Identifying Optimal Pitch Training Load in Elite Soccer Players.

Background: There are no data in the literature regarding the optimal pitch training load (PTL) for elite soccer teams during congested seasons.

Objectives: This study had three goals: (1) identify whether there is an adaptation in match physical performance (MPP) in response to PTL throughout a congested season in elite soccer players; (2) identify whether MPP adaptation is specific to the coach's PTL philosophy; and (3) identify the optimal PTL for MPP during a congested season.

Method: Over two seasons, we collected data from 11,658 PTL sessions and 3068 MPP data from 54 elite male soccer players. The PTL sessions were clustered in weekly training blocks and paired with MPP for statistical and machine learning analysis.

Results: Over the season, MPP increased in the mid-season and this trend decreased during the end-season. Also, MPP reflected the coach's PTL philosophy. Further, using a machine learning (k-means) approach, we identified three different PTLs (and classified them as low-, medium-, and high-load PTL blocks). The high-load PTL block was associated with a higher MPP, while the lower PTL was associated with a lower MPP.

Conclusions: PTL is closely related to MPP, and this change also reflects the coach's PTL philosophy. Here, we report an optimal PTL that could be useful for soccer teams playing a congested season.