The scheduling of training during the in-season weekly microcycle in team sport

Abstract

The in-season phase of competition in field-based team sport is highly congested due to the frequency of competitive match-play. Scheduling training between each match is challenging given the persistent fatigue elicited by match-play and the need to expose athletes to numerous diverse training sessions (field-based and resistance training) whilst also ensuring sufficient recovery is provided. The aim of this thesis was to examine the scheduling of training within the in-season weekly microcycle, with a focus on neuromuscular function, fatigue, and recovery from intermittent sprint, resistance, and concurrent training. Study one examined current trends in microcycle scheduling in professional team sport and explored the practitioner perceptions that underpin the weekly prescription of training. Given that performing aerobic activity prior to resistance exercise has been found to compromise the quality of the resistance training stimulus, study two examined the daily organisation of intermittent sprint and resistance exercise. Collectively, the studies within this thesis provide insight into the scheduling of training across the week in team sport, from the practitioners' perspective as well as through the exploration of changes in neuromuscular function and fatigue in response to daily and weekly training organisation.

Date of Award	2020
Original language	English