Elite Soccer Research Articles

Analyzing soccer match sprint distances: A comparison of GPS-based absolute and relative thresholds.

This study compared the most common absolute sprint threshold (> 25.2 km/h) with relative and individualized thresholds (> 70%, > 75%, > 80%, > 85% and > 90% of peak match speed). Twenty elite soccer players, competing in the first division of the Portuguese League, were monitored using GNSS equipment during thirty-four official matches. Peak match speed was retrieved as the individual maximal speed reached during the full season. Distances were registered when speed overcame the absolute and the relative thresholds. Mean ± SD of peak speeds and distances covered were calculated, and Pearson correlation (r) and mean paired differences were performed to analyze relationships and differences between thresholds. The peak match speed was 32.9 ± 1.4 km/h. Correlations between distances covered using the absolute and relative thresholds varied from very strong (> 70%: r = 0.84, p < .001; > 75%: r = 0.89, p < .001; and > 80%: r = 0.88, p < .001), strong (> 85%: r = 0.79, p < .001), to moderate (> 90%: r = 0.59, p < .001). Overall, the > 75% (ES: 0.23 [95% CI: 0.16, 0.31]) and the > 90% (ES: -1.65 [95%CI: -1.85, -1.48]) relative thresholds presented the smallest and largest differences, respectively, with the absolute threshold. Differences were also found when considering the playing positions. While the distances covered by central midfielders were similar between the absolute and > 80% thresholds (-0.03 [-0.16, 0.10]), fullbacks covered largely more distance -1.88 [-2.42 -1.50]) in the absolute threshold than in the > 80% threshold. The distances covered by players varied based on the selected threshold, affecting the distances covered by different playing positions. Being the highest speed threshold within displacements thresholds, the absolute sprint threshold showed greater similarity to lower rather than higher relative thresholds.

Gut microbiota and physical activity level: characterization from sedentary to soccer players.

Evidence of the relationship between physical activity and gut microbiota composition is steadily increasing. The purpose of the study is to compare the gut microbiota composition of a group of elite male soccer players with a group of subjects with different physical activity levels. Cross-sectional studies were performed on 91 healthy young males, in detail: 17 elite soccer players (23.7 ± 4.2 yrs, BMI 23.2 ± 1.2 kg/m2); 14 with high levels of physical training (24.5 ± 5.6 yrs, BMI 22.7 ± 0.8 kg/m2); 23 with moderate levels of physical training (29.3 ± 3.9 yrs, BMI 22.5 ± 0.8 kg/m2); and 37 healthy men without exercise habits (28.1 ± 5.9 yrs, BMI 22.4 ± 1.0 kg/m2). Relative microbiota composition was determined by analyzing DNA extracted from stool samples. The quality and quantity of extracted DNA were assessed using a Qubit Fluorometer. Differences between subjects' populations were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni's post-hoc test was employed to identify localized effects. Elite soccer players and subjects with high physical activity levels showed a significantly higher prevalence of the nine microbiota populations analyzed than subjects with moderate physical training or who were sedentary. No differences were found in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio among the different study populations. This study reports the gut microbiota parameters of elite footballers for the first time. In addition, it brings new insights into the effects of different levels of physical activity on the composition of the gut microbiota.

IGF-1, C-Reactive Protein, and Skin Temperature Responses to a Non-Contact Team Sport Activity Circuit in Under-20 Elite Soccer Players

IGF-1, C-Reactive Protein, and Skin Temperature Responses to a Non-Contact Team Sport Activity Circuit in Under-20 Elite Soccer Players

