First off it is important to note some of the factors that go into planning the daily sessions. For the sake of this exercise we will assume the below factors.
- Last match was at home on the previous Saturday
- Next match is at home on the next Saturday
- MD+1 (Sunday) was an off day
- Roster made up of 18 field players and 4 goalkeepers
- Matches are 90 minutes and with FIFA Laws (3 subs, etc.)
We will break each session down into several different parts as listed below.
1. Goals for each session
2. Training variables and how to manipulate them
3. Example session with exercises included (including bouts, durations, rest)
4. Use of monitoring
Goals for Match Day -1 (Organizational)
Our goal for match day -1 is to prepare the team for the next day's match. Can we fine tune small details about shape and organization including set pieces? From a physical perspective we want to keep the team moving as the players are almost finished recovering from the Tuesday-Thursday sessions. We will add more to the players not starting or not on the bench for this session. This is a delicate balance and only works if the coaching staff communicates early and clearly. If you do not know the line up or bench then you cannot take the risk of overdoing in this session.
Training Variables for Match Day -1 (Organizational)
If you are wanting detailed definitions for each variable please refer back to some of my older work. In this post I want to talk about about the why behind each variable. Below are the variables and the reasoning for each.
Load: Low. We want to be fully recovered and fresh for the following days' match
Duration of session: Short. This helps control over load
Duration of exercise: Very short but we maintain our intensity for these quick bursts
Duration Rest: Long. Use these breaks as coaching moments
Density - Low. Due to the nature of short bouts and long rest periods.
# of player per exercise: Moderate to High. This is more dependent upon tactical focus for the session. We mainly want to stay away from small space work.
Size of space per player: Moderate to Large. Again, dependent upon tactical focus.
Repetitive Finishing: No. This should have already been achieved and we are getting to close to the match for this type of explosive repetition.
Isolated Running: No, if players are not on the bench we can supplement some isolated running.
Example Session MD-1 (Organizational)
The above session gives specific examples of exercises that can be used and how to use the variables to control the amount of stress you expose the players to.
Using Monitoring MD-1 (Organizational)
The best use of monitoring technology (GPS/HR) is used as a series of check and balances. Did the training session meet my predetermined goals? We can use these excellent tools to find out if we need to adjust the session the next time we run it or if we need to make adjustments for the rest of the week. For example, if our goal was to limit sprinting but the GPS showed the team covered a lot of sprint distance in our passing exercise then we need to adjust. First we may need to change the work that was planned for the following day so we do not run into any issues. Secondly if this passing exercise is something we wan to repeat we need to make changes. This might mean making the spaces smaller to limit sprinting or shifting the exercise to a different day of the week.
For MD-1 we aren't looking for any volumes in our metrics. We want to keep everything low as the focus on this session is to go over fine details before a match. For the players not involved from the start of the match or not on the bench we can look to achieve moderate levels of workload.
Thanks for taking the time to read. Tomorrow we will work through MD-2 (Speed Reaction). Until then have a great day and reach out if you have questions.
Take care,
Josh
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