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The aims of this study were to determine the effect of different compositions in transition games (TGs) on the load of soccer players and to evaluate their performance in physical tests. Using a GPS system, 18 players were monitored during: 3vs2, 2vs1 and 1vs1. Distance covered (DC), DC 18–20.9 km·h-1 , 21–23.9 km·h-1 ,>24 km·h-1 , peak speed, accelerations (Acc) and decelerations (Dec)>1.0 m·s-2 and>2.5 m·s-2 and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Before and after each TG, countermovement-jump (CMJ), 15- (S15) and 30 m (S30) speed tests were assessed. TG3vs2 showed greater DC and Dec>1.0 m·s-2 than TG2vs1 , and DC, DC 18.0–23.9 km·h-1 , Acc>1.0 m·s-2 and Dec>2.5 m·s-2 than TG1vs1 (p <0.01). TG2vs1 achieved higher DC, DC 18.0–23.9 km·h-1 , and Acc>2.5 m·s-2 (p <0.01) but lower peak speed (p =0.02) and RPE (p =0.02) than TG1vs1. Post-intervention, TG1vs1 showed lower CMJ and higher S15 (p =0.02), while TG3vs2 , showed improvements in CMJ (p <0.01). The three tasks showed large variations for DC>24 km·h-1 , Acc>1.0 m·s-2 , Dec>1.0 m·s-2 and Dec>2.5 m·s-2. The load of TGs is sensitive to their player composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to compare the load of three tasks designed to train features of soccer: a transition game, a small-sided game with a change of playing area, and a large-sided game. Twenty young elite players performed these tasks. Variables measured were total distance covered (DC), distance covered at 14.0–17.9 km·h−1 (DC 14.0–17.9 km·h−1), distance covered at 18.0–21 km·h−1 (DC 18–21 km·h−1), distance covered > 21 km·h−1 (DC>21 km·h−1), peak speed, accelerations and decelerations > 1.0 and > 2.5 m·s−2 , player load, and rate of perceived exertion. Transition games produced greater DC 18–21 km·h−1 , DC>21 km·h−1 , peak speed and Acc>2.5 m·s−2 than the other drills (p<0.01) and higher DC 14–17.9 km·h−1 (p<0.01), Dec>1 m·s−2 (p<0.05) and Dec>2.5 m·s−2 (p<0.01) than the large-sided game. Both sided games produced more DC (p<0.01), Acc>1 m·s−2 (p<0.01) and player load (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) than the transition game. During the small-sided game, significantly higher DC 14–17.9 km·h−1 , DC 18–21 km·h−1 and DC>21 km·h−1 were recorded in comparison with the large-sided game (p<0.01). The studied parameters showed lower variation in the transition game. Coaches could use transition games to train high speed running in counter-attack contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have confirmed the efficacy of strength training to maximize soccer player performance during competition. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the effects of different strength training protocols on short-sprint and vertical jump performance of professional soccer players from the first division of their countries. The following inclusion criteria were employed for the analysis: (a) randomized studies; (b) high validity and reliability instruments; (c) studies published in a high-quality peer-reviewed journal; (d) studies involving professional soccer players from the first division; (e) studies with descriptions of strength training programs; and (f) studies where countermovement jump and 10-m sprint time were measured pre and post training. Overall, the different strength-oriented training schemes produced similar performance improvements, which seem not to depend on the training strategy. Strength training appears to have a lower effect when applied during in-season than when applied in pre-season periods in first division soccer players. In this meta-analysis it is not possible to confirm that strength training in isolation is capable of improving the short-sprint and jump performance of elite soccer players. The congested fixture schedule and, thus, the limited time to perform complementary (non-specific) training sessions, may contribute to these reduced effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the match running profile, distance traveled over successive 15 min of match play, heart rates (HRs), and index of performance efficiency (effindex) of professional soccer players with a global positioning system (GPS) and HR in official competition. Methods: Twenty-six professional players were investigated during full matches in competitive club-level matches (N = 223). Time-motion data and HR were collected using GPS and HR technology. Results: The relative total distance was 113 ± 11 m/min, with substantial differences between halves. For all playing positions, a substantial decrease in total distance and distance covered at >13.0 km/h was observed in the second half in comparison with the first. The decrease during the second half in distance covered at >13.0 km/h was substantially higher than in total distance. The average HR recorded was 86.0% maximal HR, and the relationship between external and internal load (effindex) was 1.3, with substantial differences between halves in all playing positions, except strikers for effindex. Wide midfielders reflected substantially the lowest mean HR and highest effindex, whereas center backs showed substantially the lowest