Internal and External Training Load in Under-19 versus Professional Soccer Players during the In-Season Period

This study aimed to compare the training load of a professional under-19 soccer team (U-19) to that of an elite adult team (EAT), from the same club, during the in-season period. Thirty-nine healthy soccer players were involved (EAT [n = 20]; U-19 [n = 19]) in the study which spanned four weeks. Training load (TL) was monitored as external TL, using a global positioning system (GPS), and internal TL, using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE). TL data were recorded after each training session. During soccer matches, players’ RPEs were recorded. The internal TL was quantified daily by means of the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) using Borg’s 0–10 scale. For GPS data, the selected running speed intensities (over 0.5 s time intervals) were 12–15.9 km/h; 16–19.9 km/h; 20–24.9 km/h; >25 km/h (sprint). Distances covered between 16 and 19.9 km/h, > 20 km/h and >25 km/h were significantly higher in U-19 compared to EAT over the course of the study (p =0.023, d = 0.243, small; p = 0.016, d = 0.298, small; and p = 0.001, d = 0.564, small, respectively). EAT players performed significantly fewer sprints per week compared to U-19 players (p = 0.002, d = 0.526, small). RPE was significantly higher in U-19 compared to EAT (p =0.001, d = 0.188, trivial). The external and internal measures of TL were significantly higher in the U-19 group compared to the EAT soccer players. In conclusion, the results obtained show that the training load is greater in U19 compared to EAT.

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A Comparison of Methods to Quantify the In-Season Training Load of Professional Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.8.2.195 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 195-202 ◽

Cited By ~ 100

Author(s):

Brendan R. Scott ◽

Robert G. Lockie ◽

Timothy J. Knight ◽

Andrew C. Clark ◽

Xanne A.K. Janse de Jonge

Keyword(s):

High Speed ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Training Load ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Accelerometer Data ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Significant Relationships ◽

Global Positioning ◽

Individual Training

Purpose:To compare various measures of training load (TL) derived from physiological (heart rate [HR]), perceptual (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), and physical (global positioning system [GPS] and accelerometer) data during in-season field-based training for professional soccer.Methods:Fifteen professional male soccer players (age 24.9 ± 5.4 y, body mass 77.6 ± 7.5 kg, height 181.1 ± 6.9 cm) were assessed in-season across 97 individual training sessions. Measures of external TL (total distance [TD], the volume of low-speed activity [LSA; <14.4 km/h], high-speed running [HSR; >14.4 km/h], very high-speed running [VHSR; >19.8 km/h], and player load), HR and session-RPE (sRPE) scores were recorded. Internal TL scores (HR-based and sRPE-based) were calculated, and their relationships with measures of external TL were quantified using Pearson product–moment correlations.Results:Physical measures of TD, LSA volume, and player load provided large, significant (r = .71−.84; P < .01) correlations with the HR-based and sRPE-based methods. Volume of HSR and VHSR provided moderate to large, significant (r = .40−.67; P < .01) correlations with measures of internal TL.Conclusions:While the volume of HSR and VHSR provided significant relationships with internal TL, physical-performance measures of TD, LSA volume, and player load appear to be more acceptable indicators of external TL, due to the greater magnitude of their correlations with measures of internal TL.

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Coaches’ and Players’ Perceptions of Training Dose: Not a Perfect Match

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2013-0009 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 497-502 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Michel S. Brink ◽

Wouter G.P. Frencken ◽

Geir Jordet ◽

Koen A.P.M. Lemmink

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Perfect Match ◽

Training Session ◽

Training Load ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Training Dose ◽

