Load peak intensity in pre-season training sessions and official competitions in professional soccer

This single case study compares load peak intensity (LPI) in pre-season training sessions and official matches in professional soccer. This aims to answer the question whether the pre-season training sessions of one selected team adequately prepared for the peak demands of the season. Therefore, spatiotemporal data of 8 professional male soccer players was collected using a radio-based local positioning system in training (KINEXON) and a video-based tracking system in Bundesliga competitions (TRACAB). Load peaks were determined based on the distance covered (DC) during Acceleration, Deceleration and Sprinting phases. For each parameter, our algorithm quantifies the LPI by using the maximum rolling average value for time intervals of 1, 3, and 5 min within a training session or a match. The results on team level indicate that LPI for Acceleration was significantly higher in pre-season training sessions compared to matches (for 3-min interval: DC TR = 22.59 m ± 3.06 m, DC MA = 18.38 m ± 3.08 m, d = 1.97, p < 0.01). In contrast, LPI regarding Deceleration was significantly lower in pre-season training compared to matches (for 3-min interval: DC TR = 20.8 m ± 2.65 m, DC MA = 23.15 m ± 3.17 m, d = −1.29, p < 0.01). This suggests that exercises focused more on acceleration situations and less on deceleration situations. However, analysis on an individual level shows a considerably high variability of load peak intensity between players during both periods. We conclude that individual load monitoring is an essential component of training management. Practitioners are especially advised to carefully examine the worst-case scenarios of Deceleration during pre-season to avoid falling short on load requirements and adequately prepare players for match demands.