scholarly journals An individual approach to monitoring locomotive training load in English Premier League academy soccer players

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Will Abbott ◽  
Gary Brickley ◽  
Nicholas J Smeeton

To account for the individual intensity of locomotion tasks, individualised speed thresholds have been proposed as an alternative to global speed thresholds. Methodologies to determine individual speed thresholds have typically been laboratory based, time consuming and expensive, rendering them inappropriate for applied practitioners working with large squads. The current investigation utilised easy-to-administer field tests to individualise speed thresholds. The aim was to investigate differences between high-speed locomotion measured using global and individual speed thresholds. Nineteen, male, professional soccer players completed maximum sprint and maximum aerobic speed protocols and were divided into groups dependent upon maximum aerobic speed performance (high, medium and low). Locomotion data were collected using portable Global Positioning System units and analysed using global and individual analysis methods to determine distances travelled performing high-speed running, very high-speed running and sprinting. In low athletes, the individual analysis method produced significantly higher percentages of high-speed running, very high-speed running and sprinting compared to global (mean differences 7.8%, 6.1% and 1.7%, respectively, all p < 0.001). In medium athletes, no significant differences were found between analysis methods for high-speed running and very high-speed running. In high athletes, the individual analysis method produced significantly lower high-speed running and very high-speed running percentages compared to global (mean differences 11.0% and 6.8%, p < 0.001). Results concluded that global thresholds produced high-speed locomotion percentages significantly higher or lower than individual thresholds for 47% of athletes. The current investigation recommends the use of field tests to individualise speed thresholds, allowing applied practitioners to accurately quantify individual athlete intensity.

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (09) ◽  
pp. 576-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Francini ◽  
Ermanno Rampinini ◽  
Andrea Bosio ◽  
Darragh Connolly ◽  
Domenico Carlomagno ◽  
...  

AbstractThe aim of the study was to examine the associations between maximal and submaximal field tests with match physical activity and biological maturation in youth football players. Sixty-eight youth football players (U14, U15, U16, U17) performed maximal and submaximal field endurance tests. Biological maturity was estimated calculating the distance from peak height velocity (Y-PHV). Physical match activities were tracked using GPS units and players’ post-match rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded. Mainly moderate associations were found between field tests and match activities. Large correlations were found between Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1, distance covered at high and very high-speed running, the quantity of very high and maximal metabolic power running. Small to moderate associations between match activities and Y-PHV were observed. The magnitude of correlation between match activities and field tests increased from moderate to large when matches with an RPE>5 were considered. The results provide further evidence of the association between young football players’ aerobic performance and match work rate. Submaximal field tests demonstrate ecological validity and may constitute a practical alternative to performing maximal tests. Maturation was found to have a moderate effect on youth players’ match work rate.


Author(s):  
Joel Barrera ◽  
Hugo Sarmento ◽  
Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽  
Adam Field ◽  
António J. Figueiredo

This study investigated the position-specific physical demands of professional Portuguese players. The effects of situational variables on the physical performance demands were also analysed (match location, match half and match result). Match performance observations were collected using Global Navigation Satellite System devices across 11 matches during a competitive season (2019–2020). Data were analysed according to five playing positions: goalkeepers (n = 11), central defenders (n = 42), wide defenders (n = 31), central midfielders (n = 34), open attackers (n = 28), and centre forwards (n = 14). Central midfield players completed the greatest total distance (10,787 ± 1536 m), while central defenders covered the least distance (9272 ± 455; p < 0.001). Open attackers covered the greatest high and very-high-speed distance (1504 ± 363 m), number of high-speed decelerations per match (11 ± 4) and were the fastest players (30.6 ± 1.5 km/h), along with center forwards (30.6 ± 2.0 km/h), versus all other positions (p < 0.05). Greater distances were performed in teams that were winning (9978 ± 1963 m) or drawing (10,395 ± 875 m) versus losing (9415 ± 2050) p = 0.036 and p = 0.006, respectively. Increases in distance covered at walking speeds were observed during the 2nd half (1574 ± 179 m) compared with the 1st half (1483 ± 176; (p < 0.003). A higher number of decelerations across all speeds were performed in the 1st half (144 ± 39) versus the 2nd half (135 ± 37). The distance covered in home matches (10,206 ± 1926 m) far exceeded away matches (9471 ± 1932 m; p < 0.001). The number of faster accelerations were higher in away (7 ± 5) versus home matches (6 ± 4; p < 0.049). The data demonstrate the different physical demands of each playing position and suggest that situational variables influence physical performance. These findings suggest position-specific physical training is required to condition players for the bespoke demands of each playing position.