Percentage Body Fat ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

And Training

Purpose:The aim of the current study was to investigate and compare coaches’ and players’ perceptions of training dose for a full competitive season.Methods:Session rating of perceived exertion (RPE), duration, and training load (session RPE × duration) of 33 professional soccer players (height 178.2 ± 6.6 cm, weight 70.5 ± 6.4 kg, percentage body fat 12.2 ± 1.6) from an under-19 and under-17 (U17) squad were compared with the planned periodization of their professional coaches. Before training, coaches filled in the session rating of intended exertion (RIE) and duration (min) for each player. Players rated session RPE and training duration after each training session.Results:Players perceived their intensity and training load (2446 sessions in total) as significantly harder than what was intended by their coaches (P < .0001). The correlations between coaches’ and players’ intensity (r = .24), duration (r = .49), and load (r = .41) were weak (P < .0001). Furthermore, for coach-intended easy and intermediate training days, players reported higher intensity and training load (P < .0001). For hard days as intended by the coach, players reported lower intensity, duration, and training load (P < .0001). Finally, first-year players from the U17 squad perceived training sessions as harder than second-year players (P < .0001).Conclusion:The results indicate that young elite soccer players perceive training as harder than what was intended by the coach. These differences could lead to maladaptation to training. Monitoring of the planned and perceived training load of coaches and players may optimize performance and prevent players from overtraining.

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In-season internal and external training load quantification of an elite European soccer team

10.1101/489187 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Rafael Soares Oliveira ◽

João Paulo Brito ◽

Alexandre Martins ◽

Bruno Mendes ◽

Francisco Calvete ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Speed ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Training Load ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Soccer Teams ◽

External Training ◽

Daily Training ◽

Player Positions ◽

Level Of Effort

Elite soccer teams that participate in European competitions often have a difficult schedule, involving weeks in which they play up to three matches, which leads to acute and transient subjective, biochemical, metabolic and physical disturbances in players over the subsequent hours and days. Inadequate time recovery between matches can expose players to the risk of training and competing whilst not fully recovered. Controlling the level of effort and fatigue of players to reach higher performances during the matches is therefore critical. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to provide the first report of seasonal internal and external training load (TL) that included Hooper Index (HI) scores in elite soccer players during an in-season period. Sixteen elite soccer players were sampled, using global position system, session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and HI scores during the daily training sessions throughout the 2015-2016 in-season period. Data were analysed across ten mesocycles (M: 1 to 10) and collected according to the number of days prior to a match. Total daily distance covered was higher at the start (M1 and M3) compared to the final mesocycle (M10) of the season. M1 (5589m) reached a greater distance than M5 (4473m) (ES = 9.33 [12.70, 5.95]) and M10 (4545m) (ES = 9.84 [13.39, 6.29]). M3 (5691m) reached a greater distance than M5 (ES = 9.07 [12.36, 5.78]), M7 (ES = 6.13 [8.48, 3.79]) and M10 (ES = 9.37 [12.76, 5.98]). High-speed running distance was greater in M1 (227m), than M5 (92m) (ES = 27.95 [37.68, 18.22]) and M10 (138m) (ES = 8.46 [11.55, 5.37]). Interestingly, the s-RPE response was higher in M1 (331au) in comparison to the last mesocycle (M10, 239au). HI showed minor variations across mesocycles and in days prior to the match. Every day prior to a match, all internal and external TL variables expressed significant lower values to other days prior to a match (p<0.01). In general, there were no differences between player positions. Conclusions: Our results reveal that despite the existence of some significant differences between mesocycles, there were minor changes across the in-season period for the internal and external TL variables used. Furthermore, it was observed that MD-1 presented a reduction of external TL (regardless of mesocycle) while internal TL variables did not have the same record during in-season match-day-minus.

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Relative Training Load and Match Outcome: Are Professional Soccer Players Actually Undertrained during the In-Season?

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports9100139 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 139

Author(s):

Toni Modric ◽

Mario Jelicic ◽

Damir Sekulic

Keyword(s):

Global Positioning System ◽

High Intensity ◽

Training Session ◽

Training Load ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Positioning System ◽

Distance Ratio ◽

Low Intensity ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Global Positioning

