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Int J Sports Med 2024; 45(02): 134-140
DOI: 10.1055/a-2192-8704
Training & Testing

Relative Match Load in Young Professional Soccer Players during Soccer-7 and Soccer-11

Alberto Rabano-Munoz 
1   Performance Department, Real Betis Balompié, Seville, Spain
,
Luis Suarez-Arrones
2   Faculty of Sport, Pablo de Olavide University, Sevilla, Spain
,
Bernardo Requena
3   Research and Development Department, Football Science Institute, Granada , Spain
,
Jose Asian-Clemente
1   Performance Department, Real Betis Balompié, Seville, Spain
4   Physical Performance & Sport Research, University of Pablo de Olavide of Sevilla, Sevile, Spain
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in internal and external load during Soccer-7 and Soccer-11, comparing positional requirements and neuromuscular fatigue in both modalities. Twenty-four young soccer players were monitored in Soccer-7 and Soccer-11 matches using global positioning systems. Total distance covered (TD), distance covered at high speed (HSR), distance covered at very high speed (VHSR), peak speed, accelerations (Acc) and decelerations (Dec) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded differentiating between central backs (CB), midfielders (MF), external players (EX) and forwards (FW). Neuromuscular fatigue were assessed using a jump test. During Soccer-11, players showed significantly higher TD, HSR and VHSR, with low Acc and greater RPE compared with Soccer-7. During Soccer-11, all positions recorded significantly greater TD, distance at HSR and at VHSR than Soccer-7. In terms of playing position, CB, MF and FW achieved significantly higher Peak Speed during Soccer-1, but there was no difference for EX. During Soccer-7 all positions performed significantly higher numbers of Acc. Although the Soccer-7 modality is considered an optimal format for the development of young soccer players, there is a significant difference in match running activity for all playing positions with respect to the Soccer-11 format.

Key words

time-motion - running - GPS - performance - young players


Publication History

Received: 25 December 2022

Accepted: 10 October 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
16 October 2023

Article published online:
29 November 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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