Game Profile–Based Training in Soccer: A New Field Approach

Abstract

Dello Iacono, A, Martone, D, Cular, D, Milic, M, and Padulo, J. Game profile-based training in soccer: a new field approach. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3333-3342, 2017-The aim of the study was to profile and compare the time-motion, physiological, and neuromuscular responses of both National Youth League (NYL) and UEFA Youth League (UYL) matches with those of an experimental game profile-based training (GPBT) protocol. Time-motion traits and physiological, perceptual, and neuromuscular responses were investigated in 24 male soccer players across 14 matches and 6 GPBT training sessions, for a total of 420 samples. The GPBT had a greater influence on time-motion traits and perceptual responses than the NYL and UYL matches (all p < 0.001). No significant GPBT vs. match differences were found for mean heart rate or blood lactate (F = 1.228, p = 0.304, and F = 0.978, p = 0.385, respectively). Finally, the GPBT protocol led to greater impairment of the neuromuscular explosive performances when compared with those of the postmatch scores (squat jump: F = 19.991, p < 0.001; countermovement jump: F = 61.703, p < 0.001). Results identified the GPBT protocol as characterized by relatively greater high-intensity workloads than official NYL and UYL matches, requiring increased demanding efforts. In light of these outcomes, the GPBT protocol can be considered an advantageous training method for elite soccer players, capable of stimulating the physical effort and physiological capabilities required during a match. This approach is favorable when designing a training intervention according to the principle of sport specificity, as it is based on the specific metabolic demands.

Training load responses to football game profile-based training (GPBT) formats: effects of locomotive demands manipulation

“…The sample size was estimated using a priori power analysis in the G∗Power software (Heinrich-Heine-Universitat Dusseldorf, Germany). A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) design with an α = 0.05, β = 0.8 and large effect sizes (all ES ≥ 0.8) observed in previous studies comparing the external load outputs between GPBT and either game-based methods or official matches [ 5 , 10 ], required sample size of twenty-one participants. Twenty-one male outfield football players took part in the study (age: 18.7 ± 0.6 years, stature: 178.4 ± 1.3 cm, body mass: 74.2 ± 2.8 kg, maximal heart rate [HR max ]: 202 ± 1.7 beats·min -1 and of body fat [%]: 9.3 ± 1%, maximal aerobic velocity [MAV]: 16.5 ± 1.5 km·h -1 ).…”

“…A valid conditioning method has been recently proposed by Dello Iacono et al [ 5 ] to address some of these multidimensional needs – Game-profile based training (GPBT) – that combines technical and physical football-related activities performed at target intensities along fixed paths accurately marked on-field, intending to induce specific training loads and physiological responses [ 6 ] that mimic locomotor match-play demands. The use of GPBT as an integrative conditioning method in football has many benefits.…”

“…First, similarly to other game-based training methodologies (e.g., small-sided games) [ 7 , 8 ], GPBT may be advantageous to simultaneously practice technical skills under given physical constraints [ 6 , 8 , 9 ]. Second, GPBT can induce comparable internal load responses and greater external load outputs than official matches [ 5 ]. Third, implementing GPBT during the last months of a competitive football season contributes to improving physical capabilities associated with football performance such as jumping, linear sprinting, repeated sprint ability, change of direction, and intermittent running in young football player [ 6 , 10 ].…”

Reliability and validity of field‐based fitness tests in youth soccer players

“…The intermittent nature of youth soccer match-play requires many changes in running speed and modality. Whilst these changes are suggested to be less prevalent and less influential in youth soccer than within senior competition, prevalence of accelerations and decelerations exist within youth soccer match-play (Iacono et al, 2017;Vigh-Larsen et al, 2018 Moreover, Murtagh et al (2018) suggest that short sprint distances (10/20m) can discriminate between elite vs. control youth soccer players, when adjusting for maturity status. In contrast, Carling et al (2009) report few differences between relatively older and younger U14 players.…”

“…Consequently, tests that allow for analysis and interpretation of power characteristics relevant to these movements and actions are commonly implemented within soccer clubs. Countermovement vertical jump (CMJ), in particular, is one of the most featured tests used within testing and monitoring practices of soccer clubs, likely due to its prevalence during a game (Iacono et al, 2017;Paul & Nassis, 2015b;Stølen et al, 2005). Furthermore, the ability to quickly and easily assess this capacity with a low-cost to fatigue, makes regular testing easier to sanction within busy training schedules comparative to other assessments (McMaster et al, 2014).…”