| Three studies identified factors contributing to soccer conditioning, the perceptual and physiological response to soccer-specific versus non-specific conditioning methods as well as the affect of high-intensity training drills on recovery in female soccer players. A detailed review of the literature addressing practical considerations in conditioning soccer players provided the foundation for the subsequent two studies. Thirteen NCAA Division I female soccer players provided their ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and mean heart rate (HRmean) during small-sided soccer games, a dribbling course with the ball, and a dribbling course without the ball. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that session RPE (S-RPE) for the dribbling course without ball and with the ball was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than S-RPE following small-sided games. There was no significant difference ( p > 0.05) in S-RPE between the dribbling course with the ball vs. without the ball or during small-sided games (p > 0.05). There were no differences (p > 0.05) for HRmean between any of the training drills. Additionally, fourteen NCAA Division I female soccer players were analyzed to determine the affect of variable recovery time periods (24, 48, 72 hours) following high-intensity soccer training sessions using drills with and without the ball. Markers of recovery consisted of each individual's performance relative to a baseline performance for countermovement jump (CMJ) height, five bound jumps countermovement jump (CMJ) height, five bound jumps for distance (5BT), 20 meter sprint (20SP), S-RPE, and heart rate response (HRresp). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant lower CMJ performance (p < 0.04) and significantly higher S-RPE (p < 0.02) after 24 hours of rest but not at 48 or 72 hours compared to baseline. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in 20SP, 5 BT, or HRresp following 24, 48, or 72 hours recovery. These studies indicate that small-sided games can produce the same conditioning response as nonspecific drills with an attenuated perception of exertion. Furthermore, high-intensity drills can be used as an effective conditioning tool with minimal risk of under-recovery. |
