Analysis of the key performance variables in soccer is one of the most continuous and attractive research topics. Using global positioning devices (GPS), the primary aim of this study was to highlight the physiological response of a professional soccer team across competitive microcycles in-season according to the most influential contextual performance variables. Determining the training load (TL), a work ratio was established between all recorded data within the training sessions and the competitive profile (CP). Each microcycle was classified in accordance with the contextual variables: opponent level (high, medium, low), match location (home and away) and score (win, draw, lose). Results revealed that the team were significantly more successful (games won) in competitive games against high-level opponents and when played at home. Cumulative microcycle/weekly training load (WTL) was significantly lower when the team won. In addition to the opponent level and the match location, WTL could condition the athlete’s performance in the competition. Competitive performance responses are the main source of information for the planning of training programs. The results of this study could be used as a reference to structure TL and WTL according to contextual variables in the competition. This study, which is the first of its kind, revealed that WTL effects the performance of the players in the competition.

(1) Background: The objective of this research was to analyse the most demanding passages (MDP) considering the sprint variable relative to the maximum level of sprint ability of each player as a function of player position, final outcome and part of the match during the competitive phase of a professional soccer season. (2) Methods: Global positioning system (GPS) data were collected from 22 players according to their playing position in the last 19 match days of the Spanish La Liga professional soccer in the 2020/2021 season. MDP were calculated from 80% of the maximum sprint speed of each player. (3) Results: Wide midfielders covered the greatest distance at >80% of the maximum speed (2.4 ± 1.63 seg) and the longest duration (21.91 ± 13.35 m) in their MDP. When the whole team was losing, it demonstrated greater distances (20.23 ± 13.04 m) and longer durations (2.24 ± 1.58 seg) compared to games in which it was winning. When the team ended up drawing, the relative sprint distance covered in the second half was significantly greater than in the first (16.12 ± 21.02; SD = 0.26 ± 0.28 (−0.03/−0.54). (4) Conclusions: Different demands of MDP, according to the sprint variable relative to the maximum individual capacity in competition, are required when contextual game factors are considered.

BACKGROUND: The high injury rate in football has highlighted the need to research strategies that allow the modification of the dynamic risk factors. Most of the preventive proposals have focused on standardized protocols. However, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multifactorial injuries prevention program (MC-7) in Spanish football players. METHODS: A total of 219 Spanish football male players aged 16-23 were enrolled. The study was conducted over two consecutive seasons (2012-2013, 2013-2014). The first season was the control season (SC) and the second one was the experimental season (ES). Injuries were recorded prospectively during the two seasons in accordance with the criteria established by the consensus statement. During CS the injuries were just observed, while during ES, the players participated in the MC-7: training methodology, specific warm-up protocol (FIFA 11+), basic injury recovery strategies, continuous training of coaches, conferences for parents/family and education sessions for players. RESULTS: The frequency of injuries was significantly reduced by 63.8% in the ES. Muscle-tendon and joint injuries were reduced by 65% and 56.7% respectively, with a significant decrease in the lower-limbs injuries. The incidence of injuries was reduced by 71.4%, with significant differences in the typology, location and severity of injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of injury in football is reduced when multifactorial strategies are applied. Reducing the frequency and severity of injuries allowed players to greatly increase their available for sports practice.

La Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte es una revista multidisciplinar, científico-técnica, en torno a las Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte. Todos los temas son publicables siempre que estén relacionados con la actividad física y el deporte y sea explícita esta relación en el artículo.

COVID-19 has produced an exceptional situation for sport due to confinement and restrictions. The usual training programs and competition have been interrupted in world football, requiring an adaptation of training to the new situation. Objectives: To describe and analyze the training programs carried out during the COVID-19 forced confinement in men´s professional football in Spain. Methods: Observational Study based on a telematic ad-hoc questionnaire developed to meet the objective of the study. The sample consisted of thirty-six coaches representing thirty-six professional men’s soccer teams in the Spanish first and second division. Results: Training programs developed during confinement prioritized conditioning and functional emphasis, in addition to general and non-specific resistance training, due to contextual limitations. Conclusion: The structure of training during the COVID-19 confinement was limited by contextual circumstances. This study has made possible to record the training and strategies used in professional football during a confinement due to a worldwide state of alarm, with the aim of resuming competitive activity in the best possible conditions.