Effects of an 8-week pre-season targeted training on sprinting performance, agility and lower limb muscular asymmetries in elite soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an 8 week targeted training program on speed, agility, and muscle asymmetries in soccer players. 32 elite soccer players were recruited for the study. Their age, body mass, and body height were 25.8 ± 7.3 years, 77.4 ± 11.1 kg, and 177.5 ± 9.8 cm, respectively. After the warm-up, participants performed two maximum 30 m sprints with a 5-minute rest interval between trials. After the linear sprint test, performed two repetitions of the COD randomized ZigZag test. The tests were performed at the beginning and at the end of the pre-season, which lasted for 8 weeks. EMG was measured bilaterally from the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles with shorts made of knitted fabric similar to elastic clothes. Athletes in the experimental group performed sport-specific targeted strength training based on movement patterns 4 times per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday). The training included 6 bodyweight exercises (Bird Dog, Single-Leg Glute Bridge, Dead Bug, Side Plank, Reverse Lunge, and Clamshell), performed unilaterally in 5 sets of 10 repetitions of each exercise. The load progression included an additional set in each successive week of the experiment. The data analysis showed significant improvement in 5 m and 30 m sprints after applying the 8-week targeted training protocol. A statistically significant improvement in performance was also observed after the 8-week training period in case of COD, while the speed deficit also decreased significantly. The greatest improvements were observed during the COD test. As a result of repeated COD training over a period of 8 weeks, its technique was improved. Implementation of training methods, which target specific aspects of soccer in the pre-season training routines can improve key motor abilities for that sports discipline. A comprehensive training approach including speed, agility, and resistance training based on specific movement patterns should be applied by strength and conditioning practitioners in soccer teams to achieve peak physical performance and reduce injury risk due to the partial elimination of muscular asymmetries.

Short-Term Cocoa Supplementation Influences Microbiota Composition and Serum Markers of Lipid Metabolism in Elite Male Soccer Players.

Dietary strategies to improve arachidonic acid:eicosapentaenoic acid (AA:EPA) ratios are of interest due to potential reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress following exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel dietary intervention, that is, the ingestion of 30g of dark chocolate, on blood lipid profiles and gut microbiota composition in elite male soccer players. Professional male soccer players were randomly assigned to the experimental group (DC) provided with 30g of dark chocolate or to the control group (WC), provided with 30g of white chocolate, for 30days. Before and after intervention, blood, fecal sample, and anthropometry data were collected. For each outcome, two-way repeated-measure analysis of variance was used to identify differences between baseline and endpoint (Week 4), considering treatment (dark chocolate, white chocolate) as intersubjects' factors. Metagenomic analysis was performed following the general guidelines, which relies on the bioBakery computational environment. DC group showed increased plasma polyphenols (from 154.7 ± 18.6μg gallic acid equivalents/ml to 185.11 ± 57.6μg gallic acid equivalents/ml, Δ pre vs. post = +30.41 ± 21.50) and significant improvements in lipid profiles: total cholesterol (Δ -32.47 ± 17.18mg/dl DC vs. Δ -2.84 ± 6.25mg/dl WC, Time × Treatment interaction p < .001), triglycerides (Δ -6.32 ± 4.96mg/dl DC vs. Δ -0.42 ± 6.47mg/dl WC, Time × Treatment interaction p < .001), low-density lipoprotein (Δ -18.42 ± 17.13mg/dl vs. Δ -2.05 ± 5.19mg/dl WC, Time × Treatment interaction p < .001), AA/EPA ratio (Δ -5.26 ± 2.35; -54.1% DC vs. Δ -0.47 ± 0.73, -6.41% WC, Time × Treatment interaction p < .001) compared with WC group. In addition, 4weeks of intervention showed a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein concentration in DC group (Δ + 3.26 ± 4.49mg/dl DC vs. Δ -0.79 ± 5.12mg/dl WC). Microbial communities in the DC group maintained a slightly higher microbial stability over time (exhibiting lower within-subject community dissimilarity). Ingesting 30g of dark chocolate over 4weeks positively improved AA:EPA ratio and maintained gut microbial stability. Dark chocolate ingestion represents an effective nutritional strategy to improve blood lipid profiles in professional soccer players. What Are the Findings? Ingesting 30g of dark chocolate for 4weeks positively influences blood lipid AA: EPA ratio while maintaining gut microbial stability. What This Study Adds? Dietary intake of specific foods such as dark chocolate represents an alternative strategy to support the health and recovery of elite soccer players. What Impact Might This Have on Clinical Practice in the Future? From a clinical and translational perspective, dark chocolate ingestion positively modulates favorable blood lipid profiles and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism while maintaining gut microbial stability. Dark chocolate ingestion may be considered as an effective nutritional strategy in elite sport environments during periods of high-intensity training and congested competitions. Further research is required to determine functional outcomes associated with the observed improvements in blood lipid profiles.

