Variations in training load are, however, much more frequently seen within the smallest structural planning unit of the micro-cycle. While the micro-cycle is traditionally associated with a 7-day period it can easily be manipulated to reflect the number of days between competitive fixtures. In this way practitioners are able to use the basic principles of periodisation to plan training loads that provide a physical training stimulus to the players as well as facilitate recovery and regeneration from/for competitive matches. Effective training requires a structured approach to plan the variation in training load albeit across relatively short time periods

in soccer. The recognition of a number of key principles when planning facilitates the adaptive process. The importance of progressive overload has already been discussed above. DAPT price As the improvement in performance is a direct result of the quantity and quality of work completed, a gradual increase in the training

load is required to underpin an increase in the body’s capacity to do work.7 The progression of load is obtained through subtle changes in factors such as volume (the total quantity of the activity performed), intensity (the qualitative component of the exercise) RO4929097 ic50 and the frequency (the number of sessions in a period of time-balance between exercise and recovery)7 of training. The approach to such progressions in training should ideally be individualised as each athlete will be unique in their current ability and their potential to improve. Such individualisation is frequently ignored in team sports such as soccer where the training prescription is often focused on the group. Specificity is widely identified

as a fundamental factor in shaping the training response.3 The term specificity, in the context of training, is related to both the physiological nature of training stimulus most and the degree to which training resembles actual competition.3 The importance of specificity is based on the notion that the transfer of training performance is dependent on the degree to which training replicates the competitive conditions. As such all sessions included in the training programme should have relevance to both the energetic and metabolic requirements and movement patterns of the sport. In order to optimally prepare players to undertake the different positional match demands, specific physical and technical soccer drills and practices that have key physiological objectives need to be regularly implemented. An appropriate training stimulus, to achieve the required physiological objectives, has traditionally been delivered through athletic type running activities.