Match-play Demands Research Articles

Contextualised physical metrics: The physical demands vary with phase of play during elite soccer match play.

The physical demands of elite soccer match play have traditionally been measured using aggregated whole-match metrics. However, match play is increasingly considered as distinct phases of play, although the influence of phase of play on match physical demands remains largely unknown. This study compared physical intensity, acceleration and deceleration demands, between phases of play and according to playing position. The duration of each match from a major European league (n=1083) was divided into one of five reciprocal phases (for the in-/out-of-possession team) using event and tracking data: build-up/high-block, progression/mid-block, chance creation/low-block, fast attack/fast defence, or attacking transition/defensive transition. Player tracking data were used to calculate physical intensity as the rate of distance covered (m⋅min-1) in total and within five speed categories, and the proportion of time spent accelerating and decelerating (>2ms-2) during each phase of play. Rate of distance covered in total differed markedly with phase of play; fast attack 35%-53% greater, and fast defence 33%-50% greater, than other in-/out-of-possession phases respectively, and these effects were amplified for the rate of distance covered at higher speeds (e.g., sprinting ≥4-fold differences between phases). Match phase also affected the proportion of time spent accelerating and decelerating (highest for fast attack and chance creation, respectively), especially when in-possession for forwards and when out-of-possession for defenders (p<0.001). Phase of play had a large effect on the physical intensity of match play, particularly rates of distance covered at higher speeds, as well as the acceleration and deceleration demands, and in a position specific manner.

Contemporary Themes in Dietary Intake in Rugby Union Players: A Narrative Review.

Rugby union is an intermittent team sport with variability in body composition and match-play demands between positions which requires careful consideration for individual dietary requirements. While previous reviews have detailed the macronutrient intake in rugby players, none have discussed the further determinants of dietary intake in this population. Therefore, the purpose of the current review was to summarise the current evidence detailing dietary intake in rugby union players, report on contemporary nutritional research themes, and provide recommendations for athletes, nutritionists, and other stakeholders. In total, eighteen articles report on dietary intake in rugby players, with only one of these detailing dietary intake in female athletes. Recent studies have reported on both protein and carbohydrate periodisation practices in rugby union players; however, there is currently limited evidence as to the influence of these on performance, recovery, and well-being. Factors influencing eating patterns, the impact of sports nutritionists on dietary intake, and food consumption in catered and non-catered environments has been explored in isolated studies. Nutrition knowledge levels in rugby players have been reported in several studies; however, the influence this has on dietary intake in rugby players is unknown. Collectively, despite new contemporary themes emerging in the literature concerning dietary intake in rugby players, the studies are isolated; as such, there is limited scope to the translatability of information due to heterogeneity in sex, level of play, and location of participants. Given this, future research should aim to build upon the themes identified in this review in combination to support practitioners working within their specific environments. This will subsequently build towards the generation of rugby-specific recommendations.

Validation of field-based running tests to determine maximal aerobic speed in professional rugby league.

Practitioners place importance on high-speed running (HSR) to monitor training practice and match-play demands, whilst attempting to maximise fitness and minimize the risk of injury occurrence. Practitioners apply various methods to quantify HSR, such as absolute thresholds, percentage of maximum sprint speed and maximal aerobic speed (MAS). A recent survey demonstrates the 5-minute run and 1200m shuttle test (ST) to be implemented among rugby league practitioners to quantify HSR by incorporating MAS. However, it is unclear as to how valid these methods are to accurately quantify MAS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the validity of the 5-minute run and 1200m ST when compared to a gold standard measure for MAS. Twenty 1st team professional rugby league players competing in the European Super League participated in this study. Players were required to complete an incremental treadmill test, 5-minute run and 1200m ST over a two-week period in pre-season. MAS, peak heart rate (HRmax), peak lactate (Lapeak) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) where collected upon completion of each test. Results demonstrated the 1200m ST to have a higher correlation for MAS than the 5-minute run (1200m ST: r = 0.73, 5-minute run: r = 0.64). However, when assessing validity using the level of agreement between data, the 5-minute run underreported MAS by 0.45 m·s-1 whereas the 1200m ST underreported MAS by 0.77 m·s-1. Ultimately, both field-based tests used in this study underreport MAS when compared to an incremental treadmill test, although the 5-minute run provides a closer agreement and therefore a more valid measurement for MAS than the 1200m ST.

