The Maximal Intensity Period: Rationalising its Use in Team Sports Practice

Quantifying the highest intensity of competition (the maximal intensity period [MIP]) for varying durations in team sports has been used to identify training targets to inform the preparation of players. However, its usefulness has recently been questioned since it may still underestimate the training intensity required to produce specific physiological adaptations. Within this conceptual review, we aimed to: (i) describe the methods used to determine the MIP; (ii) compare the data obtained using MIP or whole-match analysis, considering the influence of different contextual factors; (iii) rationalise the use of the MIP in team sports practice and (iv) provide limitations and future directions in the area. Different methods are used to determine the MIP, with MIP values far greater than those derived from averaging across the whole match, although they could be affected by contextual factors that should be considered in practice. Additionally, while the MIP might be utilised during sport-specific drills, it is inappropriate to inform the intensity of interval-based, repeated sprint and linear speed training modes. Lastly, MIP does not consider any variable of internal load, a major limitation when informing training practice. In conclusion, practitioners should be aware of the potential use or misuse of the MIP.

The effect of intense exercise periods on physical and technical performance during elite Australian Football match-play: A comparison of experienced and less experienced players

OBJECTIVES

The physical and technical responses of experienced (≥5 years) and less experienced (1-4 years) elite Australian Football (AF) players were compared following the most intense passages of match-play.

DESIGN

Descriptive cohort study.

METHODS

Time-motion analyses were performed using global positioning systems (MinimaxX S4, Catapult Innovations, Melbourne, Australia) on one elite AF team during 13 matches. The global positioning data were categorised into total distance, low-speed activity (0-2.78ms(-1)), moderate-speed running (2.79-4.14ms(-1)) and high-speed running (≥4.15ms(-1)) distances. A standardised 5-point technical coding criteria was used to rate the number and quality of skill involvements during match-play.

RESULTS

Following the most intense 3-min running period the experienced players covered greater distances at high-speeds in match quarters two (effect size, ES=0.42±0.30) and three (ES=0.38±0.33) than their less experienced counterparts. Compared with less experienced players, experienced players performed more skill involvements during the second quarter (ES=0.42±0.33) and fourth quarter peak 3-min bouts of exercise intensity (ES=0.40±0.30) and quarter one (ES=0.49±0.29) and three subsequent periods (ES=0.33±0.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Less experienced players exhibited greater reductions in physical and technical performance following peak periods of match-play. These findings suggest that training may require a greater emphasis on developing the ability of less experienced players to maintain physical performance and gain possession of the football following intense periods of match-play.

Time-motion analysis of acceleration demands of 4v4 small-sided soccer games played on different pitch sizes

We aimed to quantify the time-motion characteristics and technical demands of small-sided soccer games (SSGs) played on small, medium and large pitches using a high frequency non-differential global positioning system (NdGPS) that allowed assessment of acceleration and deceleration patterns. Eight male soccer players competed in SSGs comprising 4×4min quarters (3min recovery) on small (30×20m) medium (40×30m) and large (50×40m) pitch sizes. Time motion analysis using a NdGPS positioning system quantified distance covered sprinting (⩾6.7ms(-1)), high speed running (⩾5.8ms(-1)) and low (1-2ms(-2)), medium (2-3ms(-2)) and high (>3ms(-2)) acceleration. The frequency of common technical actions (passing, turning, dribbling, shooting, tackling, heading and interceptions) was performed using a hand notation system. SSGs played on medium and large pitches had a greater physical demand than on small pitches, with significantly more distance covered in all movement categories. Total distance covered in acceleration categories ranged from 230±111 (small pitch) to 356±72m (medium pitch). The small pitch imposed a greater technical demand on players (more passes, shots and tackles) compared to medium and large pitches. The study provides novel data demonstrating the acceleration patterns observed in SSGs are relatively greater than those observed during professional match play. Thus SSGs might offer a "density" type conditioning stimulus. Practitioners should be aware that changes in pitch size impact both the physical and technical demands of SSGs.