Analysis of relationships between different training load monitoring tools in elite U-20 soccer

Abstract

Purpose. the study analysed the responses from different training load monitoring tools in the elite U-20 soccer category and checked the level of association between these responses. Methods. the participants were 10 elite male soccer players (age, 18.61 ± 0.95 years; height, 176.81 ± 5.03 cm; body mass, 70.32 ± 8.41 kg). the progressive test to exhaustion assessed maximum oxygen consumption and maximum heart rate. the athletes were monitored over 15 training sessions with a heart-rate-based method (Edwards) and mechanical load indicators obtained from GPS devices (15 Hz). Results. Individual training load was calculated with the Foster's session rating of perceived exertion (session-rPE) procedure. A significant correlation was found between session-rPE and Edwards (0.564, p < 0.05). there were no significant correlations between session-rPE and average speed (-0.161), average heart rate of the training session (-0.187), distance over 20 km/h (0.006), or number of accelerations performed in different zones (-0.194,-0.178,-0.171,-0.236). the Edwards method showed significant correlations with the total distance (0.642, p < 0.01), average heart rate (0.333, p < 0.01), and distances covered at 0-20 km/h (0.634, p < 0.01; 0.568, p < 0.01; 0.424, p < 0.01; 0.289, p < 0.01; 0.201, p < 0.015). there were no significant correlations between Edwards and average speed (0.158), distance over 20 km/h (0.014), number of accelerations performed in different zones (-0.194,-0.178,-0.171,-0.236), or number of normalized accelerations (-0.118,-0.038,-0.058,-0.035). Conclusions. the Edwards method and session-rPE are limited load monitoring tools to indicate the reality of training situations (high-intensity action with recovery intervals).

Small-sided games do not replicate all external and internal loads of a football match-play during pre-season: A case study

“…Heart rate is commonly used to monitor training intensity in elite football. 26 In the present study, the FM elicited greater HR than the 10v10 (set-piece game purpose), 10v10 (free play), 14v14, 7v7 and the 8v8. A systematic review showed that players obtained higher %HR when playing in a smaller format compared to other higher format of SSG´s, 3 however our present findings indicated that no difference comparing the FM with the 4v4 and the 6v6 pre-season training tasks.…”

“…In order to ensure the ecological validity of the data collected, the planning and execution of the training did not suffer interference from the researchers. 26,27 During the study period, the athletes performed 2–3 strength training sessions per week. These sessions took place in the gym under the supervision of the club.…”

“…These devices have been previously used in elite football. 26 The registered variables were training session duration (min), average heart rate (bpm), total distance (m), distance covered per minute (m/ min), the total number of accelerations >2.5 m/s 2 , number of accelerations >2.5 m/s 2 per minute, average distance of accelerations (m), the average value of acceleration (m/s 2 ).…”

Monitoring of overtraining and motivation in elite soccer players

“…This can be explained by the fact that, in the preseason, players do not play official matches. During this period, the players train daily, and this process is better controlled by the coaching staff, which monitors and adjusts the workloads according to the previously planned periodization 1,2 . In addition, during this period, soccer players participated in base camps, where they are allowed to feed and sleep better, favoring the state of overcompensation 10,15 .…”

“…In soccer, the purpose of athletic planning is to appropriately manage the training load to optimize sports performance 1 through a process of planning, monitoring, and load adjustment. Effective training loads are among the key issues for coaches and players 2 . Sports preparation is usually divided into two phases: the preparatory and competitive period.…”