ABSTRACT
This chapter assesses the effectiveness of a shift in training emphasis on physical performance during the early- and mid-season and outbreaks indirectly, the underlying physiological energy supply processes in soccer using simple equipment and field tests which are readily available to club coaches. Incorporating sports specific testing and evaluation into an overall soccer programme may aid individualized training regimes and player motivation. These particular physical attributes reflect the underlying physiological systems which contribute to successful soccer performance and roughly correspond to energy derived from oxidative phosphorylation, glycogen to lactate and degradation of phosphocreatine (PCr). Anthropometric measures included age, height and body mass with subjects attired in athletic shorts. Physical performance was assessed during shuttle running and sprint activity. Shuttle running consisted of two tests, a progressive shuttle run test (PST) and a high intensity shuttle run test (HIST). Improved HIST performance led to parallel increases in estimated Accumulated Oxygen Deficit (AOD) values.
