Vincenzo Rago

Panascì, M, Rago, V, Ferrando, V, Castagna, C, Ruggeri, P, and Faelli, E. Weekly External Load in Italian Women's Football Players: Influence of Playing Time. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—This study compared external load distribution during the first round of the season between starters (ST) and nonstarters (NS) in Italian professional women's football players. Subjects were 18 players (age: 24.3 ± 3.9 years; height: 167 ± 4.2 cm; body mass: 60.4 ± 5.4 kg) from the same team. External load was measured using global positioning system technology. Variables included total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (19.8–25.2 km·h ⁻¹ ), sprint distance (>25.2 km·h ⁻¹ ), and the number of accelerations (ACC; >3.0 m·s ⁻² ) and decelerations (DEC; <−3.0 m·s ⁻² ). Nine players were classified as ST, defined as those who played at least 60 minutes in 3 consecutive matches during this phase of the season, whereas the remaining 9 players were classified as NS. Results revealed that NS had significantly higher values of TD ( p = 0.001), high-speed running ( p = 0.002), ACC ( p < 0.001), and DEC ( p < 0.001) on MD+2 compared with ST. In addition, NS exhibited significantly greater values of TD ( p = 0.003), ACC ( p = 0.035), and DEC ( p = 0.006) on MD−4 compared with ST. No significant differences were observed between groups on MD−3, MD−2, and MD−1. These findings suggest that NS experienced higher external training loads on MD−4 and MD+2, possibly reflecting compensatory training loads because of limited or no match participation.

This study aimed to (i) describe the peak match intensities of youth football matches, (ii) quantify the variability of these peak intensities to provide references for monitoring players, and (iii) explore the association between physical capacities and peak match intensities. Match-running intensities were tracked for 32 young male footballers (age, 14.1 ± 0.8 y; height, 162.8 ± 8.3 cm; and 50.4 ± 9.6 kg) from three teams across 12 competitive matches. Peak match intensities were determined using a moving average technique, applied to total distance, high-speed distance (>14.4 km·h⁻¹), average acceleration, and PlayerLoad™. The power-law relationships were constructed to derive an intercept and slope for the match variables, and linear mixed models were used to assess the association with physical capacities and estimate the between-player, between-match, and within-player variability. No clear associations were observed between any physical capacity and the intercepts or slopes derived from match-running intensities, with wide confidence intervals overlapping trivial effects. The coefficient of variation for peak match intensities was 7.1–20.9% (between-player), 4.4–10.3% (between-match), and 6.5–21.8% (within-player). The lack of a clear association between physical capacities and peak match intensities suggests that firm conclusions cannot be drawn from these findings. The reported peak intensities and match variability may aid performance practitioners to prescribe match-specific conditioning and monitor training drills but are specific to this cohort and competitive standard.

This single−group observational study investigated, in female football players, the associations between internal training load (ITL) metrics and changes in sprint endurance and aerobic fitness following a 4−week off−season training program combining small−sided games (SSGs) and repeated−sprint training (RST). Fifteen adolescent female football players (age: 14.9 ± 1.6 years) completed two SSG and two RST sessions per week, for a total of 16 sessions. Sprint endurance was assessed by the 30−s all−out test (30−s test), while aerobic fitness was evaluated using the Yo−Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1), both administered pre− and post−intervention. ITL was quantified using heart rate−derived measures, including time spent at ≥ 90% of peak heart rate (T ≥ 90%HRpeak), training impulse (TRIMP), and session rating of perceived exertion training load (sRPE−TL). Significant changes were observed in both sprint endurance (30−s test: p = 0.004, d = 1.88) and aerobic fitness (YYIR1: p < 0.001, d = 1.21). Weekly TRIMP and T ≥ 90%HRpeak showed significant increases throughout the intervention period (p < 0.01), whereas sRPE−TL remained relatively stable. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations (p ≤ 0.008) between ITL metrics and performance changes: sRPE−TL was correlated with changes in the YYIR1 (ρ = 0.94), TRIMP with the 30−s test (ρ = 0.66), and T ≥ 90%HRpeak with the 30−s test (r = 0.87) and YYIR1 (r = 0.67). These findings suggest that, in adolescent female football players, ITL metrics, particularly T ≥ 90%HRpeak, are associated with changes in sprint endurance and aerobic fitness during a short−term, HIIT off−season program. Moreover, sRPE−TL and TRIMP may provide practical indicators for monitoring individual training responses in short off−season periods. However, our findings should be interpreted with caution due to the absence of a control group.

