Journal of Sports Sciences, 2015

Vol. 33, No. 12, 1229–1237, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2015.1022575

Typical weekly workload of under 15, under 17, and under 19 elite
Portuguese football players

DIOGO COUTINHO, BRUNO GONÇALVES, BRUNO FIGUEIRA, EDUARDO ABADE,

RUI MARCELINO & JAIME SAMPAIO

CreativeLab, Research Center in Sports, Health Sciences and Human Development, University of Trás-os-montes e Alto Douro,
Vila Real, Portugal

(Accepted 19 February 2015)

Abstract
This study aims to describe the time–motion and physiological performance profiles of footballers whose ages are under 15
(U15), under 17 (U17), and under 19 (U19) during a typical week of a competitive season. A total of 151 elite Portuguese
players U15 (age 14.0 ± 0.2; n = 56), U17 (age 15.8 ± 0.4; n = 66), and U19 (age 17.8 ± 0.6; n = 19) were monitored
during 33 training sessions (TSs) (U15 n = 12; U17 n = 11; and U19 n = 10 TSs). The TS data were captured at 15 Hz by
global positioning systems devices and divided into post-match (session after the match), prematch (session before the
match), and middle week (average of remaining sessions). The U15 middle week showed a higher number of sprints,
distance covered in intermediate speed zones, and time spent above 90% HRmax, while the prematch presented a higher
distance covered above 18 km · h−1 and time spent below 75% HRmax. In U17, both prematch and post-match data
presented lower values than middle-week data in most of the variables. The post-match data in U19 presented higher values
of distance covered above 13 km · h−1, body impacts above 10 G, and time spent above 85% HRmax, while middle week
showed higher values in body impacts in most of the zones. In addition, the prematch data presented 35% to 100% less
values than the middle-week data. Understanding the weekly workload variations according to the competition and the
developmental ages of the players can contribute to optimising short- and mid-term planning.

Keywords: development ages, external load, internal load, training microcycle, periodisation

Introduction jumping and tackling in football) (Bangsbo, Mohr, &

Elite football imposes important demands on players Krustrup, 2006). The available literature is lacking in
and requires optimal adaptations during training ses- descriptions of the triaxial intermittent movements (i.e.
sions (TSs) (Foster et al., 2001). In this sense, monitor- body impacts) performed by footballers that help us
ing the training process is critical in establishing specific understand the physical demands made on the body
guidelines for competition and enhancing players’ per- during training and competition (Abade et al., 2014).
formances. The recent development of global position- As a result, adequate descriptions of players’ responses
ing systems (GPS) has improved the understanding of to the intensity and number of impact forces they
the physical and physiological demands of football by encounter during training or game situations are una-
accurately measuring distance covered, speed, accelera- vailable (Aslan et al., 2012; Gonçalves, Figueira, Maçãs,
tion, and body impact (Cummins, Orr, O’Connor, & & Sampaio, 2014).
West, 2013; Dwyer & Gabbett, 2012). In fact, total Other variables have been used aiming to measure
distances covered and sprint characterisations are parti- the internal training load in football, such as heart
cularly important variables in describing players’ exter- rate (HR) (Hill-Haas, Dawson, Coutts, & Rowsell,
nal workloads (Abade, Gonçalves, Leite, & Sampaio, 2009) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)
2014; Casamichana & Castellano, 2010; Hill-Haas, (Impellizzeri, Rampinini, Coutts, Sassi, & Marcora,
Coutts, Dawson, & Rowsell, 2010). This is comple- 2004). Also, it is known that youth TSs may induce
mented by measurements of acceleration/deceleration, average HR values ranging from 81% to 84% of
changes in direction, and impacts from both player-to- maximum HR in under 14, under 16, and under
player collisions and contact with the ground (such as 18 age groups (Wrigley, Drust, Stratton, Scott, &

Correspondence: D. Coutinho, Creative Lab, Research Center in Sports, Health Sciences and Human Development, University of Trás-os-Montes e
Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. E-mail: [email protected]

