Effects of Different Recovery Times on Internal and External Load During Small-Sided Games in Soccer

BACKGROUND: The ability to maintain a high intensity of exercise over several repetitions depends on recovery from previous exercises. This study aimed to identify the effects of different recovery times on internal and external load during small-sided soccer games. HYPOTHESIS: An increase in recovery time will increase the external training load and decrease the internal exercise load, which will result in a greater physical impact of the exercise. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: Twenty male semiprofessional soccer players participated in the present study. They performed the same exercise (5-a-side game format) continuously (1 × 18 minutes) and repeatedly/fractionated (3 × 6 minutes) with different recovery times (30 seconds, 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, and 2 minutes). Their internal load (ie, average heart rate (HR) and maximum HR) and external load (ie, total distance, maximum speed, and ratio meters) were measured using an HR band and an inertial device equipped with a global positioning system, respectively. RESULTS: The manipulation of recovery times induced differences in the internal and external load. For the same total duration, the external and internal load indicators exhibited higher values during the fractionated method, particularly with short recovery periods. CONCLUSION: The application of small-sided soccer games with different recovery times induced varying responses in training load. To maintain high physical performance and high training load, the fractional method with short recovery periods (ie, 30 seconds) should be used. In contrast, to carefully manage players' efforts and decrease response to training load, continuous or fractional methods with longer recovery periods (ie, 1-2 minutes) should be used. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proper prescription of recovery time between exercises facilitates enhanced training efficiency and optimized performance.