Abstract

We performed a comparative study to analyse the importance of intermittent training, more precisely the use of intermittent maximal aerobic speed (MAS), in football. We assessed continuous MAS with the MAS-EVAL test and intermittent MAS with the 45-15 test using 21 young footballers. Bearing in mind the results two uniform groups were formed who did seven weeks of specific training in order to develop their MAP. Training intensity was indexed to the maximum level of continuous MAS for group 1 and to maximum intermittent MAS for group 2. For all the players and for each group there was a significant initial difference (p <0.001) between intermittent MAS (16.02±1.21 kph) and continuous MAS (14.12±1.06 kph). The same differences between intermittent and continuous MAS were maintained once the 7 weeks of training had finished. However, for group 1 there were no significant differences between the initial and final 45-15 tests, in contrast to group 2 where there was a clear difference (p <0.01) between the two intermittent tests (15.86±1.50 kph / 17.0±0.97 kph). Although both groups improved their continuous MAS the speed increase was higher in group 2. It is very important to consider the results of continuous and especially intermittent MAS tests to schedule and accurately tailor the intensity of training, since there are differences that are not always assessed.