effindex of all playing positions. Conclusions: The current study confirmed the decrement in a player's performance toward the end of a match in all playing positions. Wide midfielders displayed the highest and fittest levels of physical and physiological demands, respectively, whereas center backs had the lowest and least-fit levels of physical and physiological demands, respectively. The position-specific relationship between external and internal load confirms that players with more overall running performance during the full match were the best in effindex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the repeated-high-intensity activity and internal training load of rugby sevens players during international matches and to compare the differences between the 1st and 2nd halves. Methods: Twelve international-level male rugby sevens players were monitored during international competitive matches (n = 30 match files) using global positioning system technology and heart-rate monitoring. Results: The relative total distance covered by the players throughout the match was 112.1 ± 8.4 m/ min. As a percentage of total distance, 35.0% (39.2 ± 9.0 m/min) was covered at medium speed and 17.1% (19.2 ± 6.8 m/min) at high speed. A substantial decrease in the distance covered at >14.0 km/h and >18.0 km/h, the number of accelerations of >2.78 m/s and >4.0 m/s, repeated-sprint sequences interspersed with ≤60 s rest, and repeated-acceleration sequences interspersed with ≤30 s or ≤60 s rest was observed in the 2nd half compared with the 1st half. A substantial increase in the mean heart rate (HR), HRmax, percentage of time at >80% HRmax and at >90% HRmax, and Edwards training load was observed in the 2nd half compared with the 1st half. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of a pronounced reduction in high-intensity and repeated-high-intensity activities and increases in internal training load in rugby sevens players during the 2nd half of international matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the effects of a low-volume repeated-power-ability (RPA) training program on repeated-sprint and change-of-direction (COD) ability and functional jumping performance. Methods: Twenty-two male elite young basketball players (age 16.2 ± 1.2 y, height 190.0 ± 10.0 cm, body mass 82.9 ± 10.1 kg) were randomly assigned either to an RPA-training group (n = 11) or a control group (n = 11). RPA training consisted of leg-press exercise, twice a week for 6 wk, of 1 or 2 blocks of 5 sets x 5 repetitions with 20 s of passive recovery between sets and 3 min between blocks with the load that maximized power output. Before and after training, performance was assessed by a repeated-sprint-ability (RSA) test, a repeated-COD-ability test, a hop for distance, and a drop jump followed by tests of a double unilateral hop with the right and left legs. Results: Within-group and between-groups differences showed substantial improvements in slowest (RSAs) and mean time (RSAm) on RSA; best, slowest and mean time on repeated-COD ability; and unilateral right and left hop in the RPA group in comparison with control. While best time on RSA showed no improvement in any group, there was a large relationship (r = .68, 90% CI .43;.84) between the relative decrement in RSAm and RSAs, suggesting better sprint maintenance with RPA training. The relative improvements in best and mean repeated-COD ability were very largely correlated (r = .89, 90% CI .77;.94). Conclusions: Six weeks of low-volume (4-14 min/wk) RPA training improved several physical-fitness tests in basketball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the internal training load (ITL) of common training sessions performed during a typical week and to determine the relationships between different indicators of ITL commonly employed in professional football (soccer). Methods: Session-rating-of-perceived-exertion TL (sRPE-TL) and heart-rate- (HR) derived measurements of ITL as Edwards TL and Stagno training impulses (TRIMPMOD) were used in 9 players during 3 periods of the season. The relationships between them were analyzed in different training sessions during a typical week: skill drills/circuit training + small-sided games (SCT+SSGs), ball-possession games + technical-tactical exercises (BPG+TTE), tactical training (TT), and prematch activation (PMa). Results: HR values obtained during SCT+SSGs and BPG+TTE were substantially greater than those in the other 2 sessions, all the ITL markers and session duration were substantially greater in SCT+SSGs than in any other session, and all ITL measures in BPG+TTE were substantially greater than in TT and PMa sessions. Large relationships were found between HR >80% HRmax and HR >90% HRmax vs sRPE-TL during BPG+TTE and TT sessions (r = .61-.68). Very large relationships were found between Edwards TL and sRPE-TL and between TRIMPMOD and sRPE-TL in sessions with BPG+TTE and TT (r = .73-.87). Correlations between the different HR-based methods were always extremely large (r = .92-.98), and unclear correlations were observed for other relationships between variables. Conclusion: sRPE-TL provided variable-magnitude