Distribution of External Load During Acquisition Training Sessions and Match Play of a Professional Soccer Team

Castillo, D, Raya-Gonzalez, J, Weston, M, and Yanci, J. Distribution of external load during acquisition training sessions and match play of a professional soccer team. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3453-3458, 2021-The aim of this study was to use global position systems to analyze the external loads of the 3 different acquisition training sessions (ATS) with competitive matches in professional soccer players over a 6-week period. Sixteen professional soccer players participated in the study, which analyzed the distribution of external load during the training microcycle of a professional soccer team. The 3 types of ATS undertaken by the players were as follows: ATS1 (strength), ATS2 (endurance), and ATS3 (speed). The total distance covered, the distance covered at above 14 km center dot h(-1), the distance covered >21 km center dot h(-1), the number of high accelerations (>3 m center dot s(-2)), and player load were recorded. The results showed that external loads were consistently higher during matches when compared with all training sessions (range of effect sizes: 1.06-3.38). Between training session comparisons revealed higher external loads during ATS1 and ATS2, when compared with ATS3 (range of effect sizes: 0.60-2.41). The only external load variable that differed between ATS1 and ATS2 was the distance covered >21 km center dot h(-1), which was higher for ATS1. Our findings suggest that technical staff should consider the physical demands of weekly periodization to understand the training process regarding optimizing player physical performance.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the distribution of external load during training and matches of a professional soccer team, finding that external loads were consistently higher during matches compared to training sessions, with strength and endurance training sessions resulting in higher external loads than speed training sessions. Technical staff should consider the physical demands of weekly periodization to optimize player physical performance.