Training intensity distribution of young elite soccer players

Author(s)

Thiago Oliveira Borges ^[1] ; Alexandre Moreira ^[2] ; Carlos Rogério Thiengo ^[3] ; Rafael Gustavo Silva Duarte Medrado ^[4] ; Adriano Titton ^[5] ; Marcelo Rodrigues Lima ^[6] ; Alexandre Nunes Marins ^[7] ; Marcelo Saldanha Aoki ^[8]

Affiliation

^[1] University of São Paulo. School of Arts, Science and Humanities - Brasil

^[2] University of São Paulo. School of Physical Education and Sport - Brasil

^[3] São Paulo Football Club. Athlete Development Center President Laudo Natel - Brasil

^[4] São Paulo Football Club. Athlete Development Center President Laudo Natel - Brasil

^[5] São Paulo Football Club. Athlete Development Center President Laudo Natel - Brasil

^[6] São Paulo Football Club. Athlete Development Center President Laudo Natel - Brasil

^[7] University of São Paulo. School of Arts, Science and Humanities - Brasil

^[8] University of São Paulo. School of Arts, Science and Humanities - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Rev. bras. cineantropom. desempenho hum.; v. 21, 2019-05-30.

Abstract

Abstract The current study described the training load and intensity distribution of 30 elite Under 20 soccer players (17.9 ± 0.6 years, 180.3 ± 5.7 cm, 73.7 ± 8.8kg) from a 3-time FIFA Club World Cup champion. Session-rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE), internal training load (ITL) and monotony were recorded across 40 training sessions. Mixed-effects modeling was used for data analysis. The athletes performed 33.0 ± 6.9 out of 40 planned training sessions. Most common reasons for absence from training included sickness or minor injuries. Overall, these training sessions summed 2928.7 ± 627.6 minutes. Athletes performed significantly more training sessions at low and moderate intensity zones than at high-intensity zone (p <0.0001). The current data indicate that elite young soccer players perform their training sessions predominantly at the low-intensity zone. Training monitoring is an important aspect of the sport training process evolution. In fact, previous evidence has already shown that an appropriate intensity distribution prevents maladaptation from sports training and may optimize athletic performance. Therefore, coaches should implement strategies to monitor training loads during pre-season and competitive periods. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/20309-3 - Effect of biological maturation on sport talent identification process
• Grantee: Marcelo Saldanha Aoki
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants