An examination of in-season external training load in semi-professional soccer players: considerations of one and two match weekly microcycles

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to firstly, quantify the external training load (TL) of semi-professional soccer players during an annual season and secondly, to examine the influence of one (1MW) and two (2MW) match weekly microcycles. Data were collected from 24 semi-professional outfield soccer players during the 2018-2019 annual season using micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices for the following variables: Training duration (min), total distance (TD), Player Load (PL), high speed running (HSR) distance (5.5-7.0 m/s), and acceleration (ACC) efforts (>2 m/s2). Training sessions were defined as days before match day (i.e. MD minus), with match weeks broken down as either 1MW or 2MW. Data revealed higher TD, PL, and HSR distance on MD and MD-5 when compared to all other MD codes. MD-4 displayed significantly higher values compared to MD-1 (mean differences (M diff): TD: 785 ± 158 m; PL: 29 ± 9 au; HSR: 192 ± 63 m; ACC: 15 ± 3 #) and MD-2 (M diff: TD: 279 ± 137 m; HSR: 127 ± 54 m). During 2MW scenarios, both TD (M diff: 685 ± 328 m) and PL (M diff: 33 ± 14 au) were higher on MD-1 when compared to 1MW. However, lower values were observed for duration and HSR on MD-2 and MD-4 during 2MW compared to 1MW scenarios.These data suggest that there appears to be a progressive reduction in TD, PL, HSR and ACC leading into competitive matches based on MD- analysis. However, some variability exists in TL prescription as a result of different MW scenarios (i.e. 1MW vs. 2MW).

Daily and weekly external loads in the microcycle: Characterization and comparison between playing positions on amateur soccer

“…Among several studies (Malone et al, 2015a ; Owen et al, 2017 ; Stevens et al, 2017 ; Martín-García et al, 2018 ; Clemente et al, 2019a ; Sanchez-Sanchez et al, 2019 ; Kelly et al, 2020 ; Oliveira et al, 2020 ; Chena et al, 2021 ; Swallow et al, 2021 ), there is a tendency that the closer proximity to the match day results in a predisposition to decrease the training load, particularly from the middle of the week until MD-1, highlighting a conscious tapering period (Clemente et al, 2019a ); however, all of them have particularities. Boullosa et al ( 2020 ) claim that these different loading patterns are also mirrored in tapering strategies, however, clarifies that the reduced loads on the days before matches in team sports cannot be considered as tapering.…”

“…Based on this perspective, a periodized approach in the long- and short-term manipulation of training stress and recovery is thought to be essential for the optimal athletic performance and success in competition (Mujika et al, 2018 ). Therefore, coaches and sports science practitioners should manipulate (Swallow et al, 2021 ) and monitoring (Ravé et al, 2020 ) the external training loads to properly periodize their training practices intending to minimize injury risk and optimize players' physical performance. Furthermore, due to the complexity of team sports performance, technical staff in soccer should prescribe daily training load fluctuations during a microcycle that may help to increase or maintain performance throughout the competitive in-season period (Rey et al, 2020 ).…”

Training Load Within a Soccer Microcycle Week—A Systematic Review

“…Competition levels are elite (21,22,(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44), professional (15,20,23,35,(45)(46)(47)(48)(49)(50)(51), and young (52,53). Training load was analyzed with external load (15,38,47,48,50,51) or internal load (44)(45)(46)53) separately or with both internal and external load measurements (20)(21)(22)(23)35,(39)(40)(41)(42)(43)49,52). Weeks varied between 2 and 7 training sessions and 1 to 3 matches per week.…”

“…Acceleration and deceleration. ACC and DEC measurements were presented in 8 studies (15,20,35,43,(47)(48)(49)(50), and training demands were registered as the sum and relative sum of ACC and DEC (48), number of ACC and DEC (15,35,43,47,49), number of ACC (50), and distance covered in ACC and DEC (20). MD demands were not the focus of this review, but because 5 studies included comparisons between match and training demands, we decided to present that data.…”

Comparison of Measurements of External Load between Professional Soccer Players

“…During a competitive game, the total distances and sprints performed by professional soccer players are higher when compared to semi-professional soccer players. This reflects the different physical demands between soccer categories [ 2 ]. It is very important for coaches to pay attention to individual differences, such as physical fitness factors, workload responses, training intensity types, playing position, etc.…”