Match-Play External Load and Internal Load in NCAA Division II Women's Soccer.

Choice, EE, Tufano, JJ, Jagger, KL, and Cochrane-Snyman, KC. Match-play external load and internal load in NCAA Division II women's soccer. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-The purpose of this study was to describe average match-play demands for NCAA DII women's soccer, including positional and time-specific differences, and relationships between variables. External load was assessed using total distance, relative distance, sprint distance, number of power plays, peak speed, and Player Load. Internal load was assessed using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Mixed factor analysis of variance was used to assess time by position (midfielder, forward, or defender) for dependent measures. Correlations were assessed between separate pair groups. Average match-play demands included 9,463 ± 2,591 m total distance, 172 ± 48 m·min-1 relative distance, 531 ± 301 m sprint distance, peak speeds of 26 ± 1.6 kph, 46.71 ± 21.75 power plays, and 457.84 ± 121.78 AU Player Load. Significant (p < 0.05) positional differences were found for total distance, Player Load, match load, and peak speed. Significant, moderate correlations were found between relative distance and match load, and sRPE and total distance, Player Load, and power plays (all p < 0.001). Results indicate there are positional differences within a women's DII soccer team, with midfielders accumulating the longest distances (10,509 ± 2,913 m) and greatest Player Load (527.79 ± 130.5 AU) and match load (576 ± 343 AU), forwards running the fastest peak speeds (26.8 ± 1.5 kph), and defenders maintaining most consistent performance. Match-play external and internal load data should be monitored by player position and half for DII women's soccer.

Anticipatory effects on side-step cutting biomechanics in Women’s Australian Football League players

ObjectivesReactive side-step cutting manoeuvres are linked to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in Women’s Australian Football League (AFLW) matches. We explored knee joint moments and ground reaction forces (GRFs) in...

Match-Play Demands and Anthropometric Characteristics of National and International Women's Fifteen-a-side Rugby Union: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Curtis, C, Mitchell, S, and Russell, M. Match-play demands and anthropometric characteristics of national and international women's, fifteen-a-side rugby union: a systematic scoping review. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-An increased professionalization within women's 15-a-side rugby union (R15s) has prompted greater sports science support and a need to better understand demands of the sport. Online database (PubMed, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus) searches were performed according to the PRISMA Scoping Review protocol. Studies were eligible if match-play demands or anthropometric characteristics of women's R15s players were investigated. After calibration exercises, the lead and senior authors independently quality assessed each study. A total of 1,068 studies were identified; 15 of which met the study criteria. The mean total match-play distance covered was 5,378 ± 626 m (forwards: 5,188 ± 667 m and backs: 5,604 ± 609 m), with first half values exceeding second half (2,922 ± 87 m vs. 2,876 ± 115 m). The mean relative distance (RD) (72.0 m·min-1) was greater than their male counterparts (64.2 m·min-1-68.2 m·min-1). Backs were exposed to more severe collisions compared with forwards (6 ± 1 vs. 5 ± 4). Work:rest ratios ranged between 1.0:0.7-1.0:0.9. Regarding anthropometric characteristics, the mean lean and fat mass was reported as 51.9 ± 5.2 kg and 18.6 ± 4.6 kg, respectively. The mean body fat percentage was 24.7 ± 5.4%. The mean bone mineral density and bone mineral content was 1.27 ± 0.04 g·cm-2 and 3.07 ± 0.2 kg, respectively. This scoping review summarizes the current evidence base and key findings relating to the match-play demands and anthropometric characteristics that can be used in practice to inform player welfare and sport science support to women's R15s players at a national and international standard. Numerous gaps in our understanding of how best to develop and optimize performance, physical demands, and anthropometric characteristics of women's R15s players remain.

Monitoring physical match performance relative to peak locomotor demands: implications for training professional soccer players.

