2014 - Fitness in Soccer: The Science and Practical Application

Periodization is a planned variation in training methods on a cyclic or periodic basis. The soccer season should be periodized in such a way that allows fatigue levels to be attenuated appropriately and ensures that team performance is stabilized across the competitive season at as high a level as possible. In order to achieve these aims, periods of loading, recovery, and tapering have to be sensibly arranged. Due to the congested fixture list in elite soccer, there is very little time for soccer players to train between games, as many training sessions are aimed at either recovering from match play or tapering in preparation for the next match. Therefore, it is time efficient if players train tactical principles while maintaining/improving their physical condition or even during recovery and tapering sessions.