Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Endurance and Strength Training for Soccer Players

Physiological Considerations

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Sports Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Top soccer players do not necessarily have an extraordinary capacity in any of the areas of physical performance. Soccer training is largely based on the game itself, and a common recruitment pattern from player to coach and manager reinforces this tradition. New developments in understanding adaptive processes to the circulatory system and endurance performance as well as nerve and muscle adaptations to training and performance have given rise to more effective training interventions. Endurance interval training using an intensity at 90–95% of maximal heart rate in 3- to 8-minute bouts have proved to be effective in the development of endurance, and for performance improvements in soccer play. Strength training using high loads, few repetitions and maximal mobilisation of force in the concentric mode have proved to be effective in the development of strength and related parameters. The new developments in physical training have important implications for the success of soccer players. The challenge both for coaches and players is to act upon the new developments and change existing training practice.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Bangsbo J, Nørregaard L, Thorsøe F, et al. Activity profile of competition soccer. Can J Sport Sci 1991; 16: 110–6

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Smaros G. Energy usage during a football match. In: Vecciet L, editor. Proceedings of the 1st International Congress on Sports Medicine Applied to Football; 1980; Rome. Rome: D. Guanello, 1980: 795–801

  3. Shephard RJ. Biology and medicine of soccer: an update. J Sports Sci 1999; 17: 757–86

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Bangsbo J. Physiological demands. In: Ekblom B, editor. Football (soccer). London: Blackwell, 1994: 43–59

    Google Scholar 

  5. Reilly T. Physiological profile of the player. In: Ekblom B, editor. Football (soccer). London: Blackwell, 1994: 78–95

    Google Scholar 

  6. Van Gool D, Van Gerven D, Boutmans J. The physiological load imposed on soccer players during real match-play. In: Reilly T, Lees A, Davids K, et al., editors. Science and football. London: Spon, 1988: 51–9

    Google Scholar 

  7. Helgerud J, Ingjer F, Strømme SB. Sex differences in performance-matched marathon runners. Eur J Appl Physiol 1990; 61: 433–9

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Helgerud J, Engen LC, Wisløff U, et al. Aerobic endurance training improves soccer performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2001; 33: 1925–31

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. White JE, Emery TM, Kane JL, et al. Pre-season fitness profiles of professional soccer players. In: Reilly T, Lees A, Davis K, et al., editors. Science and football. London: Spon, 1988: 164–71

    Google Scholar 

  10. Tumilty D. Physiological characteristics of elite soccer players. Sports Med 1993; 16: 80–96

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Bangsbo J, Lindquist F. Comparison of various exercise tests with endurance performance during soccer in professional players. Int J Sports Med 1992; 13: 125–32

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Apor P. Successful formulae for fitness training. In: Reilly T, Lees A, Davis K, et al., editors. Science and football. London: Spon, 1988: 95–107

    Google Scholar 

  13. Davis J, Brewer J. Atkin D. Pre-season physiological characteristics of English first and second division soccer players. J Sports Sci 1992; 10: 541–7

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Nowacki PE, Cai DY, Buhl C, et al. Biological performance of German soccer players (professionals and juniors) tested by special ergometry and treadmill methods. In: Reilly T, Lees A, Davis K, et al., editors. Science and football. London: Spon, 1988: 145–57

    Google Scholar 

  15. Rhodes EC, Mosher RE, McKenzie DC, et al. Physiological profiles of the Canadian Olympic soccer team. Can J Appl Sport Sci 1986; 11: 31–6

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Thomas V, Reilly T. Fitness assessment of English League soccer players throughout the competitive season. Br J Sports Med 1979; 13: 103–9

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Williams C, Reid RM, Coutts R. Observation on the aerobic power of university rugby players and professional soccer players. Br J Sports Med 1973; 7: 390–1

    Google Scholar 

  18. Åstrand P-O, Rodahl K. Textbook of work physiology. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1986

    Google Scholar 

  19. Maughan RJ. Marathon running. In: Reilly T, Snell P, Williams C, et al., editors. Physiology of sports. London: Spon, 1969: 121–52

