@Article{Oliveira2026,
journal="Biology of Sport",
issn="0860-021X",
year="2026",
title="Associations between accumulated weekly external load and technical match actions in elite soccer",
abstract=" This study investigated the associations between accumulated weekly external load metrics and match technical performance in elite male players. 19 outfield players from a Brazilian first-division club (25.7±3.9 years; 80.4±6.6 kg; 181.3±6.7 cm) were monitored across 208 sessions (170 training sessions and 38 official matches) during a full competitive season. External load was quantified, capturing total distance (TD), PlayerLoad (PL), high-speed running distance (HSRD), total accelerations (ACC), and repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIE). Match technical performance was categorized into defensive and offensive indicators. Results showed several negative associations between accumulated weekly external load and technical performance indicators. TD was negatively associated with Clearances (β = -0.310) and Successful Forward Passes(β = -0.213), while PL was negatively associated with Clearances (β = -0.315) and Aerial Duels Won (β = -0.216). Additionally, HSRD and RHIE were negatively associated with Interceptions (β = -0.273; β = -0.284). Finally, ACC was negatively associated with Interceptions (β = -0.241), Offensive Volume (β = -0.220), and Successful Total Passes (β = -0.207). These results suggest that weeks characterized by higher training volumes and intensities may negatively affect offensive and defensive technical performance in subsequent matches. Consequently, coaches should consider the adequacy of the weekly load composition, specifically managing neuromuscular stress and exposure to high intensity before matches, to balance offensive readiness with technical precision and defensive efficiency. An integrated approach combining external load and technical-tactical monitoring can optimize training prescription and help maintain performance throughout the competitive season ",
author="Oliveira, Alexandre
and Calegari, Maria
and Figueiredo, Lucas
and Clemente, Filipe
and Trybulski, Robert
and Costa, Gustavo de Conti Teixeira
and Laporta, Lorenzo
and Castro, Henrique de Oliveira",
pages="215--223",
doi="10.5114/biolsport.2027.165055",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2027.165055"
}