Author(s):  
William E Swallow ◽  
Neil Skidmore ◽  
Richard M Page ◽  
James J Malone

The aim of the present study was to firstly, quantify the external training load (TL) of semi-professional soccer players during an annual season and secondly, to examine the influence of one (1MW) and two (2MW) match weekly microcycles. Data were collected from 24 semi-professional outfield soccer players during the 2018-2019 annual season using micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices for the following variables: Training duration (min), total distance (TD), Player Load (PL), high speed running (HSR) distance (5.5-7.0 m/s), and acceleration (ACC) efforts (>2 m/s2). Training sessions were defined as days before match day (i.e. MD minus), with match weeks broken down as either 1MW or 2MW. Data revealed higher TD, PL, and HSR distance on MD and MD-5 when compared to all other MD codes. MD-4 displayed significantly higher values compared to MD-1 (mean differences (M diff): TD: 785 ± 158 m; PL: 29 ± 9 au; HSR: 192 ± 63 m; ACC: 15 ± 3 #) and MD-2 (M diff: TD: 279 ± 137 m; HSR: 127 ± 54 m). During 2MW scenarios, both TD (M diff: 685 ± 328 m) and PL (M diff: 33 ± 14 au) were higher on MD-1 when compared to 1MW. However, lower values were observed for duration and HSR on MD-2 and MD-4 during 2MW compared to 1MW scenarios.These data suggest that there appears to be a progressive reduction in TD, PL, HSR and ACC leading into competitive matches based on MD- analysis. However, some variability exists in TL prescription as a result of different MW scenarios (i.e. 1MW vs. 2MW).


Author(s):  
Zeki Akyildiz ◽  
Mehmet Yildiz ◽  
Filipe Manuel Clemente

This study aimed to investigate the accuracy and reliability of Polar Team Pro GPS units (10 Hz) when used to measure distance and total distance covered in different speed zones. Eight amateur soccer players (age: 21.37 ± 1.40 years, height: 176.75 ± 5 cm, body mass: 176.75 ± 9.47 kg) completed a team sport simulation cycle. Two Polar Team Pro GPS units were positioned on each player’s chest, and one GPSports GPS unit (15 Hz) was positioned between the scapulae. The data obtained from the two Polar Team Pro GPS units were compared to determine inter-unit reliability. The data obtained from one of the Polar Team Pro GPS units and the GPSports GPS unit (reference standard) were compared to determine concurrent accuracy. There was acceptable inter-unit reliability of Polar Team Pro GPS units for total distance (TD), low speed running (LSR) (0.00–13.99 km h−1), high speed running (HSR) (14.00–19.99 km h−1) and very high speed running (VHSR) (>20.0 km h−1) with high ICCs (0.63, 0.99, 0.99 and 0.99, respectively), and low typical error of measurement (%) (TEM%) (4.64, 5.05, 1.06 and 2.89, respectively). Regarding accuracy, the ICCs were extremely high for LSR and HSR (0.99 and 0.92, respectively), but high for TD and VHSR (0.63 and 0.65, respectively). Moreover, TEM (%) values were very low for TD and LSR (0.6 and 1.6, respectively), but they were high for HSR and VHSR (13.8 and 13.1, respectively). Consequently, acceptable inter-unit reliability was observed, indicating that the Polar Team Pro GPS unit is suitable for tracking pertinent team-sport variables. Moreover, the Polar Team Pro GPS units (10 Hz) are accurate under the same conditions. However, the research showed that the two systems cannot be used interchangeably for quantifying distances covered at higher speeds.


