Purpose: To quantify the seasonal training load completed by professional soccer players of the English Premier League. Methods: Thirty players were sampled (using GPS, heart rate and RPE) during the daily training sessions comprising the 2011-2012 pre-season and in-season period. Pre-season data were analysed across 6 x 1 week microcycles. In-season data were analysed across 6 x 6 week mesocycle blocks and 3 x 1 week microcycles at start, mid and end time points. Data were also analysed with respect to number of days prior to a match. Results: Typical daily training load (i.e. total distance, high speed distance, % HRmax, s-RPE) did not differ during each week of the pre-season phase. However, daily total distance covered was 1304 (95% CI: 434 – 2174) m greater in the first mesocycle compared with the sixth . %HRmax values were also greater (3.3 (1.3 – 5.4) %) in the third mesocycle compared with the first. Furthermore, training load was lower on the day before match (MD-1) compared with two (MD-2) to five (MD-5) days before match, though no difference was apparent between these latter time-points. Conclusions: We provide the first report of seasonal training load in elite soccer players and observed periodization of training load was typically confined to MD-1 (regardless of mesocycle) whereas no differences were apparent during MD-2 to MD-5. Future studies should evaluate whether this loading and periodization is facilitative of optimal training adaptations and match day performance

No abstract

In an attempt to better identify and inform the energy requirements of elite soccer players, we quantified the energy expenditure (EE) of players from the English Premier League (n = 6) via the doubly labeled water method (DLW) over a 7-day in-season period. Energy intake (EI) was also assessed using food diaries, supported by the remote food photographic method and 24 hr recalls. The 7-day period consisted of 5 training days (TD) and 2 match days (MD). Although mean daily EI (3186 ± 367 kcals) was not different from (p > .05) daily EE (3566 ± 585 kcals), EI was greater (p < .05) on MD (3789 ± 532 kcal; 61.1 ± 11.4 kcal.kg -1 LBM) compared with TD (2956 ± 374 kcal; 45.2 ± 9.3 kcal.kg -1 LBM, respectively). Differences in EI were reflective of greater (p < .05) daily CHO intake on MD (6.4 ± 2.2 g.kg -1 ) compared with TD (4.2 ± 1.4 g.kg -1 ). Exogenous CHO intake was also different (p < .01) during training sessions (3.1 ± 4.4 g.h -1 ) versus matches (32.3 ± 21.9 g.h -1 ). In contrast, daily protein (205 ± 30 g.kg -1 , p = .29) and fat intake (101 ± 20 g, p = .16) did not display any evidence of daily periodization as opposed to g.kg -1 , Although players readily achieve current guidelines for daily protein and fat intake, data suggest that CHO intake on the day before and in recovery from match play was not in accordance with guidelines to promote muscle glycogen storage.

No abstract

This study aimed to analyse selected shot characteristics in top-level table tennis matches, with a special focus on comparing the playing style of Asian and European players. Ten men's matches played by 20 top-ranked players (14 Asians and 6 Europeans) were analysed. The indicators examined were the area of ball bouncing for serves (n =918), and the stroke type, footwork type and shot outcome for other shots (n=3692). The interrelationships between variables were analysed using chi-squared tests, log-linear modelling and multiple correspondence analysis. A strong association was found between strokes and footwork types, with most stroke types executed each after specific footwork types. Furthermore, a clear tendency to have a positive, negative or neutral outcome was observed for each stroke type. When compared to Europeans, Asians used more frequently the most aggressive strokes and footwork types, confirming anecdotal claims on their particularly offensive playing style. Asians showed also a better serving effectiveness, often sending the ball in those areas of the table from which a counterattack is difficult to make. In summary, this study gives a systematic description of highly relevant technical and tactical characteristics in top-level table tennis, thus providing valuable information for coaches and performance analysts.