Analysis of Training Load Perception of Young Soccer Players Based on Some Variables

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the perception of training load of young soccer players during a five-week preparation period, based on their positions of play, VO₂ max and years licensed and to compare the perceptions of the players with the training load planned by their coach. 17 young soccer players of Beşiktaş Football Club’s U16 team who participated in the pre-season training prior to the 2018-2019 season volunteered to participate in this study. The height of the players is 175.38±4.83 cm, body weight is 64.24±4.59 kg, body mass index is 20.91±1.54 kg/m2 and body fat percentage is 8.45±3.39. During the 5-week preparation period, the players assessed the rate of perceived exertion of the sections of each training session by using the Borg Scale, on a scale from 1 to10. The SPSS package program (SPSS 24) was used for statistical analysis of the research data. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normality and Levene’s test was used to assess homogeneity. It was determined that the data distribution was normal. An independent t-test was implemented for comparison of the two groups, and a one-way ANOVA test was implemented for the comparison of multiple groups. The statistical results were evaluated at p < 0.05 significance level. As a result, the players’ VO₂ max values and the years of licensed soccer play may have an influence on their perception of the training load. The coaches’ and young soccer players’ perception levels of preparation period training load are compatible.