Effects of 1 Versus 2 Games a Week on Physical and Subjective Scores of Subelite Soccer Players

Rollo I, Impellizzeri FM, Zago M, Iaia FM

The physical-performance profiles of subelite male footballers were monitored during 6 weeks of a competitive season. The same squad of players played either 1 (1G, n = 15) or 2 (2G, n = 15) competitive matches per week. On weeks 0, 3, and 6, 48 hours post-match, players completed countermovement jump (CMJ), 10- and 20-meter sprints, the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YYIRT), and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire. Both groups undertook 2 weekly training sessions.

The 2G showed, after 6 weeks, lower YYIRT (–11% to 3%, 90% CI –15.8% to –6.8%; P < .001) and CMJ performances (–18.7%, –21.6 to –15.9%; P = .007) and higher 10-meter (4.4%, 1.8–6.9%; P = .007) and 20-meter sprint values (4.7%, 2.9% to 6.4%; P < .001). No differences were found at 3 weeks (.06 < P < .99). No changes over time (.169 < P < .611) and no differences time × group interactions (.370 < P < .550) were found for stress, recovery, and the Stress Recovery Index. In conclusion, players’ ability to sprint, jump, and perform repeated intense exercise was impaired when playing 2 competitive matches a week over 6 weeks.