This study aimed to analyse physical performance relative to peak locomotor demands of match play. Data were collected during 13 professional soccer matches. Initially, the 1-minute peak values were registered in each match, including the percentage of the total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD), sprinting distance (SPD), and high-metabolic load distance (HMLD), and a total of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (Acc+Dec). Secondly, the time (measured in minutes) spent at different percentage ranges for the 1-minute peak values registered in each match was calculated. Thirdly, the physical performance required in the different percentage ranges for the 1-minute peak values were obtained. Finally, the time and physical performance required above the 90-minute average demands were calculated. The 90-minute average for all playing positions represented ~53% of the total distance (TD), ~23.4% of high-metabolic load distance (HMLD), ~16% of high-speed running distance (HSRD), ~11% of the total of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (Acc+Dec), and ~6% of sprinting distance (SPD) for the 1-minute peak values. Likewise, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the physical performance and time spent between specific percentage ranges for the 1-minute peak locomotor demands were also noted. In addition, all the variables reported that the physical performance required for above 90-minute average demands were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than the 90-minute average demands. Therefore, these findings may guide the prescription of training intensity by considering the physical performance relative to the peak locomotor demands of match play.

A mini-review of youth soccer match-play simulations

The physical demands of football during match play have been observed, investigated and mimicked in a more controlled laboratory setting through a number of studies meant to resemble the activity of an actual soccer match. However, there have been variations in the simulation's design across studies. This mini-review aims to assemble and align various protocols in simulating youth soccer match play in order to identify and assess the viability of combining numerous simulations into various research in the sport. This article is the first narrative review to discuss numerous protocols used in research towards reproducing youth soccer match-play demands in a laboratory-controlled environment.

Differences across Playing Levels for Match-Play Physical Demands in Women's Professional and Collegiate Soccer: A Narrative Review.

Advancements in sport technology have made quantifying match-play external load (e.g., total distance, sprint distance, number of sprints) a popular option for athletics personnel. These variables of volume and intensity are useful for both objectively monitoring training in field-based sports and for designing training programs. As physical abilities differ across playing levels, match-play demands likely also differ. This narrative review compiles and compares the match-play external load data for women’s soccer at the professional and collegiate levels. Databases were searched through July 2022, yielding 13 primary articles that assessed the match-play demands of women’s soccer (3 professional, 8 Division I, 1 Division II, and 1 Division III). The results indicate that the average total distance covered were similar between the professional, Division I and Division III levels, but the variability was greater among Division III compared to professional and Division I players. Data for Division II are scarce, but the total distance covered appears to be less than for professional, Division I and Division III. There was also large variability for sprint distance and number of sprints across data at all playing levels. Considering the lack of studies of Division II and Division III players, more research is necessary to determine how playing level may affect external load profiles, as isolated studies likely only reflect data from isolated teams.

LAB-CONTROLLED SOCCER: A REVIEW OF SOCCER MATCH-PLAY SIMULATIONS

Soccer is the most popular sport that has attracted not only participants and spectators, but also numerous researchers into studying a myriad of disciplines relating to the sport. The demands of the sport have been observed, studied, and replicated to be reproduced in a more controlled, laboratory setting in forms of various exercise protocols designed to mimic actual soccer match-play. However, the development and selection of a simulation has varied across studies. This review aims to compile and align various protocols in simulating soccer match-play to identify and evaluate the feasibility of incorporating different simulations into various studies in the sport. Overground and treadmill simulations may offer cost efficient reproduction of soccer match-play demands, with arguably the best control for uniform exertion to reduce injuries during simulations. This paper is the first narrative review to discuss numerous protocols used in research towards reproducing soccer match-play demands in a lab-controlled environment.

Dietary Nitrate Does Not Improve Neuromuscular Performance And Match-play Demands In Elite Female Hockey Players.

