The Transition Period in Soccer: A Window of Opportunity

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to describe the physiological changes that occur during the transition period in soccer players. A secondary aim is to address the issue of utilizing the transition period to lay the foundation for the succeeding season. We reviewed published peer-reviewed studies if they met the following three selection criteria: (1) the studied population comprised adult soccer players (aged >18 years), (2) time points of physiological and performance assessments were provided, and (3) appropriate statistics for the calculation of effect sizes were reported. Following two selection phases, 12 scientific publications were considered, involving a total sample of 252 players. The transition period elicits small to moderate negative changes in body composition, a moderate decline in sprint performance with and without changes of direction, and small to moderate decrements in muscle power. Detraining effects are also evident for endurance-related physiological and performance outcomes: large decrements in maximal oxygen consumption V̇O2max) and time to exhaustion, and moderate to very large impairments have been observed in intermittent-running performance. Off-season programs should be characterized by clear training objectives, a low frequency of training sessions, and simple training tools in order to facilitate compliance. The program suggested here may constitute the 'minimum effective dose' to maintain or at least attenuate the decay of endurance- and neuromuscular-related performance parameters, as well as restore an adequate strength profile (reduce muscle strength imbalances). This periodization strategy may improve the ability of players to cope with the elevated training demands of pre-season training and therefore reduce the risk of injury. Moreover, this strategy will favor a more efficient development of other relevant facets of performance during the pre-competition phase (e.g., tactical organization). We contend that the transition period needs to be perceived as a 'window of opportunity' for players to both recover and 'rebuild' for the following season.

Strategies and Solutions for Team Sports Athletes in Isolation due to COVID-19

“…For example, in team sports there are very few situations in the regular annual calendar in which a player can have a prolonged period of complete recovery from specific training and competition demands. Only off-season/transition periods can offer some opportunity for rest [42]. Isolation and the absence of intensive specific training and competition enable both complete cellular recovery and the avoidance of common daily mental stress.…”

The Effect of Transition Period on Performance Parameters in Elite Female Soccer Players

“…Despite the growing popularity of women's soccer, no studies were identified that investigate the effect of transition period on the anthropometric and performance parameters. Most published literature available has examined those effects on male [2] rather than female players.…”

“…The transition period has been found to elicit moderately negative changes in body composition, sprint performance, and muscle power in male soccer players [2]. Furthermore, decrements in max-imal oxygen consumption (VO2max), time to exhaustion, and intermittent running performance have been reported [2].…”

“…The transition period has been found to elicit moderately negative changes in body composition, sprint performance, and muscle power in male soccer players [2]. Furthermore, decrements in max-imal oxygen consumption (VO2max), time to exhaustion, and intermittent running performance have been reported [2]. Nevertheless, although the decrease in VO2max is a well-documented result of the transition period, the length of the detraining period has been reported to play a role [3].…”

Efecto del entrenamiento de pretemporada sobre la condición física de futbolistas jóvenes: análisis por demarcaciones

“…La ausencia de diferencias en el resto de variables en M1 puede ser debida al desentrenamiento durante el período de transición 23 . Según algunos estudios, la desadaptación producida durante el período de vacaciones se traduce en un aumento del porcentaje de grasa corporal, la disminución del rendimiento del sprint con y sin cambio de dirección, el descenso en la potencia muscular y la pérdida de la aptitud aeróbica 24 . Para evitar esta situación en los jugadores y conseguir que se mantengan los niveles óptimos de las capacidades de rendimiento se ha recomendado prescribir una dosis mínima de entrenamiento específico en el plano neuromuscular y cardiovascular 23,24 .…”