Analysis of external and internal load during rondo drills in U19 soccer players

Background and Study Aim. Rondo drills are considered a specific kind of possession games commonly used by soccer coaches in several countries and settings with the aim to enhance problem-solving process. The aim of this study is to analyze the external and internal load observed in different rondo pitch sizes. Material and methods. Thirty-four soccer players (age: 17.33±0.70 years, height: 178±0.06 cm; weight: 72.78±5.24) from the Italian U19 national teams were involved in this study. Rondo drills (3vs3+3) were performed in small (25x25 m – 69 m2 ∙ player) and large pitch (35x35 m – 136 m2 ∙ players). All experimental sessions were conducted completing 3x4’30” bout, followed by 2’ of passive recovery. The variables examined on external load were total distance, peak of speed, distance covered at moderate intensity, at high-intensity, metabolic power at very high-power and maximum power. The rate of perceived exertion socres for internal load were recorded. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05 and the magnitude thresholds for effect size was calculated. Results. Large rondo significantly produced greater values on total distance (p<0.05), distance covered at moderate intensity (p<0.05), at high intensity (p<0.01), metabolic power at very high power (p<0.05), at maximum power (p<0.05) and peak of speed (p<0.01) than small one. The rate of perceived exertion socres were significantly (p<0.001) higher when elite young soccer players performed large rondo. Conclusions. Rondo drills can be considered an effective ball possession to increase physical demands of elite young soccer players. Large rondo could be scheduled during neuromuscular training sessions to provide an optimal stimulu son high-intensity variables, while small rondo may be implemented during technical warm-up. Finally, we suggest to incorporate maximal running-based interventions to increase sprint running exposure.