Intensity of training sessions and of official soccer matches

Abstract

The intensity of individual workout sessions is one of the most determinant components of the training load. However, only a few studies have investigated the intensity of the effort (IE) of training sessions frequently used by soccer and conditioning coaches. The purpose of this study was to compare the IE of two different training sessions, training game (TG) and modified game (MG), with the IE of official soccer matches. The heart rate (HR) of eight U-17 players, from first division Brazilian Soccer club, was measured and registered during two training sessions (TG and MG) and during 6 matches of an official competition. The IE during the matches of the official competition (166 ± 3 bpm and 84 ± 1.3 %HRmax) was higher than TG (150 ± 3 bpm and 75 ± 1.8 %HRmax). However, no difference was found between the IE of official soccer matches and MG (157 ± 5 bpm and 79 ± 2.6 %HRmax). Considering that the IE of the MG was similar to that found in official games, it may be considered as being a specific training stimulus for developing the aerobic capacity of soccer players.