Table 6.

Studies with predominant focus on weekly training load and match load distribution analysis.

Reference (Year)	Study Purpose	Periodization Structure	Independent Variable	Main Findings	Practical Applications
Anderson et al. [87]	Quantified training load during a one-, two-, and three-game week schedule.	Three different weeks: one-, two- and three-game week schedule. 1-game week: 2 days of and 4 training days before MP; 2-game week: 1 day off after 1st MP and 4 training days before second MP; 3-game week: 1 day off and training day before 1st match and the same schedule within 2nd and 3rd MP.	Weekly microcycle type	Distance and speed: 1-game week TL was progressively decreased in 3 days prior to MD (p < 0.05). Daily TL and periodization were similar in the one- and two-game weeks. 2-game week total accumulative distance (inclusive of both MP and TL) was higher than 1-game week. 3-game week daily training TD was lower compared to 1-and 2-game weeks, though accumulative weekly distance was highest in this week and more time was spent in speed zones > 14.4 km × h−1 (p < 0.05).	Quantify daily training and accumulative weekly load (match load includeed) can be a support CHO periodization. Muscle glycogen is the predominant energy source and high levels of muscle glycogen may attenuate training adaptations.
Anderson et al. [106]	Quantified training load and match load during a season within starting status (starters, non-starters, and fringe).	Mesocycle (5 different in-season periods): 4 × 8-weeks (periods 1–4) and 1 × 7-weeks (period 5).	Player’s starting status (starters, non-starters, or fringe)	Distance and speed: Starters completed more moderate intensity running, HSR, and SPR than non-states (p < 0.01). Starters also completed more SPR than fringe players (p < 0.01).	Seasonal volume and intensity training are dependent on player’s match starting status and must be considered for training program design.
Baptista et al. [97]	Quantified the most demanding passages of play in training sessions and matches (5-min peaks); and evaluated the accumulated load of typical microcycles and official matches, according to playing position.	Weekly microcycle (1-game week) with “match day minus” format: MD+1C, MD+1R, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2, MD-2, MD-1, MD	Playing position and weekly microcycle.	Distance and speed: Training values for SPR and HSR distance were lower (36–61% and 57–71%) than for acceleration variables. The highest difference was verified on the 5-min peaks for SPRpeak, with FB achieving during the microcycle only 64%, while CB, CM, and FW levelled and overperformed the match values (107%, 100%, and 107%, respectively). Acceleration: Correlations match demands were overperformed for ACC counts (131–166%) and DEC counts (108–134%), according all position. Training values were higher than SPR and HSR distance.	Differences observed across playing positions in matches and microcycles underline the lack of position specificity of common training drills/sessions. Coaches and practitioners must keep in mind that the absolute TL accumulated by players of different positions, so analyzing the relative TL (according to the match demands) may be a much better and more valuable way of managing and evaluating the players periodization.
Dalen et Lorås [102]	Analyzed physical (locomotor activities) and physiological (Banister’s training impulse) in-season training load between starters and substitutes.	ND	Player’s starting status (starters and non-starters)	Distance and speed: Starting players demonstrated significantly higher average weekly physical load compared to the non-starters for all variables: TD, running, HSR, and SPR (p < 0.001), number of ACC and SPR (p < 0.001). Similarly, Banister’s TL (p < 0.001) was significantly higher within week than starters than non-starters.	The weekly accumulated high-speed running and sprint distances were largely related to match playing time. Therefore, weekly fitness-related adaptations in running at high speeds seem to favor the starters in a soccer team.
Clemente et al. [95]	Described the training/match ratios and variations between different weekly microcycle type. Investigated relationship within weekly accumulated TL and match load.	Three different weekly microcycle: week with 5 TSs (5 dW), 4 TSs (4 dW) or 3 TSs (3 dW).	Weekly microcycle type	Distance and speed: TDr, HSRr, and SPRr were significantly greater in 5 dW (p < 0.001). Acceleration and accelerometry: Correlations between the weekly TL and the match load of the same week were small for PL (r = 0.25 (0.13; 0.36)), ACC (r = 0.29 (0.17; 0.40)) and DEC (r = 0.23 (0.11; 0.35)).	Additional TSs, it may be necessary to promote differences between weekly accumulated TL and the load imposed in a single MP. Relationship between weekly accumulated TL and weekly MP are dynamic and unpredictable which may be impossible for accumulated weekly TL and their variations to be adjusted according to match loads.
