Effects of Prematch Travel and Training on Physical and Technical Performance in International Football Matches

This study examined the relationship of prematch travel and in-camp training on ensuing physical and technical match performance of footballers (soccer) competing for a national team.

Match running and technical performance data were obtained from 68 national-team footballers competing in international matches (N = 108). Match performance data were aligned with the confirmed travel durations, time-zone change, travel direction, and time between arrival and kickoff for the travel to the match. In addition, in-camp training load from the 3 days prior to national-team matches was also collated. Linear mixed models assessed relationships between travel and training measures with physical and technical match performance outcomes.

Travel variables explained little variance in outcomes (R2 = .02-.16). Traveling eastward was associated with an increase in total (P = .042) and very high-speed distance (P = .030) in matches and a 5% decrease in pass accuracy (P = .012). Greater time-zone difference was associated with increased match decelerations (P = .027), while arriving later for matches was associated with increased total (P = .041) tackles. Increases in training high-speed distance were associated with increases in match high-speed distance (P = .004) and number of decelerations (P < .001). An increase in training total distance was associated with a decrease in match decelerations (P = .002).

Prematch travel appeared to have minimal effects on physical and technical performance in this national team. Training loads prior to matches may have some relationship with match running performance, and, thus, readiness to train should be a priority for athletes arriving in national-team camps.