© 2015 Taylor & Francis

1230 D. Coutinho et al.

Gregson, 2012). Similar values were found in youth especially in the last TS before a match. This evi-
competition (approximately 85% of maximum HR) dence has been supported by the available literature
(Aslan et al., 2012), suggesting that the TSs induced that has identified the prematch TS as the session
appropriate physical and physiological responses. with a lighter training load, especially in under 18
The athletic performance improvement is an adapta- and adult players (Impellizzeri et al., 2004; Jeong,
tive process that requires the manipulation of the Reilly, Morton, Bae, & Drust, 2011; Wrigley et al.,
training load imposed on the players (Manzi et al., 2012). Fatigue-related mechanisms can be highly
2010). However, little information is available about detrimental to athletic performances (Knicker,
the effects of varying the TSs load during short-term Renshaw, Oldham, & Cairns, 2011); thus, any
periods. Nevertheless, it seems that varying short- method that accelerates the players’ recovery would
term training loads according to the different devel- enhance their performance. In fact, describing the
opmental ages benefits players’ physical perfor- load–recovery interactions during the training micro-
mances (Delattre, Garcin, Mille-Hamard, & Billat, cycles is key to optimising short- and mid-term plan-
2006; Seiler & Kjerland, 2006). ning guidelines, aiming to minimise the effects of
Elite players, in particular, require a higher varia- fatigue and potentiate players’ performance
tion in intensity and volume from the training micro- (Issurin, 2010). In this sense, this study aims to
cycle (Wathen, Baechle, & Earle, 2000). In fact, describe the variations of time–motion and physiolo-
periodised training enables the achievement of an gical profiles during a 1-week microcycle in the
optimal adaptive potential based on the principles under 15 (U15), under 17 (U17), and under 19
of multilateral development and variety (Whyte, (U19) age groups.
2006). Therefore, monitoring TSs and understand-
ing optimal weekly variations seem to be keys to
Methods
understanding the demands of each particular sport
(Gamble, 2010; Gastin et al., 2010). Participants
The TSs can be described and understood accord-
The sample included 151 elite young male Portuguese
ing to their weekly distribution along the competi-
football players U15, U17, and U19 age groups (see
tion, building a depiction from the post-match,
Table I). These players belong to five different elite
middle week, and prematch solicitations. youth teams competing in the Portuguese champion-
Previously, Wrigley et al. (2012) used the RPE to ships (2011/2012 season). The goalkeepers partici-
measure the training load of young football players pated in the TSs but were excluded from all data
(under 14, under 16, and under 18) and showed that
analysis. An informed consent was provided by the
post-match TSs presented higher values of RPE. coaches, players, and their parents, as well as by the
Interestingly, the authors reported that players club, before the beginning of the study. All partici-
under 14 and under 18 presented higher values of pants were notified that they could withdraw from the
RPE during this session than in match situations. study at any time. The study protocol followed the
The monitoring and manipulation of training work- guidelines stated in the Declaration of Helsinki and
loads are important aspects to consider not only after was approved by the Local Ethics Committee.
competition but also within the middle-week ses-
sions. For instance, Wrigley et al. (2012) showed
that the middle-week schedule is characterised by Design
an increased training load in the first days of the The data were collected in 33 TSs from one micro-
microcycle and lighter loads in the days before the cycle (U15 n = 12; U17 n = 11; and U19 n = 10)
game. This trend was clearer in under 18 players and during the competitive season over a 9-week period
less clear in under 14 and under 16 players. (December to February, 2011/2012). All U15 teams
Apparently, the lower training times in the youngest had four TSs per week; the U17 teams also had four
groups were balanced by a higher training stimulus. TSs per week with the exception of one team that
Nevertheless, as the focus moves towards the com- performed three times per week; and, finally, the
petition rather than the player development, there is
a progressive decrement of the individual responses Table I. Description of players’ subsamples.
to training as the competition day approaches
U15 (n = 56) U17 (n = 66) U19 (n = 19)
(Impellizzeri et al., 2004), probably as a result
of a precompetitive unloading phase (Bosquet, Age (years) 14.0 ± 0.2 15.8 ± 0.4 17.8 ± 0.6
Montpetit, Arvisais, & Mujika, 2007). It seems Height (m) 1.71 ± 0.07 1.76 ± 0.06 1.77 ± 0.07
acceptable that training should induce significant Weight (kg) 60.1 ± 6.3 65.8 ± 5.5 70.0 ± 5.6
BMI (a.u.) 20.4 ± 1.2 21.2 ± 1.4 22.4 ± 1.0
and specific adaptations to improve players’ capaci-
Experience (years) 5.4 ± 1.2 6.8 ± 1.7 9.0 ± 1.7
ties. However, it cannot be ignored that workloads Training sessions (n) 12 11 10
should be cautiously planned to avoid fatigue,
 Weekly workload of elite youth football players 1231

