José Lincango Naranjo*

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9525-3307

jalincango1@espe.edu.ec

Leonardo Xavier Quintanilla Ayala*

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2535-6922

lxquintanilla@espe.edu.ec

Victor Vimos**

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2816-8783

vvimos@independientedelvalle.com

*Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí

**Club Deportivo Especializado Independiente del Valle, Sangolquí

(Ecuador)

Reception: 02/15/2022 - Acceptance: 04/19/2022

1st Review: 03/03/2022 - 2nd Review: 13/03/2022

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Suggested reference: Lincango Naranjo, J., Quintanilla Ayala, L.X., & Vimos, V. (2022). Physical Differences in Ecuadorian Professional Soccer Players in Microcycles vs. Matches. Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, 27(288), 97-109. https://doi.org/10.46642/efd.v27i288.3396

 

Abstract

    Introduction: The microcycles are structured to prepare the player competitively, organizing the physical abilities adapted to the soccer reality. Although a training model is a reality approximation, the game itself dictates characteristics to keep in mind. Objective: To compare the physical demands (total distance covered, maximum speed, player load and time/speed bands) that occur during a soccer match, with those that occur in microcycles. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Club Deportivo Especializado Independiente del Valle in the "Reserve" category, collecting data with GPS. Results: In the microcycle, 29 players (mean age 20.9 ± 1.1 years) were analyzed, and analyzing 20 players (mean age 21.0 ± 1.0 years) during match. The average total distance covered was greater during the matches (6,540.61 meters) compared to microcycles (3,961.64 meters) (p=0.001). Player load was higher during matches (734.59), and in microcycles (484.90) (p=0.001). Also, Band 4 (13.0-16.9 km/h), 5 (17.0-20.9 km/h), 6 (21.0-24.9 km/h), 7 (25.0-28.9 km/h) and Band 8 (>29.0 km/h) tend to be the most elapsed during matches compared to microcycles (p=0.001). The extremes were the ones that used the last two bands the most. Conclusions: The physical requirements in competition were not fully satisfied by the microcycle load. The number of training sessions, frequency and intensity that players receive only in certain sectors should be increased, without underestimating the player injuring risk.

    Keywords: Microcycles. Competition. GPS. Soccer. Training.

 

Resumen

    Introducción: Los microciclos se estructuran para preparar al jugador competitivamente, organizando las capacidades físicas adaptadas a la realidad del fútbol. Si bien un modelo de entrenamiento es una aproximación de la realidad, el juego en sí dicta características a tener presente. Objetivo: Comparar las demandas físicas (distancia total recorrida, velocidad máxima, carga de jugadores y franjas de tiempo/velocidad) que se producen durante un partido de fútbol, ​​con las que se producen en microciclos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en el Club Deportivo Especializado Independiente del Valle en la categoría “Reserva”, recolectando datos con GPS. Resultados: En el microciclo se analizaron 29 jugadores (edad media de 20,9 ± 1,1 años), y en partidos, 20 jugadores (edad media de 21,0 ± 1,0 años). La distancia total media recorrida fue mayor durante los partidos (6.540,61 metros) frente a los microciclos (3.961,64 metros) (p=0,001). La carga de jugadores fue mayor durante los partidos (734,59), y en los microciclos (484,90) (p=0,001). Además, Banda 4 (13,0-16,9 km/h), 5 (17,0-20,9 km/h), 6 (21,0-24,9 km/h), 7 (25,0-28,9 km/h) y Banda 8 (>29,0 km/h) tienden a ser los más transcurridos durante los partidos en comparación con los microciclos (p=0,001). Los extremos fueron los que más utilizaron las dos últimas bandas. Conclusiones: Los requerimientos físicos en competencia no fueron satisfechos en su totalidad por la carga del microciclo. Se debe aumentar el número de entrenamientos, frecuencia e intensidad que reciben los jugadores solo en determinados sectores, sin menospreciar el riesgo de lesionar al jugador.

    Palabras clave: Microciclos. Competición. GPS. Fútbol. Entrenamiento.

