Effects of the Compensatory Training Strategy on External Speed Load Between Starter and Nonstarter Soccer Players

To evaluate the efficacy of postmatch compensatory training (CT) in mitigating disparities in external speed load between nonstarters (with varying match exposure) and starters (>60 min match play without CT).

Forty-three professional soccer players (25 [4] y) were monitored across 68 matches using global positioning system. Players were classified as starters (G1, >60 min), nonstarters (G2, 0 min), and nonstarters (G3, 1-30 min). External load metrics included total distance, high-speed running (HSR), and sprint distance, analyzed as both absolute values and relative values (% of total distance covered, and per minutes played). CT consisted of high-intensity interval exercise (∼925 m). Generalized estimating equations with least significant difference post hoc tests were applied (P < .05).

Significant group × intervention interactions were observed for HSR and sprint distance (P ≤ .002). Without CT, G1 showed higher HSR (585 vs 33-143 m) and sprint distance (115 vs 2-34 m) than G2 and G3 (P < .05). Following CT, both G2 and G3 markedly increased HSR (G2: 33→261 m; G3: 143→318 m; P ≤ .001), reducing differences versus G1. Sprint distance increased in G2 (2→75 m; P < .001), although G1 remained higher than G2 and G3 (P ≤ .05). Relative metrics confirmed these findings, with no between-group differences after CT. Total distance remained higher in G1 across conditions (P < .001).

Postmatch CT effectively attenuates external speed-load disparities between nonstarters and starters in professional soccer players.