PURPOSE: Beetroot juice is a commonly used ergogenic aid that contains high levels of inorganic nitrate (NO3-) and that its intake has proven effectivity at increasing blood nitric oxide (NO) concentrations. The ingestion of beetroot juice has shown good evidence of benefits in endurance sports while team sports has been barely studied. In our knowledge, only a few studies have been developed in team sports athletes. The present study was designed to compare the acute effects of beetroot juice supplementation on physical performance and match-play demands in elite female field hockey players METHODS: Eleven well-trained female hockey players (22.78 ± 5.12 years) participated during the preparatory period of their hockey season in this study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups undergoing a neuromuscular test battery with ingestion of 70 mL beetroot juice (6.4 mmol NO3-) or 70 mL placebo (0.04 mmol NO3-) in two separated days with one week between protocols. A neuromuscular test battery consisted in different test such as; countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric handgrip strength (IHS), and repeated sprint ability test (RSA) were realized. Afterwards a simulated hockey match play (2 x 20 minutes) was realized and the data was recorded by Global Positioning System (GPS). RESULTS: No significant improvements were observed in any physical parameters analysed comparing beetroot juice versus placebo ingestion, CMJ (p = 0.776), IHS (p = 0.829), RSA (p = 0.466). Therefore, no differences were reported in any physical match demands measured by GPS (i.e., total distance covered, number of accelerations/decelerations, etc) (p = 0.063-0.941) CONCLUSIONS: Beetroot juice acute supplementation did not produce any statistically significant improvement in physical performance or match-play demands in elite female field hockey players

Fixture Congestion has Minimal Impact on External Workloads in Collegiate Soccer Players

Introduction: Advances in GPS technology have allowed for the measurement of soccer players’ external workloads in competition. While short collegiate seasons with fixture congestion may pose challenges for sustained performance, no study has determined if objective measures of performance are impacted by game congestion in college soccer players. Methods: External workload variables were measured using the Polar Team Pro™ GPS device (n=19 players). Data were normalized by minutes played to account for discrepancies in playing time. Paired samples T-test was used to determine if workloads were different between the first and second games of “double-header” weekends (n=14 games). Results: In second games, sprints were significantly reduced compared to first games (0.49 ± 0.2 vs. 0.41 ± 0.1, p= 0.005), with decelerations tending to be lower (1.58 ± 0.4 vs. 1.43 ± 0.4, p= 0.06). However, there were no differences in total distance (133.3 ± 38.8 m vs. 129 ± 32.2 m, p= 0.54), high speed running (45.1 ± 13.1 vs. 47.7 ± 13.9 m, p= 0.26) and accelerations (1.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.6 ± 0.4, p= 0.13) respectively. Conclusions: We note a small but significant difference in sprint distance with fixture congestion, despite no reduction in total distance run, high-speed running, or accelerations. These findings are unexpected due to the high demands of match play and limited recovery time between games.

What are the significant turning demands of match play of an English Premier League soccer team?

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare the significant turning demands of English Premier League soccer match play relative to playing position using LiDAR technology. Turning data were collected from an English Premier League soccer team (2020–2021 season; 18 fixtures) using a Sportlight® LiDAR tracking system. Turns were tracked during match play, sub-categorised by entry speed (<3.0, 3.0–5.5, 5.5–7.0 and >7.0 m/s) and turning angle (Low: 20–59°; Medium: 60–119°; High: 120–180°). Turning metric frequencies were compared between playing positions (centre backs, full-backs, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and central forwards). On average, per match, central midfielders performed more total turns (~38 vs ~18–27), turns with entry speeds <3.0 (~15 vs ~7–10) and 3.0–5.5 m/s (~21 vs ~8–15) and low (~4 vs ~1–2), medium (~10 vs ~3–6) and high angled turns (~24 vs ~12–18) compared to all other playing positions (p ≤ 0.001, d = 0.96–2.74). Approximately, 90% of turns during matches were performed with entry speeds <5.5 m/s and ~63–70% were high angled turns. This study provides unique insights into the turning demands of English Premier League soccer matches , which can be used to inform position-specific physical preparation strategies, turning testing battery selection, agility drill construction, and rehabilitation and return to play standards.

Science and Hurling: A Review.

Hurling is one of the world’s fastest field sports. Since the last review of science and Gaelic sports in 2008, there has been an increase in sports science provisions across elite and sub-elite cohorts, resulting in increased hurling-specific literature equating to an additional 111 research investigations into the game across all sports science disciplines. The present review aims to provide an updated analysis of the current research on the game and propose recommendations for future research. Overall, intermittent aerobic fitness remains an important physical quality during competition, with a focus on games-based training methodologies within the literature. Within the current review, we provide updated normative data on the running demands, physiological responses, and anthropometric and performance profiles of hurling players. The increased literature across the sport has led to the development of a hurling-specific simulation, that can now be utilised practically in training and research processes for hurling cohorts. Furthermore, the monitoring of internal and external training loads across training and match environments, in addition to response variables such as well-being, appears to have become more prominent, allowing practitioners to design training regimes to achieve optimal dose and response characteristics. Analysing the game from a scientific perspective can allow for more efficient preparatory practices, to meet the specific requirements of players at all age levels. Collaborative research among the various sports science disciplines, is required to identify strategies to reduce the incidence of injury and enhance performance in hurling. The current review provides updated information to coaches and practitioners regarding position-specific physical qualities, and match-play demands that can concurrently support the training process within hurling.