Clemente et al. [105]	Analyzed the variations of acute load, training monotony, and training strain among pre-season, mid-season and end-season according playing position.	Mesocycle (5 different in-season periods): (i) pre-season (week 1 to week 6); mid-season or first half of the season (week 6 to week 33); and end-season or second half of the season (week 34 to week 45).	Season phase	Distance and speed: Training monotony and training strain for HSR were meaningfully greater in pre-season than in the mid-season and greater than the end-season (p < 0.001). The training monotony for the sprints was meaningfully greater in pre-season than in the mid-season and greater than the end-season (p < 0.001). Comparisons between playing positions revealed small-to-moderate effect size differences mainly for the number of sprints in acute load, training monotony, and training strain.	Acute load, training monotony, and training strain occurred in the pre-season and progressively decreased across the season. Moreover, external defenders and wingers were subjected to meaningfully greater acute load and training strain for HSR and number sprints during the season compared to the remaining positions.
Kelly et al. [70]	Analyzed TL and match load across a full season.	Mesocycle ranged from 6 to 9 weeks.	Mesocycle and playing position	Distance and speed: Daily TDs were higher during the early stages (M1 and M2) of the competition period. Overall, high-speed activity was similar between mesocycles. Weekly TL was greater on MD and lower MD-1 (p < 0.001). TD progressively decreased over the MD-3 (p < 0.001). High-speed distance was greater MD-3 while very high-speed distance was greater on MD-3 and MD-2 than MD-1 (p < 0.001). Perceived Exertion: Daily sRPE was also higher across early season stages. sRPE progressively decreased over the MD-3 (p < 0.001) as well as TD (p < 0.001).	Limited TL variation across mesocycles suggests that training schedules employed a highly repetitive likely reflecting the nature of the competition demands. TL periodization included a three-day period leading into competition.
Los Arcos et al. [71]	Quantified and compared the respiratory and muscular perceived TL accumulation depending on the player participation.	Mesocycle ranged from 6 to 8 weeks (week blocks) and weekly microcycle (1-game week) with “match day minus” format: MD-5, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2, MD-2, MD-1, MD.	Player’s starting status (starters or non-starters), mesocycle and training day.	Perceived Exertion: Weekly TL variation across the in-season blocks was trivial-small (except between block 2-block3). Substantial TL differences were found between training days. Weekly TL was a progressive increase up to MD-3 followed by a decrease until MD-1. sRPEres/sRPEmus-TL reported during MD was very similar between starters and non-starters.	Perceived TL across the season displayed limited variation. Highest weekly TL was applied to 72 h before the MD to progressively between MD-3 and MD.
Martin-Garcia et al. [82]	Determined the external load across playing position and relative for a structured microcycle. Examined TL and variation the day after competition for players with or without MP time.	Weekly microcycle (1-game week) with “match day minus” format: MD+1C, MD+1R, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2, MD-2, MD-1, MD.	Playing position and training day.	Distance and speed: TL declined as competition approached (MD-4 > MD-3 > MD-2 > MD-1; p < 0.05). MD+1C by players with game time was higher than MD+1R (p < 0.05). FB performed more high-speed running and SPR than other positions at MD-3 and MD-4 (p < 0.05; (0.8–1.7)). Weekly TL variation was ~40% for MD-3 and MD-4 to ~80% for MD+1R. Acceleration: ACC/DEC represented 50% of that performed in competition for MD+1C (80–86%), MD-4 (71–72%), MD-3 (62–69%), and MD-2 (56–61%). Metabolic power: MD+1C demonstrated greater HLMD and AMP than MD+1R (p < 0.05; (1.4–1.6)). TL declined as competition approached (MD-4 to MD-1) as well as HMLD and AMP (p < 0.05; ES: 1.5–3.0).	Quantifying TL should consider the relative competition demands and position-specific loads. MD+1 can be used to compensate for the reduced competition load in player with limited playing time. MD-4 and MD-3 could be employed to elevated training stimulus.
Owen et al. [99]	Investigated multi-metric monitoring method highlighting TL and its relationship to MP.	Weekly microcycle (1-game week) with “match day minus” format: MD-5, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2, MD-2, MD-1, MD.	Training day	Distance and speed: Significant differences between daily TL and competitive TL. Additionally, significant differences between training days for both volume- and intensity session scores (p < 0.05). No differences were found between MD-1 and MD-2 session scores.	Specific multi-modal approach may combine key mechanical volume and intensity metrics to player monitoring strategies and tapering approaches. The TL and match load relationships could provide a better understanding to the need for prepare players individually in line with MP demands.