Previous studies examined training/match ratios (TMr) to determine the training load relative to the match load, but the influence of the relative training load (RTL) on success in soccer is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible influence of RTL on final match outcome in soccer (win, draw, and loss). Running performances (RP) of soccer players (n = 21) in the Croatian highest national soccer competition were analyzed during the season 2020–2021. Data were measured by the global positioning system in 14 official matches and 67 training sessions. RTL was assessed by TMr, which were calculated as the ratio of RP during training and match in the same week, evaluating the following measures: TDr (total distance ratio), LIDr (low-intensity distance ratio), RDr (running distance ratio), HIDr (high-intensity distance ratio), ACCr (total accelerations ratio), DECr (total decelerations ratio), HI-ACCr (high-intensity accelerations ratio), HI-DECr (high-intensity decelerations ratio). All TMr were examined separately for each training session within in-season microcycles (categorized as days before the match day, i.e., MD minus). Spearman correlations were used to identify association between match outcome and TMr. The results indicated negative associations between match outcome and TDr, LIDr, ACCr and DECr on MD-1 and MD-2). In contrast, positive associations were evidenced between match outcome, and HIDr on MD-3 and TDr, LIDr, ACCr and DECr on MD-5 (p < 0.05; all moderate correlations). These findings demonstrate that final match outcome in soccer was associated with greater RTL of (i) high-intensity running three days before the match, (ii) total and low-intensity running, accelerations and decelerations five days before the match, and (iii) lower RTL of total and low-intensity running, accelerations and decelerations one and two days before the match.

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25 Years of Session Rating of Perceived Exertion: Historical Perspective and Development

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2020-0599 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Carl Foster ◽

Daniel Boullosa ◽

Michael McGuigan ◽

Andrea Fusco ◽

Cristina Cortis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Training Session ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Training Load ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Exercise Session ◽

Training Outcomes ◽

External Training ◽

Training Impulse

The session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method was developed 25 years ago as a modification of the Borg concept of rating of perceived exertion (RPE), designed to estimate the intensity of an entire training session. It appears to be well accepted as a marker of the internal training load. Early studies demonstrated that sRPE correlated well with objective measures of internal training load, such as the percentage of heart rate reserve and blood lactate concentration. It has been shown to be useful in a wide variety of exercise activities ranging from aerobic to resistance to games. It has also been shown to be useful in populations ranging from patients to elite athletes. The sRPE is a reasonable measure of the average RPE acquired across an exercise session. Originally designed to be acquired ∼30 minutes after a training bout to prevent the terminal elements of an exercise session from unduly influencing the rating, sRPE has been shown to be temporally robust across periods ranging from 1 minute to 14 days following an exercise session. Within the training impulse concept, sRPE, or other indices derived from sRPE, has been shown to be able to account for both positive and negative training outcomes and has contributed to our understanding of how training is periodized to optimize training outcomes and to understand maladaptations such as overtraining syndrome. The sRPE as a method of monitoring training has the advantage of extreme simplicity. While it is not ideal for the precise recording of the details of the external training load, it has large advantages relative to evaluating the internal training load.

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Effects of Match-Related Contextual Factors on Weekly Load Responses in Professional Brazilian Soccer Players

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17145163 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (14) ◽

pp. 5163

Author(s):

Luiz Guilherme Cruz Gonçalves ◽

Carlos Augusto Kalva-Filho ◽

Fábio Yuzo Nakamura ◽

Vincenzo Rago ◽

José Afonso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Contextual Factors ◽

Training Session ◽

Training Load ◽

Mechanical Work ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Load Distributions ◽

Weekly Training ◽

External Loads

This study aimed to quantify the weekly training load distributions according to match location, opponent standard, and match outcome in professional soccer players. Rate-of-perceived-exertion-based training load (sRPE) and distance- and accelerometry-based measures were monitored daily during 52 training sessions and 11 matches performed by 23 players. Athletes who played ≥ 60 min during non-congested weeks were considered for data analysis. The training days close to away matches (e.g., one day before the match = MD-1) presented greater sRPE, distance-based volume measures, and mechanical work (player load) compared to the training days close to home matches (p = 0.001–0.002; effect size (ES) = medium−large). The most distant days of the home matches (e.g., five days before the match = MD-5) presented higher internal and external loads than before away matches (p = 0.002–0.003, ES = medium). Higher sRPE, distance-based volume measures, and mechanical work were found during the middle of the week (e.g., three days before the match, MD-3) before playing against bottom vs. medium-ranking teams (p = 0.001–0.01, ES = small−medium). These metrics were lower in MD-5 before matches against bottom vs. medium-ranking opponents (p = 0.001, ES = medium). Higher values of all external load measures were observed during the training session before winning matches (MD-1) compared to a draw or loss (p < 0.001–0.001, ES = medium−large). In conclusion, the training load distribution throughout the week varied considerably according to match-contextual factors.

