Technical and Tactical Training Load in Professional Volleyball Players

PURPOSE: To analyze the technical and tactical training load in professional volleyball players, using subjective internal training load (session rating of perceived exertion [SRPE]) and objective internal training load (training impulse of the heart rate [HR]) and the relationship between them. METHODS: The sample was composed of 15 male professional volleyball players. They were monitored during 37 training sessions that included both technical (n = 23) and tactical (n = 14) training. Technical and training load was calculated using SRPE and training impulse of the HR. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between the methods in tactical (r = .616) and technical training (r = -.414). Furthermore, it was noted that technical training occurs up to 80% of HRmax (zone 3) and tactical training between 70% and 90% of HRmax (zones 3-4). CONCLUSIONS: The training impulse of the HR method has proved to be effective for training-load control during tactical training. However, it was limited compared with technical training. Thus, the use of SRPE is presented as a more reliable method in the different types of technical training in volleyball.