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Int J Sports Med 2006; 27(6): 483-492
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-865839
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Physiological and Performance Effects of Generic versus Specific Aerobic Training in Soccer Players

F. M. Impellizzeri1 , S. M. Marcora2 , C. Castagna3 , T. Reilly4 , A. Sassi1 , F. M. Iaia1 , E. Rampinini1
  • 1Human Performance Lab, S. S. MAPEI, Castellanza, Varese, Italy
  • 2School of Sport, Health, and Exercise Sciences, University of Wales-Bangor, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
  • 3School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
  • 4Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: 4. Juni 2005

Publication Date:
30 August 2005 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of specific (small-sided games) vs. generic (running) aerobic interval training on physical fitness and objective measures of match performance in soccer. Forty junior players were randomly assigned to either generic (n = 20) or specific (n = 20) interval training consisting of 4 bouts of 4 min at 90 - 95 % of maximum heart rate with 3 min active rest periods, completed twice a week. The following outcomes were measured at baseline (Pre), after 4 weeks of pre-season training (Mid), and after a further 8 weeks of training during the regular season (Post): maximum oxygen uptake, lactate threshold (Tlac), running economy at Tlac, a soccer-specific endurance test (Ekblom's circuit), and indices of physical performance during soccer matches (total distance and time spent standing, walking, and at low- and high-intensity running speed). Training load, as quantified by heart rate and rating of perceived exertion, was recorded during all training sessions and was similar between groups. There were significant improvements in aerobic fitness and match performance in both groups of soccer players, especially in response to the first 4 weeks of pre-season training. However, no significant differences between specific and generic aerobic interval training were found in any of the measured variables including soccer specific tests. The results of this study showed that both small-sided games and running are equally effective modes of aerobic interval training in junior soccer players.

Key words

Small-sided games - aerobic fitness - match analysis - football - interval training

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Franco M. Impellizzeri

Human Performance Lab, S.S. MAPEI

Via Don Minzoni, 34

21053, Castellanza (VA)

Italy

Phone: + 390331575757

Fax: + 39 03 31 57 57 28

Email: fm.impellizzeri@aliceposta.it

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