engleski

Does training load influence running performance during soccer matches? Training approach recommendations

Purpose: Training load and game load during soccer matches are often investigated separately, while the relationship between the external training load and running performances considering soccer playing positions has not been sufficiently explored. The objective of this study was to examine the position-specific associations between external training load (ETL) and match running performance (MRP) in professional-level male soccer. Methods: The MRP and ETL were obtained from the Global Positioning System over the 12 matches of the highest-level Croatian soccer competition. The players (23.57±2.84 years, 181.9±5.17 cm, 78.36±4.18 kg) were observed as central defenders (n=18), fullbacks (n=20), midfielders (n=26), wingers (n=4), and forwards (n=9). Variables included the total distance covered (TD) ; the distance covered by walking, jogging, running, high-speed running (HSR), sprinting (SPR) and high intensity running (HIR) ; and the number of accelerations, high-intensity accelerations (HIAs), decelerations, and high- intensity decelerations (HIDs). Differences among the playing positions in terms of running performance were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to identify the associations in the running parameters between training sessions and games. Results: HRS, SPR, HIR ; HIAs and HIDs could be used to differentiate the players by playing positions through weekly training sessions (F- test: 3.37, 6.83, 4.76, 8.65 and 7.29 respectively ; all p < 0.05). The FBs’ HIR and HID in trainings were significantly (p = 0.05 and 0.01, respectively) correlated (r = 0.44 and 0.58, respectively) with corresponding MRP. The CDs match distance covered in the zone of running was found to be correlated with the corresponding training variables (r = 0.54, p < 0.02). The CMs’ TD, HIR, distance covered during running, HIA and HID in matches were found to be significantly correlated (r = 0.44, 0.72, 0.56, 0.62 and 0.66, respectively) with the corresponding performance in the training sessions. Conclusion: Structure-specific training is highly recommended for some playing positions. The information obtained can be used to improve soccer training programs.

Football, GPS analysis, External training load, Running performances, Relationship, Playing positions

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