    Google Scholar 

  20. Pate RR, Kriska A. Physiological basis of the sex difference in cardiorespiratory endurance. Sports Med 1984; 1: 87–98

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Pollock ML. Submaximal and maximal working capacity of elite distance runners: part 1. Cardiorespiratory aspects. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1977; 301: 310–22

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Farrell PA, Wilmore JH, Coyle EF, et al. Plasma lactate accumulation and distance running performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1979; 11: 338–44

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Conley DL, Krahenbuhl GS. Running economy and distance running performance of highly trained athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1980; 12: 248–52

    Google Scholar 

  24. Di Prampero PE, Atcho G, Brückner JC, et al. The energetics of endurance running. Eur J Appl Physiol 1986; 55: 259–66

    Google Scholar 

  25. Bunc V, Heller J. Energy cost of running in similarly trained men and women. Eur J Appl Physiol 1989; 59: 178–83

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Saltin B. Maximal oxygen uptake: limitations and maleability. In: Nazar K, Terjung RT, editors. International perspectives in exercise physiology. Champaign (IL): Human Kinetics Publishers, 1990: 26–40

    Google Scholar 

  27. Strømme S, Ingjer F, Meen HD. Assessment of maximal aerobic power in specifically trained athletes. J Appl Physiol 1977; 42: 833–7

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Shephard RJ. Endurance fitness. 2nd ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1977

    Google Scholar 

  29. Piiper J, Scheid P. Model of capillary-alveolar equilibration with special reference to O2 uptake in hypoxia. Respir Physiol 1981; 46: 193–208

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Wagner PD. Algebraic analysis of the determinants of V̇O2max. Respir Physiol 1993; 93: 221–37

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Wagner PD. A theoretical analyses of factors determining V̇O2max at sea level and altitude. Respir Physiol 1996; 106: 329–43

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Powers SK, Laler J, Dempsey J, et al. Effects of incomplete pulmonary gas exchange on V̇O2max. J Appl Physiol 1989; 66: 2491–5

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Wagner PD. Central and peripheral aspects of oxygen transport and adaptations with exercise. Sports Med 1991; 11: 133–42

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Knight DR, Schaffartzik W, Poole DC, et al. Effects of hyperoxia on maximal leg O2 supply and utilization in humans. J Appl Physiol 1993; 75: 2586–94

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Richardson RS, Leigh JS, Wagner PD, et al. Cellular PO2 as a determinant of maximal mitochondrial O2 consumption in trained human skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol 1999; 87: 321–31

    Google Scholar 

  36. Roca J, Agusti AGN, Alonso A, et al. Effects of training on muscle O2 transport at V̇O2max. J Appl Physiol 1992; 73: 1067–76

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Davis JA. Anaerobic threshold: review of the concepts and directions of future research. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1985; 17: 6–18

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Brooks GA. Lactate production under fully aerobic conditions: the lactate shuttle during rest and exercise. Fed Proc 1986; 45: 2924–9

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Costill DL, Thomas H, Roberts E. Fractional utilization of the aerobic capacity during distance running. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1973; 5: 248–52

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Helgerud J. Maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold and running economy in women and men with similar performances level in marathons. Eur J Appl Physiol 1994; 68: 155–61

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Reilly T. Football. In: Reilly T, Secher N, Snell P, et al., editors. Physiology of sports. London: Spon, 1990: 371–426

    Google Scholar 

  42. Wisløff U, Helgerud J, Hoff J. Strength and endurance of elite soccer players. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998; 30: 462–7

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Bergh U, Sjødin B, Forsberg A, et al. The relationship between body mass and oxygen uptake during running in humans. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1991; 23: 205–11

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Green S. Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of South Australian soccer players. Aust J Sci Med Sport 1992; 24: 3–7

    Google Scholar 

  45. Bangsbo J. Quantification of anaerobic energy production during intense exercise. Med Sci Sport Exerc 1998; 30: 47–52

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Bosco C. Strength elasticity in football. In: Santilli G, editor. Sports medicine applied to football. Rome: CONI, 1990: 63–70