 

Resumo

    Introdução: Os microciclos são estruturados para preparar o jogador competitivamente, organizando as capacidades físicas adaptadas à realidade do futebol. Enquanto um modelo de treinamento é uma aproximação da realidade, o próprio jogo dita características a serem lembradas. Objetivo: Comparar as demandas físicas (distância total percorrida, velocidade máxima, carga do jogador e faixas de tempo/velocidade) que ocorrem durante um jogo de futebol, com aquelas que ocorrem em microciclos. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal no Club Desportivo Especializado Independente del Valle na categoria "Reserva", coletando dados com GPS. Resultados: 29 jogadores (idade média 20,9 ± 1,1 anos) foram analisados ​​no microciclo e 20 jogadores (idade média 21,0 ± 1,0 anos) nas partidas. A distância total média percorrida foi maior durante as partidas (6.540,61 metros) em relação aos microciclos (3.961,64 metros) (p=0,001). A carga de jogadores foi maior durante as partidas (734,59) e nos microciclos (484,90) (p=0,001). Além disso, Banda 4 (13,0-16,9 km/h), 5 (17,0-20,9 km/h), 6 (21,0-24,9 km/h), 7 (25,0 -28,9 km/h) e Banda 8 (>29,0 km /h) tendem a ser os mais decorridos durante as partidas em relação aos microciclos (p=0,001). Os extremos foram os que mais usaram as duas últimas bandas. Conclusões: Os requisitos físicos em competição não foram totalmente satisfeitos pela carga do microciclo. O número de sessões de treino, frequência e intensidade que os jogadores recebem apenas em determinados setores devem ser aumentados, sem subestimar o risco de lesão do jogador.

    Unitermos: Microciclos. Competição. GPS. Futebol. Treinamento.

 

Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 27, Núm. 288, May. (2022)

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Introduction

 

    It has long been questioned, within the world of soccer, about the relationship between training and the performance of players during the competition or matches, because the previous preparation must comply with a fundamental principle that is to ensure optimal adaptation (Reilly et al., 2009). All of this is done in order to achieve an adequate response to the competitive demands that occur during a soccer match. (Rivas, & Sánchez, 2013)

 

    Sport planning collaborates with the achievement of the training principles, and microcycles are the main unit in this process, and probably the most important tool (De la Paz, 2021). Therefore, microcycles must be constantly examined, and redirected so that the athlete can achieve his best performance (Romero et al., 2021). In this sense, several authors recognize that the sporting success of a team will be a consequence of the methodology that is carried out in each of the sessions of the microcycle, always considering that the structure of the microcycle must be adapted to the needs of the team (Vales et al., 2017) always taking into account that its structure will vary depending on multiple conditions not only of the athlete but also of the team. (Romero et al., 2021)

 

    One of the most important devices to evaluate players systematically and continuously is the Global Positioning System (GPS), especially when seeking to measure magnitudes of displacement (Castellano, & Casamichana, 2014). GPS is a widely used accessory within soccer, as it allows quantifying data on competitive and training performance (Clemente et al., 2019). There are many data that can be obtained with GPS, but it is important to note that only those variables that provide useful and reliable information should be selected (Ravé et al., 2019). Among these are the total distance covered, maximum speed, player load, number of accelerations and decelerations, magnitudes that are a valid measure for studies in high performance sport. (Al Haddad et al., 2018)

 

    Within the last two decades, there has been a notorious increase, both in academic world and professionally, of assessing the differences that exist between training and competition with respect to the total distance covered, the maximum speed and load of the player and his position on the playing field (Erkizia, 2021) with the sole purpose of making training sessions more individualized and improving the player's performance as much as possible. To this end, we determine the difference between the microcycle and the match using the data obtained from the aforementioned variables in on the best professional soccer team in Ecuador.

 

Methods

 

Setting and participants 

 

    This cross-sectional study was carried out from September 6, 2021 to December 12, 2021, during the second phase of the championship of the category and evaluated and compared the total distance covered, maximum speed, player load and position on the field of professional soccer players in two instances, within a microcycle of work (training) and competition (matches played). Soccer players who gave their informed consent to participate in the research were included.

