High-speed Training in a Specific Context in Soccer: Transition Games

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Soccer Training
• Performance Analysis

Background:

• Soccer training drills vary in their ability to elicit specific physiological and biomechanical responses.
• Understanding the physical demands of different training formats is crucial for optimizing player development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physical load of three soccer training drills: transition game, small-sided game with changing area, and large-sided game.
• To identify which drill best trains high-speed running and acceleration capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Twenty young elite soccer players participated in the study.
• Measured variables included total distance covered (DC), high-speed running distances (DC 14.0-17.9 km·h⁻¹, DC 18-21 km·h⁻¹, DC>21 km·h⁻¹), peak speed, accelerations/decelerations, player load, and rate of perceived exertion.

Main Results:

• Transition games elicited significantly higher distances covered at 18-21 km·h⁻¹ and >21 km·h⁻¹, greater peak speed, and more accelerations (>2.5 m·s⁻²) compared to other drills.
• Small-sided games resulted in higher total DC, accelerations (>1 m·s⁻²), and player load than transition games.
• Transition games demonstrated lower variation in measured parameters.

Conclusions:

• Transition games are highly effective for training high-speed running, particularly in contexts simulating counter-attacks.
• Coaches can strategically implement transition games to develop specific speed and acceleration qualities in elite young soccer players.