yy Speed, Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) and Agility
yy Small Sided Games
Throughout recent years the interest and application durations (Fanchini et al., (2011), the physiological of more specific training methods attempting to responses of players can be modified. Favourable reproduce the technical and physical demands of physiological responses brought about by this competitive match play has become more evident method of training are suggested to fit perfectly (Owen et al., 2011; Owen et al., 2012; Dellal et al., within elite level football as a conditioning stimulus 2010; Koklu et al., 2012). One such method gaining capable of improving the Aerobic Endurance Capacity popularity is the use of various sided training games - see key terms page (Jones and Drust, 2007; Owen with the aim of applying specific overloads to induce et al., 2011; Coutts et al., 2009; Rampinini et al., 2007; specific outcomes. Mallo et al., 2008).
Validation for small sided games comes from Setting aside its usefulness for training aerobic their ability to develop the technical, tactical and fitness and technical/tactical development (Hill-Haas physical abilities of a player at the same time, which et al., 2011), it seems, when compared to actual in turn helps to enhance training efficiency (Dellal match play, small sided games may be unable to et al., 2012). Many recent studies have shown that simulate repeated high speed and sprint demands by manipulating variables such as technical and (Casamichana et al., 2012; Gabbett and Mulvey, tactical constraints (Abrantes et al., 2012), pitch sizes 2008). These findings are reinforced by the reported (Casamichana and Castellano, 2010; Kelly and Drust, ‘Ceiling Effect’ associated with a failure to achieve 2009), player numbers (Hill-Haas et al., 2009) and bout high exercise intensities (Buchheit et al., 2009).
However, this notion has been disputed by a number In turn, the lack of research examining medium (6 of authors working at the elite level (Owen et al., 2012; v 6, 7 v 7, 8 v 8) and larger sided (9 v 9, 10 v 10, 11 v Dellal et al., 2011). As identified within the literature, 11) games might be because these games are used high-intensity and repeated sprint demands are more for technical and tactical purposes rather than more commonly associated with match play when physiological and physical development. However, not introducing larger sided games formats (Hill-Hass et accounting for physical and physiological parameters al., 2009). This may be a result of large sided games during these medium and larger sided games may (LSGs) being played on increased pitch sizes combined mean that we miss important elements of training and with the fact that players in these game formats have the potential benefits their inclusion may have. less involvement with the ball. This also results in increases of sustained high speed/high intensity runs occurring when working ‘off the ball’ in order to lose opponents or create a scoring opportunity.
KEY POINT: It is the authors belief that almost all the technical/tactical drills have a potential physical training effect. The technical and physical development staff should work together to optimise the fitness development within game related training.
The need to generate more football specific training methods and maximise their involvement within a periodized training structure is of paramount importance within the elite level of the game.
Figure 1. An Efficiency Model for the Analysis of Football Training (from Reilly, 2005).
DEMANDS OF THE GAME
Fitness of Players
Selection Selection
Omit After Tractical Role Scientific Position Specific
Multi-Year Preparation quite well structured and start at low intensity to
progressively increase the training load. Based on When discussing a periodized structure in sport, it players having a short off-period in between seasons, should be highlighted that this theory is generally part the preparation (e.g. pre-season) phase should also be of a multi-year preparation where hierarchical levels significantly shortened. Although there is no science are set within the system. As shown in Table 1 on the addressing this particular point, the players can next page the top or global system is known as the resume training after 2 to 3 days of training ‘build-up’ multi-year preparation, where the aim of attempting to ensure an increased training load of high intensity to achieve peak performance over a longer term (2-4 training. It is the opinion of the author, that monitoring year cycles) is of paramount importance (e.g. the training load with adequate tools (RPE, Wellness, Olympics, European Championships, the World Cup). HR and GPS analysis) may guide the technical and physical coaching staff to adopt the right training load Macro-Cycles for each individual player. The next level of the process is known as macro-cycles The Competitive Phase that are split into months and according to previous research, include preparatory, competition and The competitive phase can be several competitions transition periods (Harre, 1973), generally lasting 1 or the start of the competitive season in team sport year, but can be shortened to half a year and even less settings. When certain competitions or fixtures in some circumstances. There are 3 suggested phases are of a higher priority or greater difficulty, then a in the macro-cycle: tapering off stage may be adopted in order to ensure 1) Preparation, 2) Competitive and 3) Transition. a better