    Google Scholar 

  47. Margaria R, Aghemo P, Rovelli E. Measurement of muscular power (anaerobic) in man. J Appl Physiol 1966; 21: 1661–4

    Google Scholar 

  48. Di Prampero PE, Finera Limas F, Sassi G. Maximal muscular power, aerobic and anaerobic, in the athletes performing at the XIXth Olympic Games in Mexico. Ergonomics 1970; 13: 665–74

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Withers RT, Roberts RGD, Davies GJ. The maximum aerobic power, anaerobic power and body composition of South Australian male representatives in athletics, basketball, field hockey and soccer. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1977; 17: 391–400

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Balsom P. Evaluation of physical performance. In: Ekblom B, editor. Football (soccer). Oxford: Blackwell, 1994: 102–22

    Google Scholar 

  51. Smith M, Clark G, Hale T, et al. Blood lactate levels in college soccer players during match play. In: Reilly T, Clarys J, Stibbe A, editors. Science and football II. London: Spon, 1993: 129–34

    Google Scholar 

  52. Wagner PD. New ideas on limitations to V̇O2max. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2000; 1: 10–4

    Google Scholar 

  53. Richardson RS. What governs skeletal muscle V̇O2max?: new evidence. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000; 32: 100–7

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Higginbotham MB, Morris KG, Williams RS, et al. Regulation of stroke volume during submaximal and maximal upright exercise in normal man. Circ Res 1986; 58: 281–91

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Plotnick GD, Becker LC, Fisher ML, et al. Use of Frank-Starling mechanism during submaximal versus maximal upright exercise. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 1986; 251: H1101–5

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Ekblom B, Hermansen L. Cardiac output in athletes. J Appl Physiol 1968; 25: 619–25

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Gledhill N, Cox D, Jamnik R. Endurance athletes’ stroke volume does not plateau: major advantage in diastolic function. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1994; 26: 1116–21

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Zhou B, Conlee RK, Jensen R, et al. Stroke volume does not plateau during graded exercise in elite male distance runners. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2001; 33: 1849–54

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Hermansen L, Stensvold I. Production and removal of lactate during exercise in man. Acta Physiol Scand 1972; 86: 191–201

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. American College of Sports Medicine. Position stand: the recommended quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and flexibility in healthy adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998; 30: 975–91

    Google Scholar 

  61. Helgerud J, Kemi OJ, Hoff J. Pre-season concurrent strength and endurance development in elite soccer players. In: Hoff J, Helgerud J, editors. Football (soccer): new developments in physical training research. Trondheim: NTNU, 2002: 55–66

    Google Scholar 

  62. Pollock ML. The quantification of endurance training program. In: Wilmore JH, editor. Exercise and sport sciences review. New York: Academic Press Inc., 1973: 1, 155

    Google Scholar 

  63. Tabata IK, Nishimura K, Kouzaki M, et al. Effect of moderate-intensity endurance and high-intensity intermittent training on anaerobic capacity and V̇O2max. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1996; 28: 1327–30

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Wasserman K, Hansen JE, Sue DY, et al. Principles of exercise testing and interpretation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia (PA): Lea & Febiger, 1994: 17–32

    Google Scholar 

  65. Hoff J, Wisløff U, Engen LC, et al. Soccer specific aerobic endurance training. Br J Sports Med 2002; 36: 218–21

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Reilly T, Thomas V. A motion analysis of work-rate in different positional roles in professional football match-play. J Hum Mov Stud 1976; 2: 87–97

    Google Scholar 

  67. O’Donoghue P. Time-motion analysis of work rate in elite soccer. In: Tavares Mha F, editor. Notational analysis of sport IV: Centre for Team Sports Studies. Porto: Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Porto, 2001: 65–70

    Google Scholar 

  68. Ali A, Farrally M. A computer-video aided time-motion analysis technique for match analysis. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1991; 31: 82–8

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Bangsbo J. Time and motion characteristics of competition soccer. Sci Football 1992; 6: 34–40

    Google Scholar 

  70. Withers RT. Match analyses of Australian professional soccer players. J Hum Mov Stud 1982; 8: 159–76

    Google Scholar 

  71. De Proft E, Cabri J, Dufor W, et al. Strength training and kick performance in soccer players. In: Reilly T, Lees A, Davids K, et al., editors. Science and football. London: Spon, 1988: 108–13