U19 teams had five TSs per week. The weekly on the upper back of each participant. The distance
microcycle was divided into post-match, defined as covered was measured at six different speed zones
the first TS in the microcycle; the middle week, (Aguiar, Botelho, Gonçalves, & Sampaio, 2013):
which included the mean values of the TSs between zone 1 (0–6.9 km · h−1), zone 2 (7.0–9.9 km · h−1),
the first and the last TS of the week; and the pre- zone 3 (10.0–12.9 km · h−1), zone 4 (13.0–15.9 km ·
match, which comprised the data from the last TS of h−1), zone 5 (16.0–17.9 km · h−1), and zone 6
the week. To limit the effects of circadian variations (sprinting: ≥18.0 km · h−1); and per minute (Hill-
on the measured variables, all the TSs were per- Haas, Rowsell, Coutts, & Dawson, 2008). The ana-
formed under the same environmental conditions lysed TSs had different durations; therefore, all the
(relative humidity 52–66%) and circumstances data were normalised to 60 min of training time.
(from 16.00 h to 21.00 h in natural turf pitches). Activity performed above 18 km · h−1 was measured
Both U15 and U17 teams trained on a 60 × 40 m as the number of sprints, the average time interval
outdoor pitch (~90 min), while the U19 teams between each sprint, and the average distance cov-
trained in an official dimension outdoor pitch ered in each sprint.
(~90 min). None of the participants participated in
other physical activity beyond school physical educa-
Heart rate
tion classes. The average number of players per
training unit was 23 ± 4. The HR data were recorded via short-range radio
telemetry (Polar Team Sports System, Polar Electro
Oy, Finland) and integrated in the GPS units. The
Procedures
HR results were grouped into four different zones of
All TSs started with a standard warm up, with a % HRmax (Gore, 2000): zone 1 (≤75% HRmax), zone
preliminary articular and muscular mobilisation con- 2 (75–84.9% HRmax), zone 3 (85–89.9% HRmax),
sisting of low-intensity running, followed by ball and zone 4 (≥90% HRmax). To measure the players’
possession and stretching exercises. The clubs did HRmax, the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 2 test
not authorise a full description of the TSs; however, was performed (Montgomery, Pyne, & Minahan,
they did allow a brief description of the training 2010).
goals. The U15 TSs were focused on the develop-
ment of sport-specific skills using mainly analytical
Body impact
drills and small-sided games (SSGs). In this devel-
opmental stage, they performed drills such as 3 × 3 The body impact data were collected from the GPS
game situations performed with multiple targets and units coupled with a 100 Hz triaxial accelerometer.
1 × 1 situations aimed at developing individual tech- Each impact was coded into six zones of G force
niques and decision-making. All of these drills repre- (McLellan, Lovell, & Gass, 2011): zone 1 (5.0–
sented interpersonal interaction at a microscopic 6.0 g), zone 2 (6.1–6.5 g), zone 3 (6.5–7.0 g), zone
level of organisation. The U17 TSs were based on 4 (7.1–8.0 g), zone 5 (8.1–10.0 g), and zone 6
SSG situations that required more power and speed. (≥10.1 g); and also per minute. All procedures for
This purpose was accomplished using SSGs with GPS and HR devices were conducted according to
fewer players (3 × 3 and 4 × 4 situations) and the the manufacturer’s guidelines.
presence of floater players. In addition to the physi-
cal benefits, these tasks reinforced the tactical prin-
Statistical analysis
ciples learned in the previous stage. Finally, the U19
TSs focused mainly on competition, and, therefore, The data were presented as means (M) ± standard
they participated in game-like situations with high deviations (s). A repeated measures analysis of var-
tactical demands. For instance, there were tasks iance (ANOVA) was performed for each age
designed to develop team tactical organisation and group to identify differences in time–motion, HR,
interactions among players’ positions (e.g. between and body impact zones according to the different
midfielders and forwards). These tasks usually weeks’ training moments. Pairwise differences and
included players’ superiority/inferiority situations post hoc comparisons were assessed with the
(Gr + 5 × 8; Gr + 5 × 8; Gr + 6 × 8 + Gr) to foster Bonferroni post hoc test. Effect size (ES) was pre-
the emergence of the targeted behaviours. sented as η2 and interpreted using the follow criteria:
significant but weak (η2 ≤ 0.04), moderate (0.04 <
η2 ≤ 0.36), and strong (η2 > 0.36) (Tabachnick &
Distance covered
Fidell, 2007). The sprint variables were compared
Data were collected using 15 Hz GPS units (SPI- across conditions (post-match, middle week, and
Pro, GPSports, Canberra, Australia) placed into prematch) using non-parametric Friedman
appropriate elastic harnesses that placed the device ANOVA. If required, the Wilcoxon test was used
1232 D. Coutinho et al.

