University-level Soccer Players Adopt a Unique ‘Pacing Strategy'

Half-Time and High-Speed Running in the Second Half of Soccer

“…

We thank Drs Lovell and Weston for their correspondence [4], and the Editor for the opportunity to respond to their letter. There appear to be a couple of substantive issues arising from their letter and several minor comments.

…”

“…Lovell and Weston also question the "validity" of using the first portion of a football match (be it of 5 or 15 minutes duration) as an appropriate comparison period given its "intense and frenetic nature" ( [4], second paragraph). Their use of the word validity implies there is some accepted 'gold standard' or criterion approach; this is factually misleading.…”