# External Load \"Periodization\" during Pre-Season and In-Season in a High-Level Futusal Team
###### Abstract  
We aimed to (1) compare external training loads obtained in futsal players during pre-season and in-season training weeks to explore how these loads are periodized by the coaching staff; and (2) compare the external training loads using the match day minus approach during the pre-season and in-season periods to determine how the within-microcycle training load varies between these periods. A total of 432 recordings were obtained of twelve national-level male amateur players using IPS devices. These data were collected over four consecutive microccycles from the beginning to the end of the pre-season, as well as during four additional consecutive microccycles at the start of the in-season. The external load variables evaluated were: total distance covered (TD; m), relative distance covered (Drel; m/min), high-speed running (HSR; m > 18.8 km/h), sprint distance (SPR; m > 25.2 km/h), number of intense accelerations (ACC; >2.5 m/s\({}^{2}\)) and decelerations (DEC; > -2.5 m/s\({}^{2}\)). Results indicated significant week-by-week variation (\(p<0.05\)) in all external load variables during the pre-season. During the in-season, significant variations (\(p<0.05\)) were observed only in Drel, HSR, and ACC. In both phases, all variables were higher (\(p<0.05\)) two days before the match. In conclusion, it is important to consistently quantify the external loads of futsal players to ensure appropriate variation in loading and tapering within the microcycle, as well as during the pre-season and in-season periods. athletic performance; training load; team sports +
Footnote †: journal:  
with distances of 136.6 and 129.2 m/min in the 1 st and 2 nd halves, respectively, when solely considering the in-play time [9]. Additionally, matches can include more than 25 sprints [10] 233.5 \(\pm\) 125.9 m at speeds \(>\) 18 km/h [8]. Furthermore, heart rate is typically maintained at \(\geq\)85% maximal heart rate and \(\sim\)80% maximum oxygen uptake [11; 12]. This demand generates a high degree of post-match central fatigue, impairing maximal isometric force [13]. Such a brief description of futsal highlights its high-intensity nature, characterized by sprints, accelerations, decelerations, and changes of direction, among other actions [14]. Of note, the sport heavily taxes both the aerobic and anaerobic systems [15]. Despite the knowledge of match load, less is known about current practices concerning typical training loads during the pre-season and in-season. The initial studies that described the training microcycle used the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) to quantify the internal training load in futsal [16; 17; 18]. These studies revealed that sRPE accumulated during the pre-season is greater than that accumulated during the in-season [17]. This is consistent with some perspectives on periodization in team sports, which suggest that pre-seasons should be used to achieve multiple training goals by incorporating various training strategies and loads. In contrast, the frequent official matches during the competitive season limit the variation in training loads, focusing instead on maintaining physical and technical abilities [19]. In addition, reducing training loads as the competition approaches facilitates the necessary taper to optimize performance [20]. However, as far as we know, no studies have used objective training data (e.g., distance covered) to compare training weeks within pre-season and in-season phases to verify how they are planned and whether they conform to previously published recommendations [19]. Typically, the quantification of the training microcycle using external load data has been conducted in relation to the number of days before the competitive match (i.e., match day (MD) minus) [6]. In this regard, there is a progressive reduction in external training load (e.g., total distance covered per session) leading up to the match day, known as the tapering effect [21]. Evidence of this, as reported by [PERSON] et al.