DOPING CONTROL IN MALE SOCCER PLAYERS IN BRAZIL: 10 YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP.

To understand the Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) that have occurred in Brazilian soccer in a recent 10-year period, comparing them to international data, to know the Brazilian profile. A review of the AAR in the Doping Control Commission database of the Brazilian Football Association from 2008 to 2017. The AAR in professional male soccer players between 2008 and 2017 were considered. The sample selected in this research was composed of 40,092 doping tests, with 113 AAR, identified in 18 different competitions (0.28%) in the professional category, in Brazilian national and state competitions between 2008 and 2017, flagged in doping control exams through urine samples. Stimulants were detected most frequently (31.0%), followed by glucocorticoids (21.2%), diuretics, and masking agents (19.5%). The Brazilian Championship series did not show a relationship with any of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) groups of substances. Series A showed 0.07% of AAR, Series B 0.21%, Series C 0.75% and Series D 1.49. The rate of AAR in Brazilian soccer was 0.28%, lower than the average for all soccer worldwide, and shows similar percentages among field positions. Stimulants were the most prevalent drugs. The national elite soccer competitions showed significantly fewer cases than the lower divisions. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective Study.

Characteristics of diving motions against different shoot situations by elite soccer goalkeepers

Characteristics of diving motions against different shoot situations by elite soccer goalkeepers

Patterns of ankle injury in soccer: MRI clues to traumatic mechanism.

Understanding the traumatic mechanisms of ankle injuries in soccer is crucial for an accurate and complete MRI diagnosis. Many ankle injuries share universal mechanisms seen in other athletic activities, but certain patterns are found to be more specific and relatively unique to soccer. Ankle impingement syndromes encountered in soccer encompass a spectrum of disorders that include anterior and posterior impingement categories, with anterior impingement representing pathology relatively specific to soccer. Lateral ligamentous sprains are one of the most common injuries; however, there is a higher rate of injuries to the medial structures in soccer as compared to other sports. Ankle fractures are uncommon in soccer while bone contusions and chondral and osteochondral injuries frequently accompany ligamentous sprains. Tendon abnormalities in soccer most commonly result from overuse injuries and typically affect peroneal tendons, posterior and anterior tibialis tendons, and Achilles tendon. Acute Achilles tendon ruptures occur in both recreational players and elite soccer athletes. Tibialis anterior friction syndrome may mimic tibial stress fractures. Long-term sequelae of acute traumatic and chronic overuse ankle injuries in professional soccer players manifest as ankle osteoarthritis that is more prevalent compared to not only the general population, but also to former elite athletes from other sports. This article examines the most common and specific injuries in soccer in order of their frequency.

Male elite soccer players have a higher incidence of accessory ossicles in the foot and ankle.

Accessory ossicles are caused by the failure of the fusion of secondary ossification centres and are more likely to occur due to heavy loading during the growth period or improper treatment after injury. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of foot and ankle accessory ossicles in male professional soccer players. This study included male professional soccer players who underwent medical checkups at our hospital between 2017 and 2023 as the soccer group. Medical checkups included radiographs of bilateral anteroposterior and oblique foot, as well as bilateral anteroposterior and lateral ankle. Male patients age-matched with the soccer group who visited our hospital undergoing anteroposterior and oblique foot or anteroposterior and lateral ankle radiography were included in the control group. The incidence of accessory ossicles was investigated and compared between the soccer and control groups. In this study, 276 ankles and 276 feet, as well as 121 ankles and 79 feet, were included in the soccer and control groups, respectively. The incidence of accessory ossicles in the soccer and control groups was as follows: accessory navicular 35.9%, 24% (P = .049), os peroneum 8.0%, 2.5% (P = .09); os supranaviculare 7.6%, 1.3% (P = .039); os infranaviculare 1.4%, 1.3% (P = .090); os calcaneus secundarius 4.3%, 0% (P = .059); os vesalianum 0%, 0%; os subfiblare 12.7%, 2.5% (P < .001); os subtibiale 18.1%, 2.5% (P = .001); and os trigonum 89%, 24% (P < .001). Male professional soccer players had a higher incidence of accessory navicular, os supranaviculare, os subfiblare, os subtibiale, and os trigonum.

