High-intensity training is an important component of football training in modern, elite level football. Match analysis has revealed that the most successful teams perform more high-intensity activities than the less ones. Hence, football players need a high fitness level to cope
High-intensity training is an important component of football training in modern, elite level football. Match analysis has revealed that the most successful teams perform more high-intensity activities than the less ones. Hence, football players need a high fitness level to cope with match demands. Studies on football players show that 8-12 weeks of aerobic high-intensity running training (>85% of maximal heart rate) improve maximal oxygen uptake by 5-10% and lower submaximal blood lactate concentration. Speed-endurance training improves football-specific endurance as indicated by 20-25% improvement in Yo-Yo test and the ability to perform repeated sprints.
Other studies have shown that forwards often receive the ball while sprinting or turning and cover almost 64% of their high intensity running distance with ball possession.