Purpose : This study explored methodological considerations in comparing accumulated workload across different starting status classification methods in professional women’s soccer. Specifically, we (1) described best-fit classification criteria and (2) compared accumulated workload data across methods used to categorize players based on the previous match exposure. Methods : Workload data were collected from 36 soccer players competing in the Mexican Women’s League over 3 seasons, covering 240 training sessions and 51 matches. Workload metrics were obtained using global positioning system, heart-rate recording, and ratings of perceived exertion. Players were classified as starters or nonstarters according to seasonal available playing time (SAPT; >60% total match time), weekly playing time of the last match (WPTLM; ≥60 min), and weekly match started (WMS). Results : The players’ classifications matched 71.4% between SAPT and WPTLM and 90.0% between WPTLM and WMS. Among starters, the strongest agreement occurred between WPTLM and WMS (73.3%), whereas nonstarters showed the largest discrepancy between WMS and SAPT (74.2%). In all scenarios, players had a higher likelihood of being classified as nonstarters (odds ratio = 1.17–1.74). The SAPT method (60-min cutoff) best predicted starting status ( R ² = .52). In general, either in starters or in nonstarters, seasonal accumulated workload differed across classification methods for almost all metrics ( P < .05). Conclusions : Classifying players based on WPTLM or WMS produced similar workload outcomes, being suitable for immediate week-to-week decisions to balance the training in women’s soccer. On the other hand, the SAPT is more suitable for retrospective use (previous seasons and research).

Purpose : High environmental temperature ( T _e ) is associated with adverse effects on athletes’ performance. Whether such effects are comparable across different sports and competitive levels remains uncertain. We explored and compared the physical performance, physiological, and perceptual responses of elite and nonelite beach soccer players during official matches, focusing on the potential effects of T _e . Methods : One hundred fifty-four male beach soccer players were monitored across 13 official matches. Physical performance (locomotor activity and countermovement jump), heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, hydration (liquid intake and fluid loss), and T _e were collected. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance, followed by multivariate analysis of covariance and interaction analyses. Results : Elite players covered greater total distance (∼16%), high-speed running (∼19%), and sprinting (∼60%); performed more sprints (∼60%) and had ∼1-point higher rate of perceived exertion than nonelite players. After adjustment for T _e , differences in total distance and rate of perceived exertion between competitive levels appeared attenuated. In contrast, small effects were observed for V _peak ( ) and accelerations ( ), and a medium effect was observed for fluid loss ( ). As T _e increased, elite players tended to cover greater total distance while reducing high-intensity actions, whereas nonelite players showed progressively greater high-intensity efforts, with relatively stable HR _peak and HR _mean , while time >85%HR _peak tended to increase. In matches played at T _e ≥ 35 °C, elite players experienced ∼34% greater fluid loss than nonelite players. Conclusion : These findings suggest that elite and nonelite beach soccer players may respond differently as T _e increases, highlighting the need for monitoring and hydration strategies tailored to competitive level under high T _e conditions.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the reliability and relevance of key countermovement-jump parameters in academy soccer players. Methods: Twenty-nine bilateral countermovement jump force–time variables were collected using dual force plates from 63 academy soccer players. Two analyses were performed: (1) test–retest reliability was assessed in a convenience sample of 20 players across 2 sessions separated by 7 days, and (2) principal-component analysis was conducted in 47 players using their most representative seasonal trial to reduce data dimensionality. Results: Most outcome-based variables demonstrated acceptable reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥ .81, coefficient of variation [CV] ≤ 13.7%). Nine out of 11 time-based variables showed acceptable reliability (ICC ≥ .67, CV ≤ 12.9%). All asymmetry-based variables showed unacceptable reliability (ICC ≥ .11, CV ≤ 66.4%), while symmetry-based variables generally displayed excellent reliability (ICC ≥ .90, CV ≤ 11.8%). The principal-component analysis revealed 3 principal components within outcome (force and power production during concentric and eccentric phases) and time-based (temporal ratios, concentric duration, and landing characteristics) variables, whereas 2 principal components were revealed for asymmetry- or symmetry-based variables (related to eccentric, concentric, and landing phases). These explained 83.1%, 76.1%, and 81.9% of the total variance for outcome-, time-, and asymmetry- or symmetry-based variables, respectively. Conclusions: Practitioners involved with bilateral countermovement jump testing in academy soccer players can rely on the selected parameters presented in our study. Symmetry parameters could be preferred over asymmetry parameters, due to their superior reliability.

We examined the reliability of five hip adduction and abduction isometric strength testing protocols in young football (soccer) players. Maximal hip adduction and abduction isometric strength was measured in 20 Academy professional male football players from a youth team within (12 ± 4 min) and between (after one week) two sessions over five protocols available from a frame-stabilized dynamometer, specifically: short-lever (SL) lying at 45°, 60°, and 90° hip flexion (SL₄₅, SL₆₀ and SL₉₀, respectively), short-lever standing (SLS) and long-lever standing (LLS). All testing protocols reported good to excellent reliability (ICC = 0.84–0.99), except for the moderate between-session reliability of hip abduction force LLS (ICC = 0.52–0.59). The SLS and the LLS protocols produced the greatest and the lowest adduction, respectively (d = 0.45–0.61). Similarly, the SLS and the LLS protocols produced the greatest (d = 0.22–0.35), and the lowest (d = 0.19–0.54) abduction force, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the SL₄₅, SL₆₀ and SL₉₀ protocols. All short-lever adduction and abduction protocols showed moderate-to-excellent levels of reliability. The lower reliability levels and force produced by the LLS protocol suggest that short-lever testing protocols should be preferred to test hip adduction or abduction strength in young football players.