Comparing the Current Training Running Demands of Elite Camogie Players to Competitive Match-Play.

Training to meet match-play demands is a primary objective in an athlete’s preparation for their games. Despite camogie match-play running demands being available, how current training practices compare, specifically individual training components, remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate and compare current elite camogie training to match-play demands. Thirty-three (n = 33) elite camogie players wore 10 Hz Playertek GPS units during twenty-five training sessions and ten competitive matches. Training sessions were analysed using ball-in-play time and split into warm-ups, drills, small-sided games, running, and training matches. Metrics were converted into relative terms (per minute), to allow comparisons. Players cover significantly greater (p < 0.05) total distance (non-parametric standardised effect sizes (r = 0.45)), peak speed (r = 0.45), high-speed running (r = 0.13), sprint distance (r = 0.20), and total decelerations (r = 0.12–0.22) during match-play than training. Relatively, players cover significantly greater distance during running, small-sided games, and training matches compared to match-play (r = 0.21–0.29). Compared with match-play, running results in significantly greater high-speed running and sprint distance (r = 0.18–0.41), with greater accelerations (3–4 m∙s−2) during warm-ups, running, and small-sided games (r = 0.14–0.28). Current total training demands seem to fall behind match-play. However, relatively, training matches and small-sided games match or surpass competitive match-play demands. These findings may be utilised in preparing camogie teams for competition.

The demands of training and match-play on elite and highly trained junior tennis players: A systematic review

Objective Talented junior tennis players are exposed to high training loads and congested competition schedules. Understanding the demands of training and competition is important to prescribe training and recovery programmes that optimise performance. The purpose of this study was to systematically review and appraise the literature available on training and match-play demands in an elite and highly trained junior tennis population to inform practice and future research opportunities. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus databases was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines in November 2021. The following keywords were used: ‘tennis’, ‘match-play’, ‘match’, ‘training’, ‘drill’, ‘practice’, ‘coaching’, ‘session’, ‘competition’ and ‘tournament’. Filters were applied to retrieve articles conducted on junior tennis players. Results The search returned an initial 879 articles. Following the screening process, 21 articles were accepted for analysis. Articles were organised into four themes: training demands, match-play, court surface and recovery. Results highlighted that training sessions failed to induce the same physiological and perceptual demands imposed by tournament match-play. Rallies were 22% longer on clay courts, and associated with increased playing time, heart rate, blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion compared with hard court surfaces. Competing in multiple matches per day negatively impacted performance indices including jumping, sprinting and change of direction. Increased ratings of muscle soreness, fatigue and pain were also reported. Conclusion Additional work is warranted to substantiate these findings and determine the efficacy of current training strategies and competition demands imposed on elite and highly trained junior tennis players.

The influence of the field orientation on physical demands in soccer small-sided games

The aim of this study was to compare the physical demands of SSG with either greater length (SSGlength) or width (SSGwidth) with official soccer matches. Sixteen Brazilian U-20 national-level soccer players participated in two sessions with SSGlength (4v4, 40 m length and 26 m width) and two sessions with SSGwidth (4v4, 26 m length and 40 m width). External and internal load variables were monitored and compared to official games (12.8 ± 8.9 games per player). Data were standardized to the time and compared between the experimental conditions by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures (level of significance set at p &lt; 0.05). The effect size was calculated by the partial ETA squared (ɳ p2). Results showed that the total distance covered during SSGlength was significantly higher compared to official matches (8.1%; p = 0.001) and SSGwidth (5.2%; p = 0.049). Highest values were registered in the matches when compared to SSGlength and SSGwidth for high-speed distance, sprint distance, maximal speed and number of sprints. The number of accelerations was significantly lower during official matches than SSGwidth (36.5%; p = 0.002) and SSGlength (45.0%; p &lt; 0.001). The number of high-speed actions was higher in official games when compared to SSGwidth (47.1%; p &lt; 0.001). No differences were found between matches and SSGlength ( p = 0.059). We concluded that the physical demands of the 4v4 SSGs adopted in this study were different from the physical demands of official match play. The use of a field with a greater width rather than length does not appear to make the physical demands of the SSG more similar to the official games.