Author(s):  
Roberto Modena ◽  
Andrea Togni ◽  
Maurizio Fanchini ◽  
Barbara Pellegrini ◽  
Federico Schena

Abstract Purpose To analyse the influence of goalkeepers during 4-a-side small-sided games, played in pitches of two different sizes (small: 30 × 20 m, large: 40 × 30 m). Methods Total distance covered (TD), distance covered at low- (LSD), moderate- (MSD), high- (HSD) and very high-speed (VHSD), average and maximal speed, Edwards’ training load (Edw-TL), time spent above 90% of maximal heart rate (T90%) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored, in 18 amateur soccer players. Results Higher TD (mean difference: + 181 m, Hedge’s g: 0.93 and + 400 m, 3.37), MSD (+ 85 m, 0.79 and + 146 m, 1.64), HSD (+ 101 m, 1.41 and + 179 m, 3.26), VHSD (+ 30 m, 1.89 and + 35 m, 1.26), average speed (+ 0.65 km h−1, 0.88 and + 1.47 km h−1, 3.31) and maximal speed (+ 3.60 km h−1, 1.40 and + 3.58 km h−1, 1.40) were found in large than small pitch, without and with goalkeepers, respectively. Goalkeeper’s presence increased Edw-TL (+ 8.4 AU, 0.70) and reduced TD (− 141 m, 0.75), HSD (− 54 m, 0.75) and average speed (− 0.54 km h−1, 0.76) in small pitch and maximal speed (1.59 km h−1, 0.60 and 1.61 km h−1, 0.66) in both small and large pitches, respectively. RPE was higher (+ 20, 1.52) in the large than small pitch when the goalkeepers were present. Conclusion Implementing small-sided games, coaches should be aware that lower external load with similar internal load could be provided using small pitch with goalkeeper rather than either small goals or larger pitch. Furthermore, large small-sided games without goalkeeper may be the best choice for eliciting high training load.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 786-790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Ross ◽  
Nicholas D. Gill ◽  
John B. Cronin

Purpose: To compare the running demands and match activity profiles of international and provincial rugby sevens players. Participants: 84 rugby sevens players, consisting of 16 international players from 1 team and 68 provincial players from 8 teams. Methods: Global positioning system analysis was completed during international and provincial tournament matches. Video analysis was also used to quantify the individual match activities during tournament matches. Results: Trivial to moderate differences were found in the running demands of international and provincial players, with internationals covering a greater distance at very high speed (ES = 0.30) and performing a greater number of sprints (ES = 0.80). Small differences were found between the 2 levels in all but total tackles (ES = 0.07) and defensive ruck effectiveness (ES = 0.64). International matches incurred a greater overall ball-in-play time than provincial matches (proportion ratio = 1.32). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that both physical and technical factors distinguish international and provincial rugby sevens, although overall match demands are similar.


Author(s):  
Daniel A. Evans ◽  
Daniel T. Jackson ◽  
Adam L. Kelly ◽  
Craig A. Williams ◽  
Alexander B. T. McAuley ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Countermovement jump (CMJ) and perceived wellness measures are useful for monitoring fatigue. Fatigue indicators should simultaneously show sensitivity to previous load and demonstrate influence on subsequent physical output; however, this has not been examined. This study examined the efficacy of CMJ and wellness measures to both detect post-match fatigue and predict subsequent physical match output in elite youth soccer. Methods: Sixteen soccer players (18 ± 1 years) participated in 36 English Football League Youth Alliance League fixtures. Physical match outputs (total distance, high-speed running, very high-speed running, and accelerations and decelerations) were recorded using a 10 Hz global positioning system and 200 Hz accelerometer device during competitive match play. CMJ height and perceived wellness were assessed weekly and daily, respectively, as indirect indicators of fatigue. Four sub-units of wellness (perceived soreness, energy, general stress, and sleep) were measured using customised psychometric questionnaires. Results: Simple linear regression showed that match accelerations and decelerations (AD) were predictive of energy (R2 = 0.08, P = 0.001), stress (R2 = 0.09, P &lt; 0.001), and total wellness (R2 = 0.06, P = 0.002) 2 days post-match. CMJ (R2 = 0.05, P = 0.002), stress (R2 = 0.08, P &lt; 0.001), sleep (R2 = 0.03, P = 0.034), and total wellness (R2 = 0.05, P = 0.006) 5 days pre-match (MD-5) were predictive of AD during the subsequent match. Conclusion: CMJ and wellness may be useful in detecting post-match fatigue. Wellness scores, but not CMJ, on MD-5 influence subsequent match output and therefore may be used to plan and periodise training for the upcoming microcycle.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 677-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Gualtieri ◽  
Ermanno Rampinini ◽  
Roberto Sassi ◽  
Marco Beato

