Load distribution and positional demands in female soccer: An analysis of training and match play

Monitoring training and match load has become a current practice in football. The current study's aims were: (1) to explore differences in external and internal load volume between playing positions within training sessions and matches, and (2) to analyze external and internal load distribution across the training microcycle based on playing positions in female soccer. Twenty-one professional female soccer players were monitored during 128 training sessions and 19 matches. Players were classified by playing position: center backs (CBs, n = 3), full backs (FBs, n = 5), central midfielders (CMs, n = 6), wide forwards (WFs, n = 3), and central forwards (CFs, n = 4). The data from weekly microcycles were organized by the days before match day (MD). External load was measured using GPS technology, and internal load was assessed using the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). CFs and WFs covered greater total distances and performed more accelerations and decelerations than the other playing positions, both in training and matches. Variations in load volume across the weekly training microcycle were observed by playing position, including differences in sRPE. MD-1 consistently showed the lowest load (representing 36.3% of the match load), while higher load volumes were recorded between MD-2 and MD-3 (representing 63.6% and 56.8% of the match load, respectively). Playing position significantly influenced both external and internal loads during training and match play. Intra-microcycle variations in load volume highlighted the position-specific physical and physiological demands, supporting the need for individualized training prescriptions that account for the distinct locomotor and metabolic requirements of playing position.