 

    GPS was used to measure the data of the variables in players of the reserve category in the soccer team “Club Deportivo Especializado Independiente del Valle” of the Ecuadorian Soccer League. The data was downloaded with the Catapult application for analysis. The information was obtained from the records filed by the coaching staff and the corresponding managers, being collected periodically during each sessions and matches.

 

Data management 

 

    Microcycle 

 

    Each training session that composed the corresponding microcycle was analyzed before each weekend match. A total of 14 microcycles and 29 players were analyzed (Table 1). The information from each microcycle was summed and averaged for comparison with the match data.

 

    Match 

 

    The analysis of each match was performed on 20 players. During the Final Round, 14 matches were analyzed (Table 1), which were separated by at least five days and had a similar starting time (12:00 noon). Each opposing team was of a similar level and the same game format was maintained, thus avoiding variability in player performance. The information from each match was summed and averaged for comparison with the microcycle data.

 

	Microcycle (Training)	Match
Sessions analyzed (n)	14	14
Players per session (n)	29	20

Source: Research data

 

    Demarcation 

 

    This variable was used to perform subgroup analysis to avoid variability in the results. Players were categorize into four positions based on their positions on the field. The demarcation for the microcycles and matches were: defender (DF), midfielder (MF), winger (WG) and forward (FW). Goalkeepers were excluded from this list since the physical variables considered for the study do not apply to the position.

 

Materials 

 

    The technological device used to quantify the physical variables was the GPS, which operates with a frequency of 10 Hz and incorporates a Tri-Axial accelerometer with a sampling frequency of up to 100 Hz (Figure 1). In addition, a specific vest was used where the devices were inserted in a pocket located between the scapulae and the lower part of the cervical spine. The GPS devices were turned on according to the recommendations, fifteen minutes before starting the work session. (Ayres et al., 2020)

 

Source: Catapult.com

 

Physical variables 

 

    The variables that were taken into account to perform the analysis between the microcycles (training) and the matches were the following: (1) total distance covered (Td) measured in meters (m), (2) maximum speed (Ms) measured in kilometers per hour (km/h) and by means of the accelerometer that the GPS device has, the (3) player load (Pl). To monitor the Pl the accelerations that occurred in the three axes of space were combined. (Reche et al., 2020)

 

 

    Equation 1 shows how the player load was obtained, where Pln is the player load calculated at the current time; "n" is the current instant of time; "n-1" is the previous instant of time; "Xn", "Yn" and "Zn" are the values of the body load on each axis of motion at the current instant; "Xn - 1", "Yn - 1" and "Zn - 1" are the values of the body load on each axis of motion at the previous instant.

The variable associated with time was also considered in each speed category: (4a) Band 4, (4b) Band 5, (4c) Band 6, (4d) Band 7, and (4e) Band 8 (Table 2). These ranges are in accordance with the institution's parameters.

 

Type of Band	Speed range	Description
Band 4	13.0 - 16.9 km/h	Slow running
Band 5	17.0 - 20.9 km/h	Middle running
Band 6	21.0 - 24.9 km/h	Fast running
Band 7	25.0 - 28.9 km/h	High intensity race
Band 8	>29.0 km/h	Sprint

Source: Research data

 

Statistical analysis 

 

    All statistical analyses presented in this were performed with the SPSS BMI version 22 for Mac, with an admitted significance level of p<0.01. For categorical variables, frequencies and percentages were reported. For numerical variables, the mean and its corresponding standard deviation (SD) were used. Normal distribution was determined by visual inspection and using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. To evaluate the differences between microcycles and matches, Student’s T test was used. For the consideration of the positions (DF, MF, WG and FW), one-tailed analysis of variance was used. The homogeneity of variance test was performed using Levene. Finally, a subgroup analysis was planned for each demarcation.