AbstractThis study assessed the internal and external workload of starters and non-starters in a professional top-level soccer team during a congested fixture period. Twenty Serie A soccer players were monitored in this study during two mesocycles of 21 days each. Starters and non-starters were divided based on the match time played in each mesocycle. The following metrics were recorded: exposure time, total distance, relative total distance, high-speed running distance over 20 km·h−1, very high-speed running distance over 25 km·h−1, individual very high-speed distance over 80% of maximum peak speed, and rating of perceived exertion. Differences between starters and non-starters were found for: exposure time (effect size=large to very large), rating of perceived exertion (large to very large), total distance (large to very large), and individual very high-speed distance over 80% of maximum peak speed (moderate to large). Furthermore, differences for relative total distance, high-speed running distance over 20 km·h−1 and very high-speed running distance over 25 km·h−1 were small to moderate, but not significant. This study reports that during congested fixture periods, starters had higher exposure time, rating of perceived exertion, total distance, and individual very high-speed distance over 80% of maximum peak speed than non-starters.


Author(s):  
R. L. Tutwiler ◽  
J. P. Stitt ◽  
K. K. Shung ◽  
Q. Wu ◽  
T. A. Ritter ◽  
...  

The purpose of this system is to have the capability to characterize the performance of very high frequency transducers and arrays. The analog front end is computer controlled by a set of de-multiplexers and multiplexers. The output of the multiplexer network is connected to a TGC array, which is interfaced to a high-speed data acquisition system. A software GUI (Graphical User Interface) has been designed to accomplish this task [1]. A programmable digital I/O interface allows collection of RF channel data and has the capability to be interfaced to a very high frequency analog beam-former under construction. The system front-end electronics (pulsers, receivers, T/R switches, multiplexers, and demultiplexers) have been characterized [2, 3]. The digital I/O signal interface has been integrated and tested. The hardware front end has been integrated to the array interface distribution panel. The individual transducer elements impulse responses have been evaluated and the performance of the array has been tested with a wire test phantom to characterize lateral and axial resolution.


Author(s):  
Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽  
Alireza Rabbani ◽  
Daniele Conte ◽  
Daniel Castillo ◽  
José Afonso ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to describe the training/match ratios of different external load measures during a full professional soccer season while analyzing the variations between different types of weeks (three, four and five training sessions/week) and (ii) to investigate the relationship between weekly accumulated training loads and the match demands of the same week. Twenty-seven professional soccer players (24.9 ± 3.5 years old) were monitored daily using a 10-Hz global positioning system with a 100-Hz accelerometer. Total distance (TD), running distance (RD), high-speed running (HSR), sprinting distance (SD), player load (PL), number of high accelerations (ACC), and number of high decelerations (DEC) were recorded during training sessions and matches. An individual training/match ratio (TMr) was calculated for each external load measure. Weeks with five training sessions (5dW) presented meaningfully greater TMr than weeks with four (4dW) or three (3dW) training sessions. Additionally, TDratio (TDr) was significantly greater in 5dW than in 3dW (mean differences dif: 1.23 arbitray units A.U.) and 4dW (dif: 0.80 A.U.); HSRr was significantly greater in 5dW than in 3dW (dif: 0.90 A.U.) and 4dW (dif: 0.68 A.U.); and SDr was significantly greater in 5dW than in 3dW (dif: 0.77 A.U.) and 4dW (dif: 0.90 A.U.). Correlations between the weekly training loads and the match demands of the same week were small for PL (r = 0.250 [0.13;0.36]), ACC (r = 0.292 [0.17;0.40]) and DEC (r = 0.236 [0.11;0.35]). This study reveals that ratios of above 1 were observed for specific measures (e.g., HSR, SD). It was also observed that training sessions are not adjusted according to weekly variations in match demands.


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