (13.5 ± 8.8) and peak acceleration (11.0 ± 11.2), respectively. Regarding iTL responses, a very large decrement in TRIMP (most likely difference, -20.6 ± 3.8) and in session rating of perceived exertion training load (very likely difference, -14.2 ± 9.0) was detected from preseason to in-season. Physical performance improved from T1 to T3 for Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test 1 (62.2 ± 34.3, effect size [ES] > 1.2); countermovement jump (8.8 ± 6.1, ES > 0.6); and squat jump (14.8 ± 10.2, ES > 0.8). Heart rate (HR; %HRpeak) exercise responses during a submaximal running test decreased from T1 to T3 (3.2 ± 4.3, ES < 0.6), as well as the HR recovery after the test (14.7 ± 8.8, ES > 1.2). These results provide valuable information to coaches about training loads and physical performance across different seasonal periods. The data demonstrate that both eTL and iTL measures should be monitored in association with physical tests, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the training process.

High-intensity efforts in elite soccer matches and associated movement patterns, technical skills and tactical actions. Information for position-specific training drills.

This study aimed to translate movement patterns, technical skills and tactical actions associated with high-intensity efforts into metrics that could potentially be used to construct position-specific conditioning drills. A total of 20 individual English Premier League players' high-intensity running profiles were observed multiple times (n = 100) using a computerised tracking system. Data were analysed using a novel high-intensity movement programme across five positions (centre back [CB], full-back [FB], central midfielder [CM], wide midfielder [WM] and centre forward [CF]). High-intensity efforts in contact with the ball and the average speed of efforts were greater in WMs than CBs, CMs and CFs (effect sizes [ES]: 0.9-2.1, P < 0.05). WMs produced more repeated efforts than CBs and CMs (ES: 0.6-1.3, P < 0.05). In possession, WMs executed more tricks post effort than CBs and CMs (ES: 1.2-1.3, P < 0.01). FBs and WMs performed more crosses post effort than other positions (ES: 1.1-2.0, P < 0.01). Out of possession, CFs completed more efforts closing down the opposition (ES: 1.4-5.0, P < 0.01) but less tracking opposition runners than other positions (ES: 1.5-1.8, P < 0.01). CFs performed more arc runs before efforts compared to CBs, FBs and WMs (ES: 0.9-1.4, P < 0.05), however, CBs completed more 0-90° turns compared to FBs, CMs and WMs (ES: 0.9-1.1, P < 0.01). The data demonstrate unique high-intensity trends in and out of possession that could assist practitioners when devising position-specific drills.

The effects of ball possession status on physical and technical indicators during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals.

This study examined the effect of high- (HPBPT) and low-percentage ball possession (LPBPT) on physical and technical indicators during 2014 FIFA World Cup matches. This would enable a regression model to be constructed to further understand the impact of different ball possession (BP) strategies on match performance. Data were collected from 346 international soccer players using a multiple-camera computerised tracking system. Although players in HPBPT covered lower distances (P < 0.01) in total and at low speed compared to LPBPT, this produced a trivial effect size (ES). However, they covered similar distances (P > 0.05) at medium and high speeds. Players in LPBPT covered more distance without BP but less with BP than HPBPT (P < 0.01; ES large). All positions in LPBPT spent less time in the opposing half and attacking third than the players in HPBPT (P < 0.01; ES small-moderate), but all positions in HPBPT completed more short and medium passes than LPBPT (P < 0.01; ES moderate). Players in HPBPT produced more solo runs into the attacking third and penalty area than LPBPT (P < 0.05, ES small). The equation to predict BP from physical and technical indicators highlighted the importance of distances covered (total, with and without BP), time spent in the attacking third and successful short passes during matches. In practical terms, high or low BP does not influence the activity patterns of international matches although HPBPT spend more time in offensive areas of the pitch.

Tier-specific evolution of match performance characteristics in the English Premier League: it's getting tougher at the top.

This study investigated the evolution of physical and technical performances in the English Premier League (EPL), with special reference to league ranking. Match performance observations (n = 14,700) were collected using a multiple-camera computerised tracking system across seven consecutive EPL seasons (2006-07 to 2012-13). Final league rankings were classified into Tiers: (A) 1st-4th ranking (n = 2519), (B) 5th-8th ranking (n = 2965), (C) 9th-14th ranking (n = 4448) and (D) 15th-20th ranking (n = 4768). Teams in Tier B demonstrated moderate increases in high-intensity running distance while in ball possession from the 2006-07 to 2012-13 season (P < 0.001; effect size [ES]: 0.68), with Tiers A, C and D producing less pronounced increases across the same period (P < 0.005; ES: 0.26, 0.41 and 0.33, respectively). Large increases in sprint distance were observed from the 2006-07 to 2012-13 season for Tier B (P < 0.001; ES: 1.21), while only moderate increases were evident for Tiers A, C and D (P < 0.001; ES: 0.75, 0.97 and 0.84, respectively). Tier B demonstrated large increases in the number of passes performed and received in 2012-13 compared to 2006-07 (P < 0.001; ES: 1.32-1.53) with small-to-moderate increases in Tier A (P < 0.001; ES: 0.30-0.38), Tier C (P < 0.001; ES: 0.46-0.54) and Tier D (P < 0.001; ES: 0.69-0.87). The demarcation line between 4th (bottom of Tier A) and 5th ranking (top of Tier B) in the 2006-07 season was 8 points, but this decreased to just a single point in the 2012-13 season. The data demonstrate that physical and technical performances have evolved more in Tier B than any other Tier in the EPL and could indicate a narrowing of the performance gap between the top two Tiers.

The reliability, validity and sensitivity of a novel soccer-specific reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, validity and sensitivity of a reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST). METHODS: Elite (n = 72) and sub-elite male (n = 87) and elite female soccer players (n = 12) completed the RRST at set times during a season. Total distance timed was 30 m and the RRST performance measure was the total time (s) across eight repetitions. Competitive match running performance was measured using GPS and high-intensity running quantified (≥ 19.8 km h(-1)). RESULTS: Test-retest coefficient of variation in elite U16 and sub-elite U19 players was 0.71 and 0.84 %, respectively. Elite U18 players' RRST performances were better (P < 0.01) than elite U16, sub-elite U16, U18, U19 and elite senior female players (58.25 ± 1.34 vs 59.97 ± 1.64, 61.42 ± 2.25, 61.66 ± 1.70, 61.02 ± 2.31 and 63.88 ± 1.46 s; ES 0.6-1.9). For elite U18 players, RRST performances for central defenders (59.84 ± 1.35 s) were lower (P < 0.05) than full backs (57.85 ± 0.77 s), but not attackers (58.17 ± 1.73 s) or central and wide midfielders (58.55 ± 1.08 and 58.58 ± 1.89 s; ES 0.7-1.4). Elite U16 players demonstrated lower (P < 0.01) RRST performances during the preparation period versus the start, middle and end of season periods (61.13 ± 1.53 vs 59.51 ± 1.39, 59.25 ± 1.42 and 59.20 ± 1.57 s; ES 1.0-1.1). Very large magnitude correlations (P < 0.01) were observed between RRST performance and high-intensity running in the most intense 5-min period of a match for both elite and sub-elite U18 players (r = -0.71 and -0.74), with the best time of the RRST also correlating with the arrowhead agility test for elite U16 and U18 players (r = 0.84 and 0.75). CONCLUSION: The data demonstrate that the RRST is a reliable and valid test that distinguishes between performance across standard, position and seasonal period.