Sanchez-Sanchez et al. [91]	Quantified the external load during in-season training microcycles and examined its relationship to the competition demands.	Weekly microcycle (1-game week) with “match day minus” format: MD-5, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2, MD-2, MD-1, MD.	Training day	Distance and speed: External load variables were similar between the four microcycles. MD-2 presented highest TL on time, TD, HSR and SPR compared MD+1, MD-3 and MD-1 (p < 0.01). Acceleration: Aside from training duration, all external loads variables were lower during training sessions compared to official matches (p < 0.05).	Absolute and relative external load values allow to more accurately know the load applied. MP constitutes the highest load during a typical competitive microcycle and MD-2 contain the weekly peak load.
Swallow et al. [110]	Quantified the external TL across both training and competitive matches during the season. Examined the influence of one and two match weekly microcycles on the external TL.	Weekly microcycle (1-game week) with “match day minus” format: MD-5, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2, MD-2, MD-1, MD.		Distance and speed: TD and HSR were higher on MD and MD-5. MD-4 displayed significantly higher values compared to MD-1 and MD-2. The 2-game week presented a TD higher on MD-1 when compared to 1-game week. However, lower values were observed for duration and HSR on MD-2 and MD-4 during the 2-game week compared to the 1-game week. Acceleration: Higher values recorded on MD for number of ACC. ACC data were influenced for the different game week schedule. Accelerometry: PL was also higher on MD and MD-5. The 2-game week presented a higher PL on MD-1 than 1-game week.	Progressive reduction in TD, PL, HSR, and ACC leading into competitive matches based on MD- analysis. However, some variability exists in TL prescription as a result of different 1-game week schedules (i.e., 1-game week vs. 2-game week).
Stevens et al. [80]	Quantified and compared the TL of training days and MP. Compared training of nonstarters the day after the match with regular training of starters and non-starters.	Weekly microcycle (1-game week) with “match day minus” format: MD-5, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2, MD-2, MD-1, MD.	Player’s starting status (starters or non-starters)	Distance and speed: TL was lower when training approached MD. Training values for running and HSR were lower than for TD, and all considerably lower than MD values. Non-starters training was lower loading than regular training for almost all variables on MD-4 and several high-intensity variables on MD-3 and MD. Acceleration and metabolic power: Medium and high accelerations and decelerations during training were more similar to match values. MD-4 was the greatest TL, including acceleration and metabolic variables.	Acceleration load on the most intense training day in MD-4. Non-starters training showed in a more general load than regular training, especially on MD-4, contributing to a considerably lower total weekly TL for non-starters. There is a challenge to improve sufficiently load in non-starters, especially in terms of running and HSR.
Wrigley et al. [60]	Quantified typical weekly TL during the in-season competitive period.	Weekly microcycle (1-game week): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday or Sunday (MD).	Age of players, training day and training mode/type or sub-components	HR and Perceived Exertion: Total weekly TL (training and match) increased with (p < 0.05). Differences in the daily TL across the training week were also evident in the older age group (U18). The amount of time engaged in low (<50% HRmax) and high (>90% HRmax) intensity activity during training and match-play was significantly lower and higher respectively in the U18 compared to the U14 group (p < 0.05). When comparing activity, the intensity (% HRmax) of field training was significantly lower compared to MP across all age groups (p < 0.05).	Age-related increases reflect increases in the intensity and a greater extent of the training volume. Weekly periodization in an older player may adopt an exponential tapering focused on competition.

1st—first; 2nd—second; 3 dW—week with three training sessions; 3rd—thirty; 4 dW—week with four training sessions; 5 dW—week with five training sessions; ACC—acceleration; AMP—average metabolic power; CB-centre back; CHO—carbohydrate; CM-center midfielders; DEC—deceleration; FB—full-backs; FW—forwards; g—G force; HMLD—high metabolic load distance; HR_max—maximum heart rate; HSR—high speed running; HSRr—high speed running ratio; M—mesocycle; MD—match day; MD+1C—match day + 1 compensatory; MD+1R—match day + 1 recovery; MP—match play; PL—player load; SPR—sprinting; SPR_peak—sprint peak; SPRr—sprinting ratio; sRPE—sessions ratings of perceived exertion; sRPEmusc-TL—sessions ratings of muscular training load; sRPEres-TL—sessions ratings of respiratory training load; TD—total distance; TDr—total distance ratio; TL—training load; TS—training session; TSs—training sessions; U14—under-14; U18—under-18.