Detraining and Re-Training Effect on Cardiovascular Fitness on Elite Soccer Players

Detraining and Re-Training Effect on Cardiovascular Fitness on Elite Soccer Players

Effect of Speed Agility Quickness and Circuit Training on Lipid Profile of Soccer Players: An Observational Study

Study purpose. This observational study aims to investigate the impact of a Speed Agility Quickness (SAQ) and Circuit training program on the lipid profile of soccer players. The study focuses on analyzing changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol concentrations after the intervention. Materials and methods. The study involved a total of 30 elite soccer players with the mean (Sd) of age 16.93 (1.20) years; stature 5.66 (0.16) feet; weight 59.93 (5.47) kg. All the players selected for the study were registered players of Poloi Academy, Imphal, Manipur. The participants were divided into two groups, i.e., the SAQ and Circuit groups, and underwent a 12 weeks SAQ and Circuit training program respectively, which was conducted 3 days per weeks. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to measure HDL, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol levels. The participants’ lipid profiles were assessed using standard laboratory techniques. Results. The results of this study demonstrated significant changes in the lipid profiles of the elite soccer players following the SAQ and Circuit training program. The intervention resulted in a significant increase in HDL cholesterol levels. Simultaneously, there was a substantial decrease in LDL and VLDL cholesterol concentrations. Conclusions. The increase in HDL cholesterol and reduction in LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels indicate a potential decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases and related health issues. Considering the importance of lipid metabolism in athletic performance and overall well-being, this study provides valuable insights for coaches, athletes, and sports professionals in designing targeted training regimens to optimize cardiovascular health among soccer players. However, further research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups is warranted to validate and generalize these findings across diverse populations and sports disciplines.

Nitric Oxide in the Field: Prevalence and Use of Nitrates by Dietitians and Nutritionists in Spanish Elite Soccer.

Soccer players make frequent use of dietary supplements to improve performance. One of the most widely used strategies to optimize performance is to increase the bioavailability of nitric oxide through nitrates, as it could delay fatigue during physical exertion, among other benefits. This may be positive for performance in soccer, although there is almost no research in professional soccer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of nitrates and behaviours related to their consumption in Spanish elite soccer clubs. Dietitian-nutritionist representatives from 45 teams from the most important Spanish soccer leagues completed an online survey to determine if, when, how and why nitrates are prescribed to soccer players. Of the total sample, 55.6% indicated providing nitrates, always before matches, but only 36% in training. There was a wide variation and lack of consistency in the timing, dosage and form of administration of nitrates. The use of mouthwashes or the protocol of chronic nitrate intake was not taken into account in most cases. The present study indicates a lack of interpretation between scientific knowledge and its application in practice, highlighting the need for future research to better understand how to optimize the use of nitrates in professional soccer.

Effects of Hardaliye, a Fermented Grape Drink, on Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profile, and Blood Pressure in Young Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective Hardaliye, a traditional fermented grape juice, can prevent imbalances in the antioxidant defense systems of soccer players. Hardaliye is mainly produced through the fermentation of grapes, sour cherry leaves, and mustard seeds and is consumed as a drink. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of hardaliye consumption on oxidative stress parameters, lipid profile, and blood pressure in young elite soccer players. Methods In this single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-design study, while the participants in one of the groups consumed 250 mL/d of hardaliye drink (Hardaliye Group), the participants in the other group consumed placebo drink (Placebo Group) for 28 days. Three-day food record and blood samples were taken from the soccer players and their blood pressure was measured. Results Nutrient intakes in both groups were similar at the beginning and end of the study (p > 0.05). Dietary carbohydrates and vitamin A, E, and C intakes were below the recommended levels in both groups. Hardaliye consumption significantly increased the serum total antioxidant capacity level but significantly decreased serum total oxidation status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels compared to the Placebo Group (p < 0.05). Lipid parameters and diastolic blood pressure levels were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). Hardaliye consumption significantly decreased systolic blood pressure compared to that in the Placebo Group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Hardaliye consumption in young elite soccer players showed antioxidative effects and decreased systolic blood pressure but did not affect their lipid profiles.