physical condition when compared to other competitions or games in the same phase. The Preparation Phase The Transition Phase The preparation phase should last approximately 2/3 to 3/4 of the macro-cycle that is broken into 2 parts of The last phase is known as the transition phase and equal duration: is suggested to be important for both physical and psychological reasons. This phase involves a break yy General Preparation from training and allows the body and mind to recover The process of developing an aerobic base for fully before the next phase or training cycle. football or endurance related sports. Meso-Cycles and Micro-Cycles yy Specific Preparation The process of working on sport specific elements According to Issurin (2010), the next and shortest in order to increase efficiency of training. period for planning training cycles is mostly used for active recovery and rehabilitation in the training In some leagues, some teams participate within programme and are known as meso-cycles (weeks) continental competitions. As a result of these and micro-cycles (days). A meso-cycle represents increased fixtures, sometimes players are exposed to a phase of training over a period of between 2 extremely short off-season periods. Ideally, football to 6 weeks but this can depend on the sporting players should take around 3 weeks of rest in between discipline. During the preparatory phase, a meso-cycle seasons. In that case, the ‘preparation phase’ can be commonly consists of 4 to 6 micro-cycles, while during
the competitive phase it will usually consist of 2 to 4 the key is to ensure peak performance is maintained micro-cycles depending on the competitive demands. throughout the season as one game across the season The long term target is to link the meso-cycles into the is no more important than another from a league overall plan's time line to ensure each meso-cycle ends campaign. A general plan is possible, but precise on one of the phases, as well as ensuring the body training load scheduling has practically no sense on peaks for the high priority competitions by improving a yearly basis as decreases in physical outputs and each cycle along the way. performance should not be planned for. The key is to maintain and improve performance markers across the The smaller meso-cycle and micro-cycle facets are the season irrespective of the opposition. It can therefore key foundations of the entire training system. There be suggested that the technical, medical and physical are few scientific references surrounding the use of development staff may be more concerned with periodization in professional football. This may be due monitoring and following individual and team trends to the practical difficulties encountered when trying to (e.g. match/training physical, technical loads and implement a long-term periodization strategy within outputs) on the basis of micro-cycles or maximally, a results based industry. Indeed, the training has to one meso-cycle. be continuously re-assessed on the fitness evolution of the players, however within professional football
Table 1. Stages of a Periodized Training Structure – Advanced Planning (Adapted from Issurin, 2010).
TRAINING STAGE DURATION TRAINING CONTENT
Yearly/multi-year systematic plan
Multi-Year Preparation Years developed over 2 or 4 year cycles
Large training cycle includes preparation,
Macro-Cycle Months competition and transition periods
Medium size training cycle consisting
Meso-Cycle Weeks of a number of micro-cycles
Small training cycle consisting of a
Micro-Cycle Days number of days; frequently 1 week
A single training session performed
Training Session Minutes/Hours individually or within a group
The evaluation of training programmes in football is Testing players’ key physical variables before the vital in order to establish the strengths, weaknesses start and towards the end of pre-season is a process and subsequent effectiveness of methods used. The which will allow coaches of all interests to expose pre-season phase of football training gives technical weaknesses and subsequently attempt to improve and physical coaches the opportunity to implement them through specific training. a periodized structure with the primary aim of increasing physical, technical and tactical aspects of Throughout the pre-season preparation period, the the players under a controlled process. training focus is placed upon ensuring the key sport specific muscle groups and energy systems are being From the pre-season phase onwards, the opportunity stimulated in order to cause positive adaptations, to continually improve elements of match-play is leading to improvements in aerobic endurance, performed under a slightly less controlled process, due strength, speed and power (Dellal, 2008). Pre-season to the continual demands placed upon the coaching itself generally follows a process of developing general staff and players during domestic, European and fitness, then specific fitness, before moving into the international fixtures, combined with the additional pre-competition preparation phase (Figure 11 below). travelling and logistical issues surrounding these.
KEY POINT: Throughout pre-season, the training focus is placed upon ensuring the key sport specific muscle groups and energy systems are being stimulated in order to cause positive adaptations, leading to improvements in aerobic endurance, strength, speed and power.
Figure 11. Development of Training Load (Volume and Intensity) Throughout the Pre-Season Phase
