The microstructure of practice in soccer: a comparison of duration and frequency of practice

A typical dilemma confronting coaches is how to structure training to optimise skill acquisition and prepare for competition (Cobley, 2005). Coaches must manipulate training content, frequency, volume, intensity and recovery to achieve these dual objectives ensuring both effective and efficient learning. However, despite the importance of these objectives in developing elite performers, current coaching practice is determined mainly by ‘lay’ opinion rather than empirical research (Williams and Hodges, 2005).