Background: The off-season is often characterized by a significant decrease or even a complete cessation of training. If this reduction is not planned properly, it can result in detraining. Despite numerous studies examining the effects of HIIT in football players, its specific role in mitigating detraining and maintaining aerobic and anaerobic performance during the off-season in adolescent female football players remains underexplored. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of a 4-week off-season high-intensity training (HIIT) program on aerobic performance level and sprint endurance ability in Under-15 (U-15) female football players. Methods: Fifteen U-15 female football players from a professional club completed an experimental protocol consisting of two HIIT formats: Small-Sided Games (SSGs) and Repeated Sprint Training (RST), each performed twice weekly. Before and after the intervention period, participants performed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (YYIR1) test to gauge aerobic performance and the 30-seconds sprint test to assess sprint endurance. The internal training load was monitored via heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration ([La]⁺), while external training load metrics included the total distance (TD), moderate-speed distance (MSD), high-speed distance (HSD), acceleration distance (≥3 m·s⁻²; ACC), and deceleration distance (≤−3 m·s⁻²; DEC). Results: YYIR1 improved by 57% (p = 0.0001; d = 1.12; 95% CI: 121.94–224.71) and the 30-s test performance increased by 13% (p = 0.004; d = 0.91; and 95% CI: 14.46–25.53) following the intervention period. A very large correlation between time spent at 90–95% HRmax and the 30-s test (r = 0.90, p = 0.0001) and YYIR1 (r = 0.81, p = 0.0001) performance was observed. Very large and nearly perfect correlations between DHS and YYIR1 (r = 0.82, p = 0.0001) and the 30-s test performance (r = 0.94, p = 0.0001), respectively, were found. Conclusions: In U-15 female football players, a four-week off-season HIIT program improved both aerobic performance and sprint endurance ability, indicating that a HIIT regime attenuates the off-season detraining, thus supporting a better-conditioned return to play. Coaches may implement 4-week high-intensity off-season programs to enhance aerobic performance and start the pre-season with a satisfactory level of aerobic fitness and sprint endurance.

Purpose: To evaluate physical demands and acute neuromuscular responses in official 3 × 3 basketball tournaments. Methods: Thirty-three male players (age: 23.1 [5.6] y) were monitored during 2 tournaments, featuring 3 group games (GG1, GG2, and GG3) on day 1 and the round of 16 (R16), quarterfinal (QF), semifinal (SF), and final games on day 2. External intensity (movement intensity) was measured using microsensors. Bilateral countermovement-jump testing was conducted before the start of the tournaments and immediately after each game using MyJump Lab to measure jump height, time to takeoff (TTTO), and modified Reactive Strength Index (RSI_mod). Results: Linear mixed models revealed no significant differences for movement intensity (P = .195) but a practically meaningful decrease (>smallest worthwhile change [SWC]) in the QF compared with GG1, GG2, GG3, R16, and SF. No significant (P = .128) or practically meaningful differences were found for jump height. TTTO was shorter following GG3 compared with baseline (P = .027, effect size: moderate). Practically meaningful (>SWC) decreases in TTTO were found from baseline to post-GG1, GG2, and GG3, while TTTO increased on day 2 compared with day 1 and after SF and Final compared with R16 and QF. RSI_mod significantly (all P < .05) and practically improved (>SWC) from baseline to post-GG1, GG2, and GG3 (effect size: trivial); practically meaningful changes were also identified on day 2, with poorer RSI_mod following QF compared with all day 1 games and poorer values post-SF compared with post-GG3. Conclusions: While players maintained in-game physical intensities across tournament stages, neuromuscular status worsened on day 2, suggesting the presence of fatigue. Strategies aimed at supporting players’ physical performances in late 3 × 3 tournament stages should be identified.

Background: This study examined external intensity and acute neuromuscular responses across multiple games played during a single-day official 3 × 3 basketball tournament. Methods: Twelve male players (Tier 2–3; age: 24.7 ± 4.5 years; height: 186.4 ± 8.5 cm; body mass: 86.5 ± 13.0 kg) were monitored with microsensors (Movement Intensity (MI), while countermovement jump (CMJ) variables—jump height (JH); time to takeoff (TTTO); and Modified Reactive Strength Index (RSI_mod)—were obtained before the start of the tournament and after each game. Linear mixed models examined differences in MI and CMJ variables across tournament phases. Additionally, the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) calculations were applied to all comparisons. Results: No statistical differences were found across tournament stages for MI (p = 0.466), JH (p = 0.762), TTTO (p = 0.990), or RSI_mod (p = 0.951). SWC comparisons showed that MI was higher in GG1 than GG2, GG3, and QF; higher in GG2 than GG3; and lower in G3 than QF and SF. Regarding JH, the post-QF value was higher than the baseline and post-GG2. For TTTO, post-QF was higher than post-GG1. RSI_mod post-GG2 was lower than post-GG3 and post-SF. Conclusions: While no significant changes were observed, MI showed a practically meaningful decline in GG3 and recovery in QF, while RSI_mod initially declined before improving post-SF. These findings highlight the importance of pacing and recovery strategies in 3 × 3 basketball tournaments.