for post hoc comparisons. In addition, the ESs were (z = −2.9, P < .0.1, large). In addition, both relative
calculated and interpreted based on the following distances covered and body impacts showed significant
criteria: <0.20 = trivial, 0.20–0.59 = small, 0.60– differences across all TSs (see Table II). Finally, the
1.19 = moderate, 1.20–2.0 = large, and U19 post-match presented higher values in all sprint
>2.0 = very large (Hopkins, 2002). All data sets variables compared to prematch (z = −3.8, P < .001,
were tested for each statistical technique and corre- very large; z = −2.7, P < .01, large; z = −2.8, P < .01,
sponding assumptions and performed using SPSS large) and middle week (z = −3.1, P < .01; and
Software (version 18.0, Chicago, Illinois, USA). z = −3.0, P < .01). In addition, significant effects
Statistical significance was set at 5%. were found between prematch and middle week
(z = −3.8, P < .01; and z = −2.3, P < .05).
Moreover, prematch presented lower values in relative
Results distance covered and body impacts (see Table II).
Table II presents the values of sprint characteristics, Figure 1 presents the variation of distance covered
distance covered, and the impact in post-match, at considered speed zones, number of impacts, and
middle week, and prematch across the age groups. time spent in each HR zone in the post-match, mid-
The U15 middle-week TS presented lower values dle week, and prematch for U15. There was a sig-
(~20%) in both average distances covered and time nificant effect in zone and moment interaction
intervals per sprint than the post-match (z = −3.3, (F = 19.55, P < .01, moderate; see Figure 1i). The
P < .01, large; and z = −3.2, P < .01, very large, prematch presented lower values in distance covered
respectively) and prematch (z = −3.6, P < .001, at considered speed zones than did the middle week,
moderate; and z = −3.8, P < .001, moderate, respec- with an exception above 18 km · h−1 (~40% more).
tively). The U17 prematch showed higher values in The time spent at the considered HR zones pre-
both time intervals and average distance covered, sented a significant effect of the zones (F = 216.18,
especially compared to the middle week (z = −2.8, P < .05, strong) and interaction between zones and
P < .01, moderate; z = −4.2, P < .001, large). The moments (F = 11.33, P < .05, moderate). The
U17 prematch also showed lower values in the num- players spent most of the time below 75% of the
ber of sprints compared to the middle week HRmax, mainly in the prematch.

Table II. Sprint characterisation, relative distance covered per minute, and body impacts per minute in the post-match, middle week, and
prematch TS across the age groups.

