Seasonal Training-Load Quantification in Elite English Premier League Soccer Players

Malone, James J. and Di Michele, Rocco and Morgans, Ryland and Burgess, Darren and Morton, James P. and Drust, Barry (2015) Seasonal Training-Load Quantification in Elite English Premier League Soccer Players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 10 (4). pp. 489-497. ISSN 1555-0265

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information and Comments:	Copyright Human Kinetics 2015. As accepted for publication.
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Human and Digital Sciences > School of Health and Sport Sciences
Depositing User:	James Malone
Date Deposited:	27 Sep 2016 14:02
Last Modified:	28 Jan 2018 16:55
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/1672

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