within-individual correlations with HR-derived measures of training intensity and load during different types of training sessions typically performed during a week in professional soccer. Caution should be applied when using RPE- or HR-derived measures of exercise intensity/load in soccer training interchangeably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to compare the running activity in official matches with that achieved in two small-sided games, designed with the same relative area per player but with different constraints and field dimensions, aiming to stimulate high-speed and very-high-speed running. Seventeen young professional players played one 5 vs. 5+5 with 2 floaters, varying in terms of whether there was a change of playing area (SSGCA) or not change (SSGNC). Running activity was monitored using GPS and the following variables were recorded: total distance covered; high-speed distance (18–21 km·h−1); very high-speed distance (>21 km·h−1); peak speed; accelerations and decelerations between 2–3 m·s−2 and above 3 m·s−2. SSGCA achieved statistically higher total distance, high-speed, peak speed and number of accelerations and decelerations than SSGNC (large to small magnitude). Both drills showed statistically greater high speed, number of accelerations and decelerations than official matches (large to small magnitude). Moreover, SSGCA exhibited statistically more total distance and distance at higher speed than official matches (moderate and small magnitude, respectively). In contrast, official matches showed statistically higher peak speeds than both training tasks and more very high speed than SSGNC (large and moderate magnitude, respectively). Coaches could use SSGCA to promote greater running activity in soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the effect of repeated-sprint training (RST) vs combined RST and resistance training with superimposed vibrations on repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and lower-body power output in male rugby players. Methods: Players were divided into 2 training groups. One group performed RST (n = 10) 2 d/wk and the other performed RST l d/wk and squat resistance training with superimposed vibrations on the second day (RS+ST; n = I0). The squat training was carried out with a volume similar (ie, number of sets and repetitions) to that of the RST. The training period lasted 6 wk, and it was carried out as a supplement to the regular rugby training sessions. Results: Substantial improvements in RSA mean time (RSAmean; +2.3%/ES: 0.77 vs +4.1%/ES: 0.91), RSA percent decrement (%Dec; -25.6%/ES: 1.70 vs -23.2%/ES: 0.99), and squat absolute power output (+5.0%/ES:0.36 vs +17.2%/ES: 0.93) were obtained in RST and RS+ST, respectively. Substantial improvements in RSA best lime (RSAbest; +2.6%/ES: 0.61) and squat power output normalized to body mass (+18.6%/ES: 0.76) only occurred in RS+ST. Both pretest and posttest RSAmean were largely correlated with the RSAbest. However, there were only unclear, small to moderate correlations between individual changes in squat power output and either RSAmean or RSAbest. Conclusion: Combined RST and resistance training induced improvements of greater magnitude in both repeated-sprint performance and muscle power output than the RST alone. The lack of substantial correlations between individual changes in repeated-sprint and muscle-power performance suggests that the same subjects were not systematically low or high responders to both RST and strength training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study describes the physical match demands relative to positional group in male rugby sevens. Methods: Ten highly trained players were investigated during competitive matches (N = 23) using GPS technology, heart rate (HR), and video recording. Results: The relative distance covered by the players throughout the match was 102.3 ± 9.8 m/min. As a percentage of total distance, 35.8% (36.6 ± 5.9 m/min) was covered walking, 26.0% (26.6 ± 5.5 m/min) jogging, 10.0% (10.2 ± 2.4 m/min) running at low intensity, 14.2% (14.5 ± 4.0 m/min) at medium intensity, 4.6% (4.7 ± 1.6 m/min) at high intensity, and 9.5% (9.7 ± 3.7 m/min) sprinting. For the backs, a substantial decrease in total distance and distance covered at low, medium, and high intensity was observed in the second half. Forwards exhibited a substantial decrease in the distance covered at medium intensity, high intensity, and sprinting in the 2nd half. Backs covered substantially more total distance at medium and sprinting speeds than forwards. In addition, the maximum length of sprint runs was substantially greater for the backs than forwards. On the contrary, forwards performed more tackles. The mean HR during the match in backs and forwards was similar, with the exception of time spent at HR intensities >90%HRmax, which was substantially higher in forwards. Conclusion: These findings provide a description of the different physical demands placed on rugby sevens backs and forwards. This information may be helpful in the development of positional and/or individualized physical-fitness training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of accumulated internal training load (ITL) during the preseason (4 weeks) on changes in the intermittent performance, in a professional soccer team. Twelve professionals soccer players (Mean ± SD age: 27.7 ± 4.3 years; height: 177.1 ± 6.2 cm; body mass: 73.1 ± 5.2 kg; % body fat [Faulkner]: 10.2 ± 1.2) belonging to a Spanish second division team (2013-2014) participated in this study. The 30-15 intermittent fitness test was performed before and after the preseason, and the speed for the last period completed by each player was recorded (VIFT). During the preseason, the team alternated practice of training sessions (TRNs) with friendly matches (FMs). Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), heart rate (HR), and HR reserve were analyzed every TRN and FM to calculate ITL (ITL: sRPE-TL, Edward's-TL and Edward's-TLres). The players' VIFT substantially increased after the preseason period (20.1 ± 0.8 vs. 21.1 ± 0.8 km⋅h-1; effect size [ES] = 1.15 ± 0.25; almost certainly). The average value of sRPE throughout FMs was substantially greater than the value of the TRNs (7.4 ± 0.9 vs. 5.25 ± 0.2; ES = 2.31 ± 2.45; almost certainly). sRPE-TL, practice volume, and sum of RPE during the preseason were positively and largely correlated (r = 0.70-0.75) with changes on intermittent performance. No relationships were found between HR-derived measures of exercise load and changes on intermittent fitness. The present results suggest that practice volume and subjective measures of TL, related better than HR-based TL methods to changes on intermittent performance after the preseason, in professional soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyse the raw lifting speed collected during four different resistance training exercises to assess the optimal sampling frequency. Eight physically active participants performed sets of Squat Jumps, Countermovement Jumps, Squats and Bench Presses at a maximal lifting speed. A linear encoder was used to measure the instantaneous speed at a 200 Hz sampling rate. Subsequently, the power spectrum of the signal was computed by evaluating its Discrete Fourier Transform. The sampling frequency needed to reconstruct the signals with an error of less than 0.1% wasf99.9 = 11.615 ± 2.680 Hz for the exercise exhibiting the largest bandwidth, with the absolute highest individual value being 17.467 Hz.There was no difference between sets in any of the exercises. Using the closest integer sampling frequency value (25 Hz) yielded a reconstruction of the signal up to 99.975 ± 0.025% of its total in the worst case. In conclusion, a sampling rate of 25 Hz or above is more than adequate to record raw speed data and compute power during resistance training exercises, even under the most extreme circumstances during explosive exercises. Higher sampling frequencies provide no increase in the recording precision and may instead have adverse effects on the overall data quality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate the effects an 18 week in season heavy-resistance and power training program had on key sports performance measures in elite male water polo players. Researchers evaluated 27 players who were assigned to in water training or resistance and power training. They found that the resistance and strength training program led to improvements in player performance qualities.

The article presents research on the locomotive activities of and exercise intensity in eight female rugby union players during a game, noting that the players' activities such as standing and running as well as the total distance they covered were analyzed using a global positioning system. The study found that the backs position players covered more total distance than players in the forwards position. It also notes the percentage of match time that players were at their maximum heart rate.

The article presents information on running demands and heart rate response in rugby union referees. Topics discussed include ability of the rugby union referee to fulfil physical and physiological demands during competitive matches, men's rugby union refereeing with global positioning system (GPS) technology, and time-motion analysis data of physical activity of rugby players.

The article reports on research which was conducted to examine match running performance and exercise intensity in a Rugby Sevens (7s) team during competitive club-level matches. Researchers performed time-motion analyses on seven players in five matches. They found that players experienced heart rates above their maximal rate during games and that the physical demands of Rugby 7s are quite different from those encountered in other rugby codes.

The article discusses research conducted to investigate the match play demands of professional female rugby players competing in Rugby Sevens matches. Researchers evaluated 12 elite female players. They found that the physical demands of Rugby Sevens are quite different from those reported in other rugby codes. They concluded that for players and teams to remain competitive in female Rugby Sevens, coaching, conditioning, and physical fitness testing needs to reflect those physical demands.