Futsal is a high-intensity sport that requires players to balance physical performance, technical skills, and tactical strategies. In this context, external load monitoring has emerged as an essential tool to optimize performance and prevent injuries in elite athletes.
A recent study published in the journal Sports analyzed the variability of external load in futsal players from the Spanish First Division. This research, conducted using OLIVER PRO technology, sheds light on various key aspects.
In this article, we will focus on the different futsal positions and the various metrics obtained during the microcycle.
Futsal is a highly dynamic sport played with five players per team. Additionally, futsal stands out because the goalkeeper plays a crucial role in both defensive and offensive phases. However, in this study, the goalkeeper’s role (and metrics) was not analyzed.
Instead, the study focused on the "outfield players," divided into three categories:
These three categories were considered in the study published in Sports and in this article.
The variables examined in this study included: total distance (m), walking distance 0–6 km/h (m), jogging distance 6.1–12 km/h (m), high-intensity distance 12.1–18 km/h (m), maximum intensity distance >18.1 km/h (m), high acceleration (m) (>2 m/s²), high deceleration (m) (>−2 m/s²), number of accelerations (>2 m/s²), number of decelerations (>2 m/s²), and maximum speed (km/h).
Once the training sessions were completed, the data was categorized based on the day of the week in relation to the match: MD-5 (5 days before the match), MD-4 (4 days before the match), MD-3 (3 days before the match), MD-2 (2 days before the match), MD-1 (1 day before the match), and MD (match day), following previously published scientific studies.
The analysis included 10 elite players from a Spanish First Division Futsal team. Data collection was carried out using OLIVER PRO devices, installed on each player’s calf-sleeve.
Regarding positions, the results revealed significant differences in conditional demands.
Pivots had the lowest loads during the microcycle, while wingers stood out in variables such as distance covered at high and maximum intensity, as well as accelerations, indicating higher physical demands for this position.
Defenders experienced higher loads during decelerations, particularly in matches. These findings highlight the need to design specific training programs for each position, considering these conditional differences, to enhance player preparation and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
By providing reference values derived from elite contexts, this study offers a practical guide for strength and conditioning coaches, allowing them to plan, adjust, and optimize training programs in futsal. Additionally, the findings contribute to the broader discourse in sports science and public health, addressing critical issues such as load management, injury prevention, and player well-being.
This multidisciplinary knowledge is essential for advancing towards sustainable performance in highly intermittent sports like futsal.
The use of OLIVER PRO devices not only enhances data collection but also facilitates informed decision-making to optimize team performance. The main benefits include:
External load monitoring in futsal is not just a trend; it is a necessity in such a dynamic and demanding sport. With technologies like OLIVER PRO devices, teams can move towards a more efficient training management system, achieving a balance between performance, injury prevention, and well-being.
🔗 You can read the full study by clicking here.
🌍 Learn more about OLIVER PRO by visiting our website: oliversports.ai/en/oliver-pro