ABSTRACT
The energy requirement for competitive football is large and is influenced by many factors. The mean rate of aerobic energy production for elite players is 70-80% of maximal aerobic power during the course of a 90 min match. The energy cost of an entire match is 5-6 MJ (1195-1434 kcal), depending on the total distance covered (~10-11 km) and the style of play (Bangsbo, 1994; Ekblom, 1986). These values reflect environmental, physiological, tactical, and technical factors (Kuzon et al., 1990; Mohr, Krustrup, & Bangsbo, 2003; Shephard, 1999).
