Analysis of the Competitive Weekly Microcycle in Elite Soccer: Comparison of Workload Behavior in Absolute and Relative Terms

Abstract

Analysis of the competitive weekly-microcycle in elite soccer: comparison of workload behavior in absolute and relative terms. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): [343][344][345][346][347][348][349][350] 2023-This study aimed to analyze the locomotion activity of elite-level soccer players throughout the weekly microcycle by playing position, and compare the training-load (TL) behavior in relation to match-play in absolute and relative (meters or events per minute) terms. Training and match data were collected from 30 professional soccer players belonging to a Spanish First Division team during the 2015/2016 season using global positioning technology (152 training sessions and 38 matches). Overall, the results showed a decrease of TL metrics when competition approached (p , 0.05). However, a progressive decrease was not found for all metrics. Two-way analysis of variance test revealed that workload was affected by the interaction between microcycle-day and season period showing medium or large effect size (h 2 p . 0.15) for all positions and metrics. Considering the TL in relation to the match-load, opposite load behavior was found in absolute and relative terms by position; whereas, central-defenders, external-defenders, and forwards covered 21, 25 and 26% more absolute medium-speed running distance (MSRD), respectively; central-defenders covered 14% (8.6-13.4 m•min 21 ), external-defenders 10% (7.5-13.9 m•min 2 1 ), and forwards 7% (8.4-15.7 m•min 21 ) more relative-MSRD 4 days before match than match-day. The accelerations-metric also showed higher relative values 4, 3, and 2 days before the match. Because the objective of the training is to prepare players to withstand the competition demands, analyzing the position-specific TL concerning to match demands represents an advantageous strategy for training periodization. In addition, this study highlights the importance of taking into account the time spent of developing the different efforts to properly define the position-specific physical demands.

Interpreting match performance in elite futsal: considerations for normalizing variables using effective time

“…The main aim was to analyze the differences in absolute and relative individual tactical actions, internal and external load variables between players with high- (HIGH) and low-involvement (LOW) (i.e., higher or lower effective playing time, session rate of perceived exertion [sRPE], and player load [PL]) during match play. It was hypothesized that HIGH players would present higher absolute values on physical and tactical-technical actions when compared to their LOW counterparts because of the higher time spent in the court, but non-significant or opposite from the absolute values differences would be found between groups considering playing time (i.e., relative values) as it has been found in other studies ( 7 , 9 ).…”

“…Relative training and match load may help practitioners to individualize training loads and ensure that players are trained and competed accordingly, considering the relative time that futsal players are on the court. Some studies ( 7 , 9 ) demonstrated inconsistencies between absolute and relative terms in sports. For example, Douchet et al ( 7 ) evaluated absolute and relative training load, (i.e., relative load calculated by dividing absolute training load by mean values from the competitive matches) and compared across playing positions during a full in-season in an elite soccer academy, found that training load for central defenders was underestimated using absolute training loads for moderate and high-speed distances, however, relative training loads highlighted wide midfielder as an underloaded position.…”

“…The issue about absolute and relative data is great of interest in sport science nowadays (7)(8)(9)(10). Relative training and match load may help practitioners to individualize training loads and ensure that players are trained and competed accordingly, considering the relative time that futsal players are on the court.…”