The purpose of this study was to quantify any differences in training load (TL), as measured via Duration, Heart rate (HR) and Session-Rating of Perceived Exertion Load (S-RPE Load), in Division I male collegiate soccer players. Training sessions during the fall competitive season were categorized by the days away from the next competition [match day (MD) out] in 26 collegiate soccer players. All training sessions were monitored using HR transmitter technology. HR data was expressed as percent of total practice duration spent in zones (%HRLow [. 69%], %HRMod [70-89%] and %HRHigh [. 90%]). A significant, main effect finding was noted for Duration (p < 0.01), S-RPE Load (p < 0.01), %HRLow (p < 0.01), %HRMod (p < 0.01), and %HRHigh (p < 0.01) between MD out from competition. Post hoc analysis revealed MD-1 had the lowest TL across all MDs. Load on MD-3 was greatest for Duration (90.72 } 23.78 min), S-RPE Load (1223.50 } 393.60 au), and %HRHigh (7.07 } 9.87). The highest load for %HRMod was on MD-4 (35.52 } 17.16 min), while %HRLow was on MD-1 (74.45 } 18.93 min). As MD approached, various trends, such as a bell-shaped curve (Duration, S-RPE Load, %HRHigh) and a linear taper (%HRMod), were evident. Periