There are no data in the literature regarding the optimal pitch training load (PTL) for elite soccer teams during congested seasons. 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...
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ideal training load to be applied during periods of fixture congestion to ensure an adequate dose-response effect for performance maintenance. Methods: Match performance data and corresponding pre-match training load sessions (both N = 498 match performance cases and training-block session cases) were collected (with the catapult system, VECTOR7) fr...