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Monitoring perceived respiratory and muscular exertions and physical fitness in young professional soccer players during a 32-week period

Kinesiology ◽

10.26582/k.49.2.12 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 153-160 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Asier Los Arcos ◽

Javier Yanci

Keyword(s):

Aerobic Fitness ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Body Height ◽

Training Session ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Training Load ◽

Practice Volume ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Young Professional ◽

Professional Soccer

The aim of this study was to examine the association of perceived respiratory and muscular exertions and associated training load (TL) for monitoring changes in several aerobic fitness and neuromuscular performance parameters during 32 weeks of soccer training in young professional players. Twenty male soccer players (age=20.6±1.8 years, body height=1.80±.06 m, body mass=73.6±6.7 kg) belonging to the same reserve team of a Spanish La Liga Club participated in this study. Countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ with arm swing, linear sprint running (over 5 m and 15 m) and an aerobic fitness running test were performed at the start of the pre-season (Test 1) and 32 weeks later (Test 2). During these eight months, after each training session and match, players rated their perceived exertion (sRPE) separately for respiratory (sRPEres) and leg musculature (sRPEmus) effort. Training load was calculated by multiplying the sRPE value by the duration of each training session or match. Accumulated training and match volume (i.e., time) and associated respiratory and muscular training loads were negatively correlated with the changes in aerobic fitness performance after 32 weeks of training (r=-.53/-.62). In addition, accumulated perceived respiratory load was negatively correlated with the changes in 15 m sprint performance (r=-.51/-.53). A high practice volume (time) and associated respiratory and leg muscular TL can impair the long-term improvement of aerobic fitness and sprint performance in professional soccer players.

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Will Next Match Location Influence External and Internal Training Load of a Top-Class Elite Professional European Soccer Team?

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105229 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5229

Author(s):

Rafael Oliveira ◽

João Paulo Brito ◽

Nuno Loureiro ◽

Vítor Padinha ◽

Hadi Nobari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Speed ◽

Muscle Soreness ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Training Load ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Average Speed ◽

Total Distance ◽

Soccer Team ◽

Match Location

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare training load (TL) preceding a home versus away match in a top-class elite European team during the 2015–2016 season. Methods: Twenty elite outfield soccer players with a mean ± SD age, height and body mass of 25.9 ± 4.6 years, 183.1 ± 6.6 cm and 78.6 ± 6.6 kg, respectively, participated in this study. Total distance covered, high-speed running distance (HSRD), average speed (AvS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) multiplied by training duration (s-RPE) and Hooper index (HI) were collected. Data from 24 weeks were analyzed through match-day minus/plus approach (MD-5, -4, -3, -2, -1, MD + 1). Results: All external TL variables indicated a decrease from MD-5 until MD-1 and then an increase to MD + 1 (p < 0.01). HI decreased from MD-5 to MD-1, but s-RPE increased until MD-3 and then decreased until MD + 1. When comparing TL data that preceded home matches versus away matches, for MD-5, HSRD and muscle soreness exhibited higher values when away match neared (p < 0.05). For MD-4 and MD-3, total distance, HSRD and AvS exhibited higher values closer to an away match than a home match (p < 0.05). For MD-1, total distances covered were higher closer to a home match than an away match (p < 0.01). For MD + 1, all HI items and AvS were higher when an away match was played (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study confirms and provides evidence regarding the influence on internal and external TL data preceding home and away matches from a team that played in European competitions.

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Internal training load and fitness profile between adult team versus junior team soccer players

Kinesiology ◽

10.26582/k.53.1.8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 53 (1) ◽

pp. 71-77

Author(s):

Alireza Rabbani ◽

Del P. Wong ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Mehdi Kargarfard

Keyword(s):

Confidence Intervals ◽

High Intensity ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Training Load ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Competitive Season ◽

