Impact of Transition Games on External and Internal Loads in Young Players

Transition games (TGs) have become an essential tool in football training, especially for injured or substitute players. A recent study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics, developed by the FSI Lab team, delves into how different TG formats affect the physical and perceptual loads of young elite players.

Juan Gámez Casado · @juangamezc

December 12, 2024 |

7 minutes

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This work, led by José Asián-Clemente, academic director of FSI Training, and Bernardo Requena, co-founder of FSI, reinforces the prestige of our organization in applied sports research.

Objective of the Study

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. 1 Front: With a defender positioned between the striker and the goal.
- 1 vs. 1 Behind: With a defender behind the striker.
Evaluate the impact of these TGs on speed and strength tests before and after the tasks.

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).
Aceleraciones y desaceleraciones (>2.5 m/s² y <-2.5 m/s²).
Perceived effort (RPE).

Additionally, vertical jump tests (CMJ) and 15- and 30-meter sprints were measured before and after the TGs to assess fatigue.

Main results

Differences in external loads

Maximum speed (PeakV): The 1 vs. 1 Behind format reached 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. 1 Behind also led this indicator, with 351.72 ± 56.38 meters, demonstrating its ability to generate high-intensity efforts.
Decelerations: The 1 vs. 1 Front format stood out in this aspect, reflecting the complexity of defensive actions in this setup.

Impact on fatigue tests

All formats reduced performance in sprints and jumps after the TGs, but the 1 vs. 1 Front generated higher levels of neuromuscular fatigue.

Internal Loads (RPE):

Perceived effort was higher in the formats with opposition (1 vs. 1 Front and 1 vs. 1 Behind), highlighting the additional cognitive load they involve.

Practical applications

The results highlight the versatility of TGs to work on different physical and tactical objectives.

1 vs. 0: Ideal for rehabilitation and explosive work without opposition.
1 vs. 1 Behind: Optimal for training maximum speed and prolonged high-intensity efforts.
1 vs. 1 Front: Designed to improve decelerations and decision-making under pressure.

Additionally, their adaptability allows them to be integrated into sessions with few players, such as on days following matches (MD+1) or during the recovery of substitutes, replicating competition demands.

FSI Lab and its Scientific Commitment

The study confirms that the presence and position of opponents in the TGs significantly modulate the external and internal loads of players, providing 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 prominent professionals such as José Asián-Clemente and Bernardo Requena, we reaffirm our mission to generate knowledge that drives sports excellence.

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Post Author

Juan Gámez Casado

Community Manager at FSI Training

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Impact of Transition Games on External and Internal Loads in Young Players

Accede al paper gratis

December 12, 2024 |

7 minutes

This work, led by José Asián-Clemente, academic director of FSI Training, and Bernardo Requena, co-founder of FSI, strengthens the prestige of our organization in applied sports research.

Objective of the Study

The study had two main objectives:

Compare the external loads (such as speed and distance covered) and internal loads (such as perceived exertion) of three SSG formats.
- 1 vs. 0: Without opposition, attacker against goalkeeper.
- 1 vs. 1Front: With a defender positioned between the attacker and the goal.
- 1 vs. 1Behind: With a defender behind the attacker.
Evaluate the impact of these SSGs on speed and strength tests before and after the tasks.

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 y <-2.5 m/s²).
Perceived exertion (RPE).

Additionally, vertical jump tests (CMJ) and 15- and 30-meter sprints were measured before and after the SSGs to assess fatigue.