Physiological characteristics and acute fatigue associated with position-specific speed endurance soccer drills: production vs maintenance training

Objective: The study aimed to compare the physiological characteristics and acute fatigue associated with position-specific speed endurance production (SEP) and maintenance (SEM) soccer drills. Methods: Twenty male soccer players performed a position specific drill consisting of 8 exercise bouts each lasting ~30 s interspersed by 150 s (SEP) and 60 s (SEM) of passive recovery. A selection of players (n = 10) completed neuromuscular assessments pre and post drill. Results: Players covered greater high speed (12%), very high speed (49%) and sprint (218%) running distances in SEP (P < 0.05, ES: 0.51–0.80). SEP resulted in greater peak (7%) and average (10%) running speeds (P < 0.01, ES: 0.70–0.93). Mean and peak heart rate responses were greater in SEM (4–10%, P < 0.01, ES: 0.97–1.84) whilst blood lactate concentrations were higher following SEP (6%, P < 0.05, ES: 0.42). Reductions in vertical countermovement jump height were more pronounced immediately after SEP (2%, P < 0.05, ES: 0.36) but 24 h post SEM (4%, P < 0.05, ES: 0.52). Horizontal countermovement jump performance was reduced immediately post SEP and SEM (3–5%, P < 0.01, ES: 0.22–0.38) and 24 h post SEM (4%, ES: 0.32). Conclusion: The data demonstrate that position-specific SEP and SEM drills overload different physiological indices and induce small impairments in some neuromuscular measures.