Training Load in Professional Soccer : Guide to Monitoring Performance

This concise yet comprehensive book bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering a sound understanding of training load and its impact on performance and injury prevention. In the opening part it equips the reader with a clear definition of training load as well as evidence-based methods and parameters for its monitoring, including advanced technologies like wearable sensors and tracking systems. It further explores the critical role of training load in preparing athletes for peak performance and managing the overall training process. Specifically tailored to football, the authors analyze the challenges of monitoring training load in team sports and highlight the importance of accurate management for optimal adaptation and fatigue reduction. They further analyze the relationship between training load and injury risk as well as the role of its monitoring in mitigating injury risks. Additional chapters delve into topics such as fatigue in soccer, return-to-play decision-making, manipulating training load within a seasonal schedule, and building a comprehensive monitoring system. With each chapter written by leading experts in the field, this book is a must-have resource for sport scientists, coaches and players seeking evidence-based strategies to optimize performance and minimize injuries in the dynamic world of soccer.