Athletic bioimpedance-based equations underestimate fat free mass components in male elite soccer players: development and validation of new soccer-specific predictive models

BackgroundBioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a rapid and user-friendly technique for assessing body composition in sports. Currently, no sport-specific predictive equations are available, and the utilization of generalized formulas can introduce systematic bias. The objectives of this study were as follows: (i) to develop and validate new predictive models for estimating fat-free mass (FFM) components in male elite soccer players; (ii) to evaluate the accuracy of existing predictive equations.MethodsA total of 102 male elite soccer players (mean age 24.7 ± 5.7 years), participating in the Italian first league, underwent assessments during the first half of the in-season period and were randomly divided into development and validation groups. Bioelectrical resistance (R) and reactance (Xc), representing the bioimpedance components, were measured using a foot-to-hand BIA device at a single frequency of 50 kHz. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was employed to acquire reference data for FFM, lean soft tissue (LST), and appendicular lean soft tissue (ALST). The validation of the newly developed predictive equations was conducted through regression analysis, Bland–Altman tests, and the area under the curves (AUC) of regression receiver operating characteristic (RROC) curves.ResultsDeveloped models were: FFM = − 7.729 + (body mass × 0.686) + (stature2/R × 0.227) + (Xc × 0.086) + (age × 0.058), R2 = 0.97, Standard error of estimation (SEE) = 1.0 kg; LST = − 8.929 + (body mass × 0.635) + (stature2/R × 0.244) + (Xc × 0.093) + (age × 0.048), R2 = 0.96, SEE = 0.9 kg; ALST = − 24.068 + (body mass × 0.347) + (stature2/R × 0.308) + (Xc × 0.152), R2 = 0.88, SEE = 1.4 kg. Train-test validation, performed on the validation group, revealed that generalized formulas for athletes underestimated all the predicted FFM components (p < 0.01), while the new predictive models showed no mean bias (p > 0.05), with R2 values ranging from 0.83 to 0.91, and no trend (p > 0.05). The AUC scores of the RROC curves indicated an accuracy of 0.92, 0.92, and 0.74 for FFM, LST, and ALST, respectively.ConclusionsThe utilization of generalized predictive equations leads to an underestimation of FFM and ALST in elite soccer players. The newly developed soccer-specific formulas enable valid estimations of body composition while preserving the portability of a field-based method.

Comparison of physical demands between positional games and matches in elite soccer players

Comparison of physical demands between positional games and matches in elite soccer players

Cognition in soccer and futsal: evidence of validity of a 4-instrument protocol to assess executive functioning among women athletes

Evidence suggests that success in sports, especially soccer and futsal are linked to higher levels of executive functioning. Still, the literature does not present a homogeneous set of instruments to measure executive functions, which leads to large variability in results. In this paper, we assembled four already recognised measures to propose a valid 4-instrument protocol to assess executive functions among soccer and futsal athletes. We conducted two studies to validate the proposed protocol. We addressed known-groups validity and latent structure in Study 1 for data collected on 105 female soccer and futsal athletes from elite and lower-division clubs. Findings pointed to partial validity of the protocol - with working memory and inhibition showing the best results. For Study 2, we used performance data from 51 elite female soccer players collected throughout a season of the first division league to assess predictive validity. Our protocol was able to partially replicate previous findings and added new insights on how working memory, processing speed and higher-level executive functions might play different roles for goalscoring and assist-making skills. Specifically, study 1 did not find a significant difference between elite and lower-division athletes in higher-order executive functions as in previous studies, but it did find on visual working memory and inhibitory control which weights towards higher demands of core executive functions. On the other hand, study 2 yielded significant results for processing speed and visual working memory to predict assists among elite soccer players, but not inhibitory control as previous findings suggested. Regardless, the proposed 4-instrument protocol showed adequate criterion and structural validity in both studies.

Evidence for a new model of the complex interrelationship of ball possession, physical intensity and performance in elite soccer.