 

Results 

 

General characteristics 

 

    All the players were male (100.0%) and belonged to the same sports club in the reserve category, and the majority were of Afro-Ecuadorian ethnicity (59.1%). In the microcycle group, 29 players were analyzed with a mean age of 20.9 ± 1.1 years, while in the match group, 20 players were analyzed with a mean age of 21.0 ± 1.0 years (Table 3).

 

	Microcycle (Training) n = 29	Match n = 20
Age in years (mean and SD)	20.9 ± 1.1	21.0 ± 1.0
Afro-Ecuadorian (%)	16 (55.1)	13 (65.0)
Mestizo (%)	8 (27.6)	4 (20.0)
White (%)	5 (17.3)	3 (15.0)

Source: Research data

 

    The distribution of demarcation within each analysis group was as follows: DF = 7 players, MF = 11 players, WG = 6 players, and FW = 5 players in the microcycle group; and DF = 5 players, MF = 8 players, WG = 4 players, and FW = 3 players in the match group (Table 4).

 

	Microcycle (Training) n = 29	Match n = 20
Defense (DF)	7	5
Midfielder (MF)	11	8
Winger (WG)	6	4
Forward (FW)	5	3

Source: Research data

 

Microcycle vs. match 

 

    The analysis performed, both for the microcycles and for the matches, is shown in Table 5. It was evident that the players had more work during the matches, for instance, the average distance covered during the work week was 3,961.64 meters and the average distance covered during the competition was 6,540.61 meters (p=0.001).

 

Variable	Microcycle	Match	Value of p
Total distance covered (Td, m)	3,961.64	6,540.61	p=0.001
Maximum speed (Ms, km/h)	26.51	29.22	p=0.040
Player load (Pl)	484.90	734.59	p=0.001

Source: Research data

 

    Figure 2 shows the percentage of time spent by players in the different types of Bands during microcycles and matches, highlighting that the time spent in Band 5 (17.0 - 20.9 km/h) is similar in both microcycles and matches. On the other hand, Band 7 (25.0 - 28.9 km/h) tended to be the most elapsed during matches compared to microcycles and Band 4 (13.0 - 16.9 km/h) tended to be the most elapsed during training compared to competition.

 

Source: Research data

 

By demarcation 

 

    Table 6 shows the differences in the percentages of the Td, Ms and Pl variables, divided by each demarcation during the microcycles and the competition.

 

Position	Variable	Microcycle	Match	Value of p
Defense (DF)	Total distance covered (Td, m)	3,821.81	7,221.48	p=0.001
	Maximum speed (Ms, km/h)	25.30	29.31	p=0.001
	Player load (Pl)	451.95	776.91	p=0.001
Midfielder (MF)	Total distance covered (Td, m)	4,053.82	6,809.49	p=0.001
	Maximum speed (Ms, km/h)	25.30	28.44	p=0.005
	Player load (Pl)	451.95	782.44	p=0.001
Winger (WG)	Total distance covered (Td, m)	3,854.89	6,514.38	p=0.001
	Maximum speed (Ms, km/h)	26.06	31.40	p=0.001
	Player load (Pl)	530.13	766.36	p=0.001
Forward (FW)	Total distance covered (Td, m)	3,783.23	5,317.62	p=0.001
	Maximum speed (Ms, km/h)	25.63	29.96	p=0.001
	Player load (Pl)	455.90	576.75	p=0.001

Source: Research data

 

    Figure 3 shows the percentage of time for demarcation during the microcycles and matches. It can be seen that both wingers and forwards spend the highest percentage of time in Band 8 (>29.0 km/h) with respect to the other two positions. Midfielders tended to spend more than 60% of their time in both training and competition in Band 4 (13.0 - 16.9 km/h). Defenders maintained a similar value of time spent in either band, with respect to games and training, while wingers had the greatest difference between them.

 

Source: Research data

 

Discussion 

 

    The microcycles are structured with the purpose of preparing the player for the competition, seeking to recreate throughout the week the physical capacities that are presented during a soccer match. The analysis of this information is important and serves to contrast whether the physical capacities previously trained throughout the week are reflected on the field.

