This observational repeated-measures study investigates differences between absolute and individualized normalized acceleration and deceleration thresholds across the football microcycle. Match-derived locomotor metrics are commonly used to guide training prescription, although match performance may not reflect each player's maximal physical capacity. Therefore, this study monitored under-23 male football players across a full competitive season using 10-Hz GPS technology during training sessions and matches. High-intensity normalized thresholds were defined as 75-100% of individual maximum acceleration and deceleration, and were compared with conventional absolute thresholds (\>3 m/s² and \<-3 m/s²). The study aims to determine whether normalized approaches provide a more accurate representation of high-intensity locomotor demands across microcycle sessions relative to match load.
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Counts of High-Intensity Accelerations and Decelerations (Absolute vs Normalized Thresholds)
Timeframe: Across one competitive season (approximately 10 months)