Δ from middle week

Post-match Middle week Prematch
Variables M±s M±s M±s Post hoc Post-match (%) Prematch (%)

U15
Sprint
Number 9.2 ± 6.2 10.8 ± 4.1 12.7 ± 6.1 b −14.9 16.7
Time interval (s) 2.3 ± 1.0 1.9 ± 0.3 2.4 ± 0.9 a,c 18.3 22.4
Average distance covered (m) 13.0 ± 5.9 10.8 ± 1.5 13.9 ± 6.4 a,c 20.4 20.0
Relative (per minute)
Distance covered (m) 67.7 ± 12.8 67.5 ± 7.2 61.6 ± 8.8 b,c 0.3 −8.7
Body impacts (a.u.) 8.2 ± 5.0 8.5 ± 5.5 7.5 ± 3.5 - −3.6 −11.9
U17
Sprint
Number 16.2 ± 7.7 18.5 ± 7.1 15.0 ± 8.7 a,c −12.5 −19.0
Time interval (s) 2.1 ± 0.4 2.0 ± 0.4 2.2 ± 0.3 b,c 5.9 14.6
Average distance covered (m) 11.7 ± 2.2 11.1 ± 2.5 13.5 ± 2.0 b,c 5.5 21.8
Relative (per minute)
Distance covered (m) 76.5 ± 11.9 81.0 ± 6.5 64.1 ± 13.8 a,b,c, −5.6 −20.8
Body impacts (a.u.) 8.1 ± 3.6 10.7 ± 5.5 6.9 ± 3.8 a,b,c −24.8 −35.4
U19
Sprint
Number 14.5 ± 5.8 13.7 ± 4.2 1.1 ± 1.7 b,c 6.2 −92.3
Time interval (s) 2.6 ± 0.4 1.9 ± 0.3 1.2 ± 1.6 a,b 32.6 −37.9
Average distance covered (m) 14.7 ± 2.5 11.2 ± 2.1 6.7 ± 8.6 a,b,c 31.0 −40.8
Relative (per minute)
Distance covered (m) 70.3 ± 15.4 65.1 ± 15.7 41.1 ± 5.3 b,c 8.1 −36.8
Body impacts (a.u.) 9.9 ± 5.4 10.1 ± 4.9 5.0 ± 2.9 b,c −1.2 −50.1

Note: Significant differences are (a) post-match versus middle week; (b) post-match versus prematch; (c) middle week versus prematch.
 Weekly workload of elite youth football players 1233

Figure 1. Distance covered at considered speed zones (i), number of body impacts (ii), and time spent in each HR zone (iii) in U15.
Difference of post-match and prematch comparatively to middle week in distance covered at considered speed zones (iv), number of
impacts (v), and time spent in each HR zone (vi) in U15.
Note: Significant differences are (a) post-match versus middle week; (b) post-match versus prematch; (c) middle week versus prematch.

