Abstract

In order to observe if there is a relationship between external load and the design of the different training exercises in relation to the levels of approach, space, opposition and type of game, a prospective, observational and descriptive study was carried out in 15 training sessions of a Copa Catalunya team during the competitive period of the 2017-2018 season. From each training session, external load was recorded by accelerometry (Polar Pro Team) and the exercises performed (n = 18) were analysed with the following variables: level-1 accelerations (A-1), 0.5 to 0.99 m/s2; level-2 accelerations (A-2) 1 to 1.99 m / s2; level-3 accelerations (A-3), 2 to 2.99 m/s2; level-4 accelerations (A-4), 3 to 50 m/s2; level-1 decelerations (D-1), –0.5 to –0.99 m / s2; level-2 decelerations (D-2), –1 to –1.99 m / s2, level-3 decelerations D-3), –2 to –2.99 m / s2 and level-4 decelerations (D-4), -3 to -50 m / s2; Subsequently, a descriptive analysis of the central tendency was carried out and the external load variables were related to the levels of approach, space, opposition and the type of game through Spearman’s Rho. Significant relationships were observed between level III of approach with Total A-D 3 (rho = –0.727, p = 0.001) and Total A-D 3-4 (rho = –0.727, p = 0.001). Trends were also found in the relationship between level III of approach and A-3, D-3 and for opposition with D-3, Total A-D 3 and A-D 3-4. The results could suggest, in this specific context, that levels of approach III and IV, as well as opposition, shooting exercises and small games are related to the intensity (quality) and volume (quantity) of external load during practices. Control of external load by accelerometry can be a useful tool when designing and programming the training load and its intensity.