And Training

The aim of the present study was to compare the fitness profiles and internal training loads between senior team and academy team soccer players during an in-season phase. Twenty-two professional soccer players from the senior team (n=12; 28.3<img width="12" alt="" height="20"> 2.0 years) and under 19 (U19) team (n=10; 18.0<img width="12" alt="" height="20"> 0.4 years) of the same club participated in the present study. High-intensity running performance, acceleration, maximal sprint, and change of direction (COD) ability were all tested during the mid-season break of a competitive season. Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) reflecting the internal training load during the entire first half of the season was being documented daily. Senior players showed small to moderate superiority in COD (1.8%, 90% confidence intervals [CI, -3.2; 7.1], ES: 0.24 [-0.44; 0.92]), maximal sprint (2.3%, [0.0; 4.7], ES: 0.81 [0.00; 1.63]) and acceleration (3%, [0.2; 5.8], ES: 0.96 [0.06; 1.85]). The U19 showed small better high-intensity intermittent running fitness (2.5%, [-1.2; 6.3], ES: 0.39 [-0.20; 0.97]). When analyzing internal training loads (from M-3 to M+3), the U19 showed small to very large higher sRPE values for all days (range; 8.2%; 229.3%, [-8.1; 328.3], ES range; 0.25; 2.70, [-0.26; 3.3]), except for match days (M), on which unclear trivial difference was observed (-1.5%, [-9.6; 7.5], ES -0.09 [-0.65; 0.46]). Our results showed that senior players and youth players had different fitness profiles and internal training loads during the first half of a competitive season; this should be taken into consideration when designing specific and individualized recovery and training sessions.

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Comparación de la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo entre partidos amistosos y diferentes tipos de sesión en futbolistas profesionales (Comparison of perceived exertion in friendly matches and different types of training sessions in professional soccer p

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v0i34.55248 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 66-70

Author(s):

Miguel Ángel Campos Váquez ◽

Francisco Javier Toscano Belanda

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Training Session ◽

Training Load ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Internal Load ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Different Types

El objetivo de la investigación fue comparar la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo (RPE) y la carga derivada de ella (RPE-TL) durante partidos amistosos (PA) con una participación de 45 minutos por jugador (PA.45) o superior a 65 minutos (PA+65), y diferentes tipos de sesión de entrenamiento: condición física (CF), táctica (TAC) y activación pre-partido (ACTV), en jugadores profesionales de fútbol. 12 futbolistas pertenecientes al mismo equipo (1ª división española) participaron en este estudio. La RPE fue registrada tras cada sesión de entrenamiento y PA, cuantificándose posteriormente la carga interna derivada de ella (RPE-TL). Los resultados reflejaron que los PA+65, tuvieron una RPE substancialmente mayor que los PA.45 (7.8 vs 6.8). Además, todos los tipos de sesión reflejaron una RPE y RPE-TL substancialmente inferior a los PA+65. Tan solo las sesiones de CF alcanzaron valores de RPE y RPE-TL superiores a los reflejados en los PA.45 (7.1 vs. 6.8 y 597 vs. 509 unidades arbitrarias respectivamente). Estos resultados nos muestran que las demandas perceptuales de la competición no fueron replicadas en los diferentes tipos de sesiones de entrenamiento analizadas. Por tanto, podría ser necesario aumentar el volumen y/o la exigencia de algunas sesiones de entrenamiento, para someter a los jugadores a una exigencia similar a la de la competición. Abstract. The aim of the study was to compare perception of exertion (RPE) and RPE-derived internal training load between friendly matches (FM) played during 45 minutes (FM.45) or more than 65 minutes (FM+65), and different types of training sessions: fitness (FIT), tactical (TAC) and pre-match activation (ACTV) in professional soccer players. 12 soccer players from the same team (1st Spanish Division) participated in this study. RPE was registered after every training session and FM. Afterward, RPE-derived internal load was calculated (RPE-TL). Results showed that FM+65 obtained a substantially higher RPE than FM.45 (7.8 vs 6.8). Besides, all types of training sessions reflected a substantially lower RPE and RPE-TL than FM+65. Only FIT sessions reached RPE and RPE-TL values higher than those reflected in FM.45 (7.1 vs. 6.8 and 597 vs. 509 arbitrary units respectively). These results show that perceptual demands of competition were not replicated in the different types of training sessions analysed. It may be necessary to increase the volume and/or the exertion of certain training sessions to bring players closer to the demands of competition.

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