The total distance covered at the considered speed groups. In general, the results described several dif-
zones in the U17 showed a significant effect of the ferences between the developmental ages. The U15
zone (F = 1559.27, P < .05, strong), moment training focus in technical and elementary tactical
(F = 67.49, P < .05, strong), and in the interaction skills resulted in similar values between the post-
between zone and moment (F = 20.93, P < .001, match and middle-week sessions. The U17 middle
moderate). Overall, the middle week presented a week resulted in a higher physical and physiological
higher distance covered than both the post-match stimulus. The high values found in the U19 post-
and prematch (see Figure 2iv). Also, the middle match seem to have been linked with the physical
week presented moderate differences of body stimulus provided to substitute players. In addition,
impacts compared to the post-match and prematch the prematch presented lower internal and external
(from ~20% to ~50% less). In addition, the %HRmax loads in all stages of development.
showed strong differences between post-match and The U15 schedule progresses from simple (1 × 1
prematch across all zones (F = 92.88, P < .01). and 2 × 1 situations) to more complex tasks (SSG
The distance covered at the considered speed using more players, 3 × 3 and 4 × 4 situations),
zones in U19 showed a strong interaction between which is likely to decrease the training’s physiological
zones and moment (F = 31.77, P < .01). Globally, intensity and variability (Abade et al., 2014). In this
the prematch presented lower values in all zones group, both post-match and middle-week sessions
than the post-match and middle week (see showed lower distance covered and time intervals
Figure 3i). Strong differences were found in body per sprint than prematch. The available literature
impacts between both post-match–prematch and suggested that the use of SSGs with a smaller num-
middle week–prematch (F = 12.66, P < .05; see ber of players and executed in small pitches increases
Figure 3ii). A higher number of impacts were the number of technical actions (Aguiar, Botelho,
found in zone 1 (5.0–6.0 g). In addition, there was Lago, Maças, & Sampaio, 2012). These constraints
an interaction between HR zones and moments in absolute space available seem to affect sprint abil-
(F = 35.55, P < .01, strong). The results showed ity (Bangsbo, 2003; Gabbett, Abernethy, & Jenkins,
that the post-match spent approximately 191% more 2012). This trend was found in a previous study,
time in ≥90% HRmax than the middle week. where the frequency of sprints decreased in small
pitches SSGs (Casamichana & Castellano, 2010).
In contrast, the SSGs performed in larger pitches
Discussion towards the end of the week (e.g. tactical tasks
The aim of this study was to describe the variations focused on offensive situations in which the increase
of the time–motion and physiological profiles during in space benefits the offensive team) may have
a 1-week microcycle in the U15, U17, and U19 age resulted in a higher number of sprints. In addition,
1234 D. Coutinho et al.

Figure 2. Distance covered at considered speed zones (i), number of body impacts (ii), and time spent in each HR zone (iii) in U17.
Difference of post-match and prematch comparatively to middle week in distance covered at considered speed zones (iv), number of
impacts (v), and time spent in each HR zone (vi) in U17.
Note: Significant differences are (a) post-match versus middle week; (b) post-match versus prematch; (c) middle week versus prematch.

Figure 3. Distance covered at considered speed zones (i), number of body impacts (ii), and time spent in each HR zone (iii) in U19.
Difference of post-match and prematch comparatively to middle week in distance covered at considered speed zones (iv), number of
impacts (v), and time spent in each HR zone (vi) in U19.
Note: Significant differences are (a) post-match versus middle week; (b) post-match versus prematch; (c) middle week versus prematch.

the higher distances covered in the intermediate 2014). The prematch data presented the highest
speed zones (10–17.9 km · h−1) as well as the distance covered above 18 km · h−1 and time spent
increased time spent above 90% HRmax may be below 75% HRmax. These values seem to suggest the
linked to the above-mentioned larger area-to-player use of high intermittent drills (e.g. offensive set
ratio (Casamichana & Castellano, 2010). No differ- pieces and intermittent SSGs) interspersed with
ences were found for body impacts. However, the appropriate recovery time between bouts. In accor-
use of SSGs and analytical drills performed in small dance, intermittent SSGs elicited more high-speed
spaces during the post-match seemed to promote running (>18 km · h−1) and lower HRmax than con-
more changes in directions and, consequently, tinuous exercises did (Hill-Haas, Rowsell, Dawson,
increases the body impact values (Abade et al., & Coutts, 2009).
 Weekly workload of elite youth football players 1235

