Optimizing training load monitoring in youth football: a focus on u17 and u19 sub-elite athletes
Keywords:
Training load monitoring, Sub-Elite, Youth soccer, Rate of perceived exertionAbstract
This study investigates TL variations in under-17 (U17) and under-19 (U19) sub-elite football players, focusing on the integration of external and internal load measures. Using global positioning systems (GPS) and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), the study captured data across 24 training sessions during a six-week preseason. GPS metrics, including total distance, high-speed running, and sprint distance, quantified physical demands, while RPE assessed subjective effort. The study enrolled 26 players (13 - U17, 13 - U19), comparing TL patterns between age groups and across training days. Results revealed minimal differences in external load between U17 and U19 players, with U19 players showing slightly higher high-speed running and sprint metrics. RPE values were consistent across groups, supporting its reliability in capturing perceived effort. Regression analysis highlighted significant associations between RPE and external load variables, such as average speed and maximum running speed, emphasizing the interplay between objective and subjective measures. A heatmap analysis further demonstrated correlations among TL variables, underscoring the dynamic relationship between physical demands and effort perception. This study fills a gap in TL research for sub-elite youth football, offering insights into optimizing training programs tailored to developmental needs. The findings support the use of combined GPS and RPE metrics for comprehensive TL monitoring, providing a framework for balancing training demands with player well-being.
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