 

    The average total distance covered for the team and the different demarcations varies greatly between microcycles and matches, having more work during competition with a margin of 1.5 more times of its portion. This indicates that during each of the training sessions that occur during the week, approximately half of a match is played. It is important to note that in this study the defenders have the highest value in terms of total distance covered. Similarly, the maximum speed reached differs greatly between training and matches, where the values have a difference of 2.71 km/h in data for all players as a whole and in demarcations DF = 4.01 km/h; MF = 3.14 km/h; WG = 5.35 km/h, FW = 4.33 km/h; so it can be seen that the same actions are not repeated at the same intensity, however, both values are high, aligning in this way with previous studies (Longo et al., 2019) where records higher than 19.0 km/h are an indicator of elite soccer players.

 

    Recently the player load has been a value to be taken into account within the study in high performance sport, being thus considered as a quantification measure for the performance optimization (Hernández et al., 2017). If player load value is high, the physical demand is high. Therefore, when relating between microcycles (484.90) and matches (734.59), it is clear that the competition requires more stress. In the same way, similar results were found when analyzing by demarcation subgroups. This indicates that the player load tends to decrease during training due to the low stimulation of physical stress proposed by the tasks.

 

    Figure 2 shows that most of the percentage of time, players were in Band 4 (13.0 - 16.9 km/h), which conditions the performance of players, since covering distances at speeds greater than 21 km/h differentiates successful teams from the rest (Brito et al., 2020). It was found that players, regardless of their demarcation, spend more time during the microcycles and matches in speed ranges between 13.0 - 16.9 km/h, in some cases exceeding 50% (Figure 3). Likewise, a correlation is observed between all the demarcations in terms of their incidence of time in Band 5 (17.0 - 20.9 km/h), always counting with 26% - 27% of employment both in competitions and in training (Figure 3). However, a clear difference was observed in the use of Band 8, in which the microcycles had a scarce use of the band, due to the fact that these high intensity actions were not replicated. This is explained by the reduced space used during training, since it does not allow reaching this high speed. Finally, the same Figure 3 shows a clear difference of the wingers and their incidence in Band 8 (>29.0 km/h), with respect to the others, so that they tend to be more explosive due to the characteristic of their demarcation, regardless of the game system used. (Haugen et al., 2020)

 

    This study has several limitations. This is a study based on only one category; therefore, selection bias may influence our results and may not reflect the work being done in other categories. Similarly, the small sample size of this study diminishes the strength of the conclusions. Despite these limitations, this study has several strengths. First, this is the first Ecuadorian study and one of the first Latin America studies that assessed the differences between the microcycles and matches. Second, player data were collected by trained extractors using a well-designed extraction form. Third, the equipment used (GPS) allowed us to easily evaluate the data. Finally, our team included a multidisciplinary team of technicians, researchers, and physical trainers who contributed to the planning, execution, and dissemination of the study results.

 

Conclusion 

 

    This study shows that not all matches demands are met during the work performed during the microcycles. The physical variable of maximum speed completed the correlation between both instances, microcycles and matches, however the relationship with the other physical variables (Td, Pl, Speed in Band 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8), which have greater stress impact on the player, were not met. The great difference that exists in Pl and especially in Bands 7 and 8 raises the question of whether increasing the number of training sessions or the frequency and intensity of stimuli received by the players would increase the value of these physical variable to meet the work performed during the matches. However, the risk of injuring the player should also be mentioned; for which research should be expanded to evaluate the details of the tasks proposed in the microcycles.

 

Acknowledgment 

 

    This file was developed with the collaboration of the Ecuadorian professional soccer team “Club Deportivo Especializado Independiente del Valle” which shared the data for its development. Website: http://www.independientedelvalle.com

 

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Vales, A., Areces, A., Constatino, A., & Torrado, J. (2017). Comparación del grado de especificidad de dos microciclos de entrenamiento en fútbol correspondientes a un equipo profesional y a un equipo en formación. Retos Nuevas Tendencias en Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación, 32, 14-18. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316738659

Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 27, Núm. 288, May. (2022)