Planning and control of the training soccer teams in junior categories and third senior division of the region of Murcia (season 2012-2013)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the planning and control of the training soccer teams in categories of education and performance. The sample was composed by nine national junior teams and 11 senior third division teams of the Region of Murcia (season 2012-2013). A selective design, through a questionnaire previously validated by experts, was used. The variables studied were: characteristics of coaches, information about the planning done during the season, training resources employees, and training control. The results showed that most of the senior and youth teams plan the same way during the season. There were differences in the percentage of work of physical conditioning in the transition period (higher in seniors team), and in small games and theoretical education (higher in the youth teams). The absence of differences in training planning and training between categories of performance shows that the theoretical evolution that should occur in the players’ formation process is not happening. The findings of this study provide information that could be useful in the design and planning of the training of soccer coaches.