# Can We Replicate the Most Demanding Periods of Official Football Matches in Large-Sided Training Games?

## TL;DR

This study compares training games to real football matches to see if they can replicate the most intense periods of play.

## Contribution

The study introduces a modified training protocol (MURDtask) that better replicates match intensity than traditional methods.

## Key findings

- MURDtask training exceeded match average in distance covered and decelerations >3 m·s−2.
- Neither training condition fully replicated peak match demands for high-speed running and high-intensity accelerations.
- Positional analysis showed MDSmatch had higher values for most variables except decelerations <−3 m·s−2.

## Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the external load demands of large-sided games, with and without regulatory interruptions, to the average (FOOTmatch) and most demanding scenarios (MDSmatch) observed in official football matches, taking into account players’ pitch positions. Methods: Large-sided training games were implemented with regulatory interruptions (FOOTtask) and without interruptions (MURDtask), during which a coach continuously introduced new balls to maximise effective playing time. GPS data were collected from eight official matches and six training sessions, involving a total of 30 young male football players. Results: MURDtask surpassed FOOTmatch, FOOTtask, and even MDSmatch in distance covered (Effect Size = 0.6–2.5), and equaled MDSmatch in the number of decelerations > 3 m·s−2. Both FOOTtask and MURDtask exceeded the average match demands in most locomotor external load variables, except for sprinting efforts > 28 km·h−1. However, none of the training games reached the peak values of MDSmatch in high-speed running or high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (>4 m·s−2). Positional analysis revealed significantly higher values in MDSmatch for most variables, except for decelerations <−3 m·s−2. Conclusions: MURDtask is a useful strategy to overload players, but additional tasks are required to replicate high-speed and high-intensity accelerations and decelerations typical of MDSmatch.