How the physical metrics, especially physical intensity, and possession interact with each other, and subsequently combine to influence performance remains opaque. Therefore, we investigated the interrelationship of possession, physical metrics, and team performance in elite soccer. Four seasons of a top European league were used to derive 80 team league performances (points), together with possession and physical data. Physical metrics were absolute distances (m) during the whole match and ball-in-play, and rates of distance covered (m⋅min-1 ) as the index of physical intensity, notably when in-possession/out-of-possession, in total and within five speed categories. Interrelationships of possession, physical metrics, possession, and performance were assessed with Pearson's correlations and mediation analysis. Overall possession (r = 0.794) and time out-of-possession within the defensive third (r = -0.797) were most strongly correlated with performance. The strong relationships between in-possession distances and performance appeared coincidental due to greater time in-possession. Physical intensity had a complex relationship with possession and performance, with opposite relationships according to possession status: lower physical intensity when in-possession and higher physical intensity when out-of-possession were associated with possession and performance. Mediation analysis revealed the direct, independent importance of possession for team performance; however, the association of physical intensity with performance was largely (>79%) mediated by possession. Based on these findings, we propose a novel model of the interrelationships between possession, physical intensity, and performance, whereby higher possession is the largest, direct contributor toward enhanced team performance, with lower physical intensity in-possession a consequence of higher possession, but greater physical intensity when out-of-possession a cause of increased possession.

Dietary and Supplementation Strategies for Recovery: A Proposal for Elite Soccer Players

Recovering as quickly as possible, restoring pre-performance levels is considered a crucial element of success in almost every athletic discipline, including soccer. For this reason, coaches and athletes are always in a continuous search for the most effective strategies, that include supplementation or food, to speed up post-exercise recovery. However, precisely defining the concept of “recovery from exercise” is a challenging mission due to the number of variables affecting an optimal recovery [1]. That's why, the prescription of post-match or post-training recovery strategies in elite soccer players is a key point to optimize soccer performance.

Beyond the final whistle: vocational careers of retired soccer players of the female Swiss national team

ABSTRACT The present study surveyed 57 retired female soccer national team players to examine their athletic, educational, and vocational careers. The respondents achieved higher educational degrees compared to the general population. Contrasted with their siblings, no difference was found in school-leaving certificates and occupational prestige. Using cluster analysis, the following three clusters were found: (1) highly educated employees working in sports, (2) university graduates in liberal professions or executive-level employees, and (3) skilled workers and lower-grade white-collar workers. While the players in the first cluster mostly benefited from their engagement in elite soccer, the players in the other two clusters did not seem to be either positively or negatively influenced by it. However, the career paths of female soccer players will likely change in the coming years as investment in the sport and social recognition of women’s soccer continues to increase.

Comparison of Different Coach Competition Micro-Cycle Planning Strategies in Professional Soccer

Background: Coaches propose training strategies to develop their playing model, but the impact on the conditional demand of players is unknown. The objective of this study aimed to assess the conditional demands associated with five competitive micro-cycle (Mi) planning strategies put forth by professional soccer coaches. The dependent locomotor variables were: total distance traveled (TD, in m), high-speed running distance (TD21, &gt;21 km·h−1, in m), sprint distance (TD27, &gt;27 km·h−1, in m), acceleration load (aLoaD, in AU) and number of accelerations (ACC2, &gt;2 m·s−2 in n) and decelerations (DEC2, &lt;−2 m·s−2 in n). The activity profile of the players was monitored during each training session using a global positioning system (GPS) during four seasons (2018–2019 to 2021–2022). Regardless of the coach, the sessions furthest from Mi (MD+1, MD-4 and MD-3) were the most conditionally demanding, where TD27 was especially stimulated on MD-3 (ES = 0.7, 0.2/1.2, mean and range; p &lt; 0.05); furthermore, MD-2 was the least demanding session of all the trainers (ES = −2.4, −2.6/−1.5, mean and range; p &lt; 0.01). However, there were nuances regarding the conditional demand among the coaches: Co1 and Co2 proposed a higher conditional demand in the MD-2 and MD-1 sessions (p &lt; 0.05). The conclusion was twofold: elite soccer coaches proposed a horizontal alternation in the weekly distribution of training stimuli; nevertheless, the differences in the style of play of each coach affected the week-planning strategy.