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Impact of Transition Games on External and Internal Loads in Youth Players
Transition games (TGs) have become an essential tool in soccer training, especially for injured or substitute players. A recent study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics, conducted by the team at FSI Lab, delves into how different TG formats affect the physical and perceptual loads of elite youth players.
Juan Gámez Casado · @juangamezc
December 12, 2024
7 minutes
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This work, led by José Asián-Clemente, Academic Director at FSI Training, and Bernardo Requena, co-founder of FSI, reinforces the prestige of our organization in applied sports research.
Study Objective
The study had two main objectives:
Compare the external loads (such as speed and distance covered) and internal loads (such as perceived effort) of three TG formats:
1 vs. 0: No opposition, striker against goalkeeper.
1 vs. 1Front: A defender positioned between the striker and the goal.
1 vs. 1Behind: A defender positioned behind the striker.
Assess the impact of these TGs on speed and strength tests before and after the drills.
Study Methodology
Eighteen U-15 players from a professional academy were monitored using advanced GPS systems to record key variables such as:
Maximum speed (PeakV).
Distance covered at high speed (≥24 km/h).
Accelerations and decelerations (>2.5 m/s² and <-2.5 m/s²).
Perceived effort (RPE).
Additionally, vertical jump tests (CMJ) and 15- and 30-meter sprints were conducted before and after the TGs to evaluate fatigue.
Key Results
Differences in External Loads
Maximum speed (PeakV): The 1 vs. 1Behind format achieved the highest speeds (30.04 ± 1.17 km/h), significantly surpassing the other formats.
Distance covered at high speed (≥24 km/h): The 1 vs. 1Behind format also led this indicator, with 351.72 ± 56.38 meters, showcasing its capacity to generate high-intensity efforts.
Decelerations: The 1 vs. 1Front format stood out in this aspect, reflecting the complexity of defensive actions in this configuration.
Impact on Fatigue Tests
All formats reduced sprint and jump performance after TGs, but the 1 vs. 1Front format generated higher levels of neuromuscular fatigue.
Internal Loads (RPE):
Perceived effort was higher in the formats with opposition (1 vs. 1Front and 1 vs. 1Behind), highlighting the additional cognitive load they entail.
Practical Applications
The results highlight the versatility of TGs in addressing various physical and tactical objectives:
1 vs. 0: Ideal for rehabilitation and explosive work without opposition.
1 vs. 1Behind: Optimal for training maximum speed and prolonged high-intensity efforts.
1 vs. 1Front: Designed to improve decelerations and decision-making under pressure.
Their adaptability also allows them to be integrated into sessions with few players, such as post-match recovery days (MD+1) or during substitute recovery sessions, replicating match demands.
FSI Lab and its Scientific Commitment
The study confirms that the presence and position of opponents in TGs significantly modulate the external and internal loads of players, offering a valuable tool to optimize performance and reduce injury risks.
This work represents another step in FSI Lab’s commitment to applied sports research. Led by renowned professionals like José Asián-Clemente and Bernardo Requena, we reaffirm our mission to generate knowledge that drives sporting excellence.
Want to Stay Updated on the Latest News?
Stay informed about everything happening in the FSI Training ecosystem by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media.
Post Author
Community Manager at FSI Training
Table Of Contents
Would you be interested in growing as a football researcher?
Impact of Transition Games on External and Internal Loads in Youth Players
Transition games (TGs) have become an essential tool in soccer training, especially for injured or substitute players. A recent study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics, conducted by the team at FSI Lab, delves into how different TG formats affect the physical and perceptual loads of elite youth players.
December 12, 2024 |
7 minutes
This work, led by José Asián-Clemente, Academic Director at FSI Training, and Bernardo Requena, co-founder of FSI, reinforces the prestige of our organization in applied sports research.
Study Objective
The study had two main objectives:
Compare the external loads (such as speed and distance covered) and internal loads (such as perceived effort) of three TG formats:
1 vs. 0: No opposition, striker against goalkeeper.
1 vs. 1Front: A defender positioned between the striker and the goal.
1 vs. 1Behind: A defender positioned behind the striker.
Assess the impact of these TGs on speed and strength tests before and after the drills.
Study Methodology
Eighteen U-15 players from a professional academy were monitored using advanced GPS systems to record key variables such as:
Maximum speed (PeakV).
Distance covered at high speed (≥24 km/h).
Accelerations and decelerations (>2.5 m/s² and <-2.5 m/s²).
Perceived effort (RPE).
Key Results
Differences in External Loads
Maximum speed (PeakV): The 1 vs. 1Behind format achieved the highest speeds (30.04 ± 1.17 km/h), significantly surpassing the other formats.
Distance covered at high speed (≥24 km/h): The 1 vs. 1Behind format also led this indicator, with 351.72 ± 56.38 meters, showcasing its capacity to generate high-intensity efforts.
Decelerations: The 1 vs. 1Front format stood out in this aspect, reflecting the complexity of defensive actions in this configuration.
Impact on Fatigue Tests
All formats reduced sprint and jump performance after TGs, but the 1 vs. 1Front format generated higher levels of neuromuscular fatigue.
Internal Loads (RPE):
Perceived effort was higher in the formats with opposition (1 vs. 1Front and 1 vs. 1Behind), highlighting the additional cognitive load they entail.
Practical Applications
The results highlight the versatility of TGs in addressing various physical and tactical objectives:
1 vs. 0: Ideal for rehabilitation and explosive work without opposition.
1 vs. 1Behind: Optimal for training maximum speed and prolonged high-intensity efforts.
1 vs. 1Front: Designed to improve decelerations and decision-making under pressure.
Their adaptability also allows them to be integrated into sessions with few players, such as post-match recovery days (MD+1) or during substitute recovery sessions, replicating match demands.
FSI Lab and its Scientific Commitment
The study confirms that the presence and position of opponents in TGs significantly modulate the external and internal loads of players, offering a valuable tool to optimize performance and reduce injury risks.
This work represents another step in FSI Lab’s commitment to applied sports research. Led by renowned professionals like José Asián-Clemente and Bernardo Requena, we reaffirm our mission to generate knowledge that drives sporting excellence.
Want to Stay Updated on the Latest News?
Stay informed about everything happening in the FSI Training ecosystem by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media.
Post Author
Community Manager at FSI Training
Would you be interested in growing as a football researcher?
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