In the U17 group, a progressive increase in the When compared with the middle-week and pre-
training workload was identified towards the end of match data, the U19 post-match TSs presented
the week, with an unloading phase in the prematch higher values in all sprint variables (Table II) and
session. Football matches are extremely demanding higher values of HR above 90%. These sessions
(Aslan et al., 2012) and have a considerable impact included game-like situations such as SSGs played
on short-term planning. For example, muscle gly- in larger dimensions. According to the available lit-
cogen remains lower two days after a match; thus, erature, SSGs performed in larger pitches elicited
training intensities are affected by this limitation higher HR values, greater distance covered, and
(Bangsbo et al., 2006). Based on previous consid- more sprinting (Aguiar et al., 2013; Casamichana
erations, it has been suggested that the first session & Castellano, 2010). Although speculative, these
of the microcycle should start at low intensity (50– high-intensity drills may be linked to the need to
70%), move to moderate intensity (70–90%), and compensate for the lack of competition in substitute
progress during the week to subsequently higher players (Burgess & Drust, 2013; Hill-Haas, Dawson,
intensity (90–100%) (Whyte, 2006). The intensities Impellizzeri, & Coutts, 2011). On the other hand,
expected in this session likely suggest recovery- middle-week data included constrained SSGs
related aims (Clemente, Martins, & Mendes, focused on a team’s tactical principles, which
2014). Current findings seem to confirm these per- resulted in a lower physical stimulus. The higher
spectives. In fact, post-match presented lower tactical demands and cognitive processing required
values of distance covered, body impact, and time in this stage imply more stopping times to refine the
spent in the highest HR zones (above 85% HRmax) team’s tactical model (Wrigley et al., 2012).
when compared to the middle week. During the However, the coaches should be careful in the
middle-week sessions, there were higher values of SSGs used. The lack of high-intensity activity
distance covered in most of the considered speed found in this age group could compromise the repro-
zones and more time spent in higher HR zones duction of the physiological patterns required during
(≥85%). In the U17 age group, the coaches’ main competition (Bangsbo et al., 2006). This factor has
goal was to increase the players’ physical perfor- been previously addressed by Brink, Nederhof,
mance in their interactions with specific environ- Visscher, Schmikli, and Lemmink (2010), who sta-
mental contexts. For this purpose, SSGs are useful ted that after preseason the physiological stimulus
drills to develop the players’ technical and tactical changed to a more technical and tactical focus and,
performances, team cohesion, and physical fitness therefore, could cause an aerobic performance
(Halouani, Chtourou, Gabbett, Chaouachi, & decrement. In fact, the physiological stimulus
Chamari, 2014). In particular, SSGs with smaller decreases towards the end of the microcycle, which
numbers of players (from 2 × 2 to 4 × 4 situations) has been identified as a recovery strategy (Bosquet
seem to be more effective for achieving exercise et al., 2007). In this study, the prematch presented
intensities above 90% HRmax, for eliciting greater values that ranged from 40% to 100% less than in
perceptual responses, covering higher distance the middle-week sessions. As mentioned above, the
above 18 km · h−1, and increasing the number of tapering of the training load in the last session
sprints (Aguiar et al., 2013; Clemente et al., 2014; appears to be an effective strategy for optimising
Köklü, Aşçi, Koçak, Alemdaroğlu, & Dündar, performance (Bosquet et al., 2007; Smith, 2003).
2011). As described in the “Methods” section, the
3 × 3 and 4 × 4 situations with floater players used
Conclusions
in this age group seem to increase the physiological
stimulus (Abade et al., 2014). The higher work- The present study shows the usefulness of monitor-
loads elicited during the week require an appropri- ing the TSs to optimise the workload according to
ate recovery for competition. In fact, the prematch the microcycle period and the needs of youth foot-
presented a higher time spent below 75% of HRmax ballers. The U15 priority in developing technical
and lower values of distance covered. These values skills and physical conditioning may compromise
may reflect the coaches’ concern for providing an the training load schedule imposed on the players.
unloading phase that is considered essential to The usage of situations with smaller numbers of
avoid deterioration of the players’ performance dur- players (1 × 1 to 3 × 3) during the post-match and
ing competition (Bosquet et al., 2007). In addition, middle week contributed to a higher workload in the
the values found for body impact suggest the use of microcycle. Nevertheless, coaches are aware of the
tasks that prevent physical contact and changes of need to recover in the last session before competi-
direction. In this sense, the use of situations in tion. The U17 short-term schedule highlights these
which the two teams are clustered in space to tapering concerns. In this sense, both post- and pre-
enhance ball circulation seems to promote these match sessions present values that indicate recovery
recovery aims (Clemente et al., 2014). aims. Conversely, the middle week used SSGs that
1236 D. Coutinho et al.

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