    Google Scholar 

  72. Mangine RE, Noyes FR, Mullen MP, et al. A physiological profile of the elite soccer athlete. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1990; 12: 147–52

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Gauffin H, Ekstrand J, Arnesson L, et al. Vertical jump performance in soccer players: a comparative study of two training programs. J Hum Mov Stud 1989; 16: 159–76

    Google Scholar 

  74. Wisløff U, Castagna C, Helgerud J, et al. Maximal squat strength is strongly correlated to sprint performance in elite soccer players. Br J Sports Med. In press

  75. Raven P, Gettman L, Pollock M, et al. A physiological evaluation of professional soccer players. Br J Sports Med 1976; 109: 209–16

    Google Scholar 

  76. Thorstensson A, Hulten B, von Döbeln W, et al. Effect of strength training on enzyme activities and fibre characteristics in human skeletal muscle. Acta Physiol Scand 1976; 96: 932–98

    Google Scholar 

  77. Behm DG, Sale DG. Velocity specificity of resistance training. Sports Med 1993; 15: 374–88

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Sale DG. Neural adaptations in strength training. In: Komi P, editor. Strength and power in sport. London: Blackwell, 1992: 249–95

    Google Scholar 

  79. Schmidtbleicher D. Training for power event. In: Komi P, editor. Strength and power in sport. London: Blackwell, 1992: 381–95

    Google Scholar 

  80. Goldspink G. Cellular and molecular aspects of adaption in skeletal muscle. In: Komi P, editor. Strength and power in sport. London: Blackwell, 1992: 211–29

    Google Scholar 

  81. McDougall JD. Hypertrophy or hyperplasia. In: Komi P, editor. Strength and power in sport. London: Blackwell, 1992: 3–6

    Google Scholar 

  82. Tesch P, Larson L. Muscle hypertrophy in bodybuilders. Eur J Appl Physiol 1982; 49: 301–6

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Tesch PA. Short- and long-term histochemical and biological adaptations in muscle. In: Komi P, editor. Strength and power in sport. London: Blackwell, 1992: 381–395

    Google Scholar 

  84. Behm DG. Neuromuscular implications and applications of resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 1995; 4: 264–74

    Google Scholar 

  85. Rutherford OM, Jones A. The role of coordination in strength training. Eur J Appl Physiol 1986; 55: 100–5

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Freund HJ. Motor unit and muscle activity in voluntary motor control. Physiol Rev 1983; 63: 387–436

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Almåsbakk B, Hoff J. Coordination, the determinant of velocity specificity? J Appl Physiol 1996; 80: 2046–52

    Google Scholar 

  88. Moritani T, de Vries HA. Neural factors vs hypertrophy in time course of muscle strength gain. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 1979; 58: 115–30

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Komi PV. Training of muscle strength and power: interaction of neuromotoric, hypertrophic and mechanical factors. Int J Sports Med 1986; 7Suppl. 1: 10–6

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Jones DA, Rutherford OM. Human muscle strength training: the effects of three different regimes and the nature of the resultant changes. J Physiol 1987; 391: 1–11

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Hoff J, Almåsbakk B. The effects of maximum strength training on throwing velocity and muscle strength in female team-handball players. J Strength Cond Res 1995; 9: 255–8

    Google Scholar 

  92. Hoff J, Berdahl GO, Bråten S. Jumping height development and body weight considerations in ski jumping. In: Müller E, Schwameder H, Raschner C, et al., editors. Science and skiing II. Hamburg: Verlag Dr Kovac, 2001: 403–12

    Google Scholar 

  93. McDonagh MJN, Davies CTM. Adaptive response of mammalian skeletal muscle to exercise with high loads. Eur J Appl Physiol 1984; 52: 139–55

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Dons B, Bollerup K, Bonde-Pedersen F, et al. The effect of weight-lifting exercise related to muscle fibre composition and muscle cross-sectional area in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol 1979; 40: 95–106

