Distribution of external load during acquisition training sessions and match-play of a professional soccer team: Match and training weekly external load

The aim of this study was to use global position systems (GPS) to analyze the external loads of the three different acquisition training sessions (ATS) with competitive matches in professional soccer players over a six-week period. Sixteen professional soccer players participated in the study, which analyzed the distribution of external load during the training microcycle of a professional soccer team. The three types of ATS undertaken by the players were: ATS1 (strength), ATS2 (endurance), ATS3 (speed). The total distance covered, the distance covered at above 14 km·h-1, the distance covered > 21 km·h-1, the number of high accelerations (>3 m·s-2) and player load were recorded. The results showed that external loads were consistently higher during matches when compared to all training sessions (range of effect sizes: 1.06 to 3.38). Between training session comparisons revealed higher external loads during ATS1 and ATS2, when compared to ATS3 (range of effect sizes: 0.60 to 2.41). The only external load variable that differed between ATS1 and ATS2 was the distance covered > 21 km·h-1, which was higher for ATS1. Our findings suggest that technical staff should consider the physical demands of weekly periodization in order to understand the training process with regard to optimizing player physical performance.