The Association between Training Frequency, Symptoms of Overtraining and Injuries in Young Men Soccer Players

Abstract

Overtraining is a prevalent issue among young men soccer players, particularly those who are driven to enhance their skills. While an intense training volume and effort might contribute to athletic growth, it can also have negative implications, including injury. The current study aimed at examining the association between training frequency, symptoms of overtraining and injuries in young men soccer players. A path analysis approach was used to examine the causal relationships between variables. The sample consisted of 189 young men soccer players aged 13–17 years old (age = 14.81, SD = 1.37). Participants reported that they were training, on average, 5.77 days (SD = 1.53) per week. Athletes were competing at a regional (n = 100) or national (n = 89) level. Concerning injuries, participants indicated, on average, 2.03 (SD = 1.16) injuries since they started practicing soccer. The results displayed a significant association, as theoretically expected, namely: (i) training frequency was significantly associated with overtraining symptoms (β = 0.15 [IC95% = 0.01, 0.29]); (ii) overtraining symptoms were significantly associated with the number of injuries (β = 0.19 [IC95% = 0.02, 0.35]). An indirect effect between training frequency and injuries was also observed (β = 0.15 [IC95% = 0.01, 0.29]). Thus, there is preliminary evidence that overtraining symptoms could play a mediating role. In conclusion, investigating the links between overtraining symptoms and injury in young men soccer players is critical, as it can assist in identifying overtraining warning signs, promote young players’ health and safety, customize training regimens to individual needs, and contribute to a better understanding of sports-related injuries.

Motivation among Teenage Football Players: A Longitudinal Investigation throughout a Competitive Season

“…Players may have experienced burnout or fatigue, affecting their intrinsic motivation levels. Additionally, external factors, such as interpersonal behaviors, roles within the team, coaching styles, performance expectations, or overtraining might have influenced the players’ intrinsic motivation [ 3 , 6 , 16 ]. If players perceived an overly controlling or pressurizing environment, it could have negatively impacted their intrinsic motivation [ 14 ].…”

“…However, beyond the superficial excitement, there exists a deeper recognition of the significance of motivation, particularly in the context of teenage football during a competitive season. Motivation assumes a pivotal role in driving the behavior and experiences of young football players throughout the competitive season [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. It serves as the underlying impetus that propels individuals to engage, perform, and persevere in the face of challenges.…”

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

“…Data collected during training and match sessions are essential to characterize match demands, define optimal training loads in preparation for competitions ( Gómez-Carmona et al, 2018 ; Gonçalves et al, 2022 ), detect fatigue patterns ( Filetti et al, 2019 ), prevent injuries, reduce the risk of overtraining ( Rodrigues et al, 2023 ), and provide a broader understanding of each player’s profile ( Carling et al, 2008 ; Reche-Soto et al, 2019 ).…”

Exploring the Dynamics of Athletes’ Enjoyment and Self-Determined Motivation, and of the Motivational Climate in Youth Football: A Longitudinal Perspective

“…Most studies examining the relationship between enjoyment and key motivational determinants in youth football have utilized a cross-sectional research design in which variables can be significantly associated, but interpretations of possible causal influences between variables can only be suspected or assumed ( Monteiro, et al, 2018 ; Rodrigues et al, 2023 ). Cross-sectional studies provide a snapshot of data at a specific point, offering insights into associations without capturing the dynamic or changing nature of enjoyment and motivation throughout a competitive season.…”