Quantifying sprint demands in soccer training : insights from individualised analysis of soccer-specific exercises and small-sided games : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sport and Exercise Science at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Abstract

Training approaches that combine technical, tactical and physical objectives are now commonplace in elite soccer. Determining how teams are able to meet physical training objectives using soccer-specific exercises and small-sided games (SSG) is a key research topic. Sprinting is a fundamental component of physical preparation for elite soccer players, however, the current body of research concerning sprinting during soccer-specific exercises is limited. This is firstly due to the scarcity of studies directly analysing running demands of a sufficient intensity, and secondly due to the use of generic movement analysis variables that do not account for individual differences in maximal sprint speed (MSS). This thesis aimed firstly to describe the individualised sprint demands of typical soccer training and competition, and secondly, to determine which soccer-specific exercises or prescriptive variables are able to elicit sprint demands in line with recommendations for the enhancement of sprint ability and reduction of injury risk. The four studies presented in this thesis combine observational data with global positioning system (GPS) movement analysis, collected in situ from both elite amateur and professional academy players. The cross-sectional data presented in Chapter 4 demonstrate that SSG do not typically elicit maximal (>95% MSS) sprint efforts, while peak running speeds reaching 85-95% of MSS can be achieved when the relative playing area is increased in proportion to competition. Chapter 5, using a diverse sample of SSG data, further demonstrates that relative playing area may be the central factor in determining the peak sprinting speed achieved, while other prescriptive variables such as game objective (goals vs. possession), duration, and limited touch rules also have significant effects. Chapter 6 establishes that non-continuous soccer-specific exercises, such as unopposed and finishing exercises generally elicit a low level of sprint demands, however multi-phase, counter-attacking exercises where player positioning can be tightly constrained were a significant outlier and warrant further investigation. Chapter 7 presents data showing that competitive matches elicit individualised sprint demands greater than those reported in training. The inclusion of isolated sprinting in the physical preparation of elite soccer players is therefore strongly recommended, even when implementing an otherwise fully integrated training approach.