Physical training and external load management for young athletes

Abstract

Football today is more intense and demanding than ever before and these increasing physical demands have a direct impact on grassroots players, leading to ever greater interest in determining the external load variables using GPS in lower categories. The objective of this study is to observe and analyse the mean figures for the variables Distance(m), High Acc(m) and High Dec(m), HSR Abs(m), HMLD(m) and MAX Speed (km·h-1) per player aged 15, 16 and 17 based on their position in a competitive match. We also aim to determine if U16 players are able to compete in a U17 and U18 category team. A total of 57 male players, between 15 and 17 years old, participated in the study, divided by team corresponding to their age, and members of farm teams of a professional football club in the Community of Madrid. The results obtained for the mentioned variables show that some players could play at a higher category, specifically U16 Centre-Backs and Forwards and U17 Wing-Backs, Midfielders and Wingers. However, it must be noted that these results may be influenced by factors such as biological age of the players, the minutes of play, the style of play, the rival in the match, the pitch conditions and weather. Keywords: Grassroots Football, External Load, GPS, Distance(m), High Acc(m)/Dec(m), HSR Abs(m), HMLD(m), MAX Speed(km·h-1)