Activity profile and physiological demand of padel match play

Padel is a complex sport within which performance relies on the interrelation of multiple factors such as physiological and physical capacities, psychological skills, and tactical and technical knowledge. Padel match involves intermittent whole-body efforts, evidenced by a large number of strokes and repeated high-intensity running actions such as accelerations, decelerations and changes of direction. Due to its recent creation, little is known about the activity and energy demands of padel match play. The purpose of the present study was to systematically review physiological demands of padel match play by assessing parameters related to external load, such as notational analysis or time-motion studies, and internal load through the analysis of physiological responses during the match. The systematic review process was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and SportDiscus were searched using: (“padel” OR “pádel” OR “paddle tennis”). Twelve papers matched the inclusion criteria, from which four addressed internal load, six external load, and two analyzed both. A total of 203 padel players across all competition levels participated in the 12 selected studies. Study outcomes have probed prevalence of moderate physiological responses, low contribution of anaerobic glycolytic processes to supply energy, O2 not being a limiting factor, and moderate to relatively high perceived effort rate. The highest game durations were found in professional players. Work-to-rest ratios reaffirm the intermittent nature of padel. Distance covered per set and match as well as speed are reciprocally proportional to player’s standard level.

Position specific physical performance and running intensity fluctuations in elite women's football.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the physical performance of elite female football players during match play along with transient alterations in running performance following 1- and 5-min univariate peak periods. 54 elite female players from four top-level Norwegian teams were monitored for one season (n=393match observations), and physical performance data collected using STATSport GPS APEX. Results revealed significant differences in physical performance between the positions during full match play, particularly between wide and central players. Both full backs (FBs) and wide midfielders (WMs) covered more total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD), and sprint distance (SpD) than center backs (CBs) (p<0.05-0.001), while WMs also covered more HSRD than both central midfielders (CMs) (p<0.01) and forwards (FWs) (p<0.05), and more acceleration -and deceleration distance (Accdist and Decdist ) than both CBs and CMs (p<0.01-0.001). A similar pattern was observed for the peak period analysis, with FBs and WMs covering more SpD in peak 1min than CBs and CM (p<0.001) and more SpD in peak 5-min than CBs, CMs, and FWs (p<0.001). Irrespective of the variable analyzed, greater distances were covered during the peak 5-min period than in the next-5 and mean 5-min periods (p<0.001). Significant (p<0.001), but small to trivial (Cohen's Dz : 0.07-0.20), decreases in distance covered were also observed for each variable following each univariate peak 5-min period. In conclusion, practitioners should account for differences in physical performance when developing training programs for female football players and be aware of transient reductions in physical performance following univariate peak 1- and 5-min periods. Specifically, the very high intensity in 1-min peak periods adds support to the principal of executing speed endurance activities during training to mirror and be prepared for the physical demands of match play.

Evidence and Application of Athlete Monitoring Programs in National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Soccer: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women's soccer players spend 2–3 weeks in preseason, followed by 12–14 weeks in the competitive season. Because of a short, intense preseason followed by the long competitive season, athlete monitoring programs would play an important role in maximizing physical preparation and match performance while minimizing unfavorable adaptations and fatigue during the NCAA Division I collegiate women's soccer competitive season. Athlete monitoring measures can be used to assess training load (TL), the response to TL, and a player's physical and psychological readiness to train or play during the competitive season. Session rating of perceived exertion and global navigation satellite system measures are common load monitoring measures, whereas subjective recovery and stress questionnaires, heart rate measures, performance tests, and biochemical measures are monitoring measures to estimate the response to TL. This article aims to review the roles of these athlete monitoring measures and provide the physical performance demands of women's soccer match play and athlete monitoring strategies. Furthermore, this article provides practitioner examples of athlete monitoring programs based on NCAA Division I women's soccer match schedules and limitations.