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  95. Nardone A, Romano C, Schieppati M. Selective recruitment of high threshold motor units during voluntary isotonic lengthening of active muscles. J Physiol 1989; 409: 451–71

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  96. Schmidtbleicher D, Bührle M. Neuronal adaptation and increase of cross-sectional area studying different strength training methods. In: Johnson B, editor. Biomechanics XB. Champaign (IL): Human Kinetics, 1987: 615–20

    Google Scholar 

  97. Häkkinen K, Alén M, Komi PV. Neuromuscular, anaerobic, and aerobic performance characteristics of elite power athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol 1984; 53: 97–105

    Google Scholar 

  98. Bangsbo J. The physiological profile of soccer players. Sports Exerc Injury 1998; 4: 144–50

    Google Scholar 

  99. Bührle M, Schmidtbleicher D. The influence of maximal strength training on movement velocity [in German]. Leistungssport 1977; 7: 3–10

    Google Scholar 

  100. Hoff J, Helgerud J. Maximal strength training enhances running economy and aerobic endurance performance. In: Hoff J, Helgerud J, editors. Football (soccer): new developments in physical training research. Trondheim: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 2002: 39–55

    Google Scholar 

  101. Dudley GA, Djamil R. Incompatibility of endurance- and strength-training modes of exercise. J Appl Physiol 1985; 59: 1446–51

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  102. Hickson RC. Interference of strength development by simultanious training for strength and endurance. Eur J Appl Physiol 1980; 45: 255–63

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  103. Kraemer WJ, Patton JF, Gordon SE, et al. Compatibility of high-intensity strength and endurance training on hormonal and skeletal muscle adaptations. J Appl Physiol 1995; 73: 976–89

    Google Scholar 

  104. Chromiac JA, Mulvaney DR. A review: the effects of combined strength and endurance training on strength development. J Appl Sport Sci Res 1990; 4: 55–60

    Google Scholar 

  105. Hennessy LC, Watson AWS. The interference effects of training for strength and endurance simultaneously. J Strength Cond Res 1994; 8: 12–9

    Google Scholar 

  106. Hickson RC, Dvorak BA, Gorostiaga EM, et al. Potential for strength and endurance training to amplify endurance performance. J Appl Physiol 1988; 65: 2285–90

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  107. Costill DL, Branam G, Eddy D, et al. Determinants of marathon running success. Int Z Angew Physiol 1971; 29: 249–54

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Johnston RE, Quinn TJ, Kertzer R, et al. Strength training in female distance runners: impact on running economy. J Strength Cond Res 1997; 11: 224–9

    Google Scholar 

  109. Paavolainen L, Häkkinen K, Hämäläinen I, et al. Explosive strength training improve 5-km running time by improving running economy and muscle power. J Appl Physiol 1999; 86: 1527–33

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  110. Hoff J, Helgerud J, Wisløff U. Maximal strength training improves work economy in trained female cross-country skiers. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999; 31: 870–7

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  111. Hoff J, Gran A, Helgerud J. Maximal strength training improves aerobic endurance performance. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2002; 12: 288–95

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  112. Østerås H, Helgerud J, Hoff J. Maximal strength training effects on force-velocity and force-power relationships explain increases in aerobic performance in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol 2002; 88: 255–63

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  113. Hoff J, Helgerud J, Wisløff U. Endurance training into the next millenium: muscular strength training effects on aerobic endurance performance: a review. Am J Med Sports 2002; 4: 58–67

    Google Scholar 

  114. Nelson AG, Arnall DA, Loy SF, et al. Consequences of combining strength and endurance regimens. Phys Ther 1990; 70: 287–94

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the permission from the BMJ Publishing Group to reproduce figures from the British Journal of Sports Medicine 2002; 36: 219-21. No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this manuscript. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Medicine, NTNU, NO-7489, Trondheim, Norway

    Jan Hoff & Jan Helgerud

Authors
  1. Jan Hoff
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jan Helgerud
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jan Hoff.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hoff, J., Helgerud, J. Endurance and Strength Training for Soccer Players. Sports Med 34, 165–180 (2004). https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200434030-00003

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200434030-00003

Keywords

Search

Navigation