Most Demanding Period in a Football Match - Fabio Nakamura & Alberto Fílter | FSI Talks 9

This episode focuses on the concept of the Most Demanding Period (MDP) in football, exploring the moments when the physical and physiological demands on players peak during a match.

Alberto Fílter · @alberto.filter

September 5, 2024 |

8 minutes

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In the ninth episode of FSI Talks, we dive into an engaging discussion about the Most Demanding Period.

Alberto Fílter, coordinator of FSI Lab, speaks with Fabio Nakamura, Associate Professor at Universidade da Maia and Director of FSI Lab.

During the podcast, the audience will learn everything from identifying and measuring the MDP to its relationship with injuries and how to prepare for these demands. This episode provides in-depth insights into one of the most critical aspects of football performance.

What is the Most Demanding Period?

The Most Demanding Period (MDP) refers to the periods of highest intensity during a match, typically identified through GPS systems or physical load data analysis. According to Fabio Nakamura, football is a highly unpredictable sport, characterized by high-intensity moments such as sprints, duels, and changes of direction. These periods are not uniform and can vary between players and even during different moments of the match.

“The MDP is not a single moment that occurs for all players simultaneously; it depends on the context, position, and physical condition of each player,” explains Nakamura.

The importance of the Most Demanding Period in Football Performance

Understanding and preparing players for the Most Demanding Period is crucial for optimizing their performance. Nakamura highlights that traditional training sessions do not always replicate the demands observed during matches. For instance, drills may fail to reach the necessary intensity levels in terms of sprints or accelerations.

Inadequate preparation can lead to undertraining, negatively affecting player performance during critical moments of the game. Therefore, Fabio emphasizes the importance of designing specific drills that simulate the demands of the MDP, adjusting loads based on the individual profile of each player.

Factors Influencing the MDP

The Most Demanding Period is influenced by several contextual and positional factors, including:

Match timing: While MDPs often occur in the first 15 minutes of a match, studies show they can happen at any point, even in the final minutes, depending on the game’s circumstances.
Player position: Center-backs generally exhibit less intense MDPs compared to full-backs or midfielders, due to differences in roles and movements on the field.
Away matches: Fabio notes that teams often show higher MDP values during away games, possibly due to tactical and psychological factors.
Match context: Specific moments in the game, such as offensive or defensive transitions, are more likely to generate MDPs, underscoring the importance of integrating tactical analysis into the study of these periods.

Most Demanding Period and Injury Prevention

A critical topic discussed is the relationship between the MDP and injuries, particularly muscle injuries such as hamstring strains. While there is no direct causal link, Nakamura cites studies suggesting that injuries are more likely to occur after high-intensity periods when players are fatigued.

“The transient fatigue following the MDP can increase the likelihood of injuries, making it crucial to monitor and manage these demands,” comments Nakamura.

How to Measure the Most Demanding Period: Internal vs. External Metrics

Currently, most studies rely on external metrics obtained through GPS, such as total distance, high-intensity distance, and sprints. However, Nakamura points out that these metrics are insufficient to capture the physiological impact of the MDP on each player.

The integration of internal metrics, such as heart rate, can provide a more comprehensive view of the player’s effort, enabling coaches to better adjust workloads and prevent overtraining or injuries.

Preparation for the MDP: Practical Tips

Fabio offers key recommendations to prepare players for MDPs:

Individualized Training: Design exercises that consider each player’s physical and tactical profile. For example, adjust sprint zones according to individual maximum speeds.
Transition Games: These exercises can better simulate MDP demands by combining physical, technical, and tactical aspects.
Analytical Training: Often underestimated, high-intensity training, such as repeated intervals or sprints, is effective for preparing players for the demands of MDPs.
Continuous Monitoring: Regularly update individual metrics based on recent match data to provide more precise preparation tailored to each player’s needs.

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Post Author

Alberto Fílter

Coordinator of FSI Lab and Host at FSI Talks

Alberto Fílter holds a Ph.D. in Football from Pablo de Olavide University in Seville, as well as a Master’s in High Performance Physical and Sports Training from the same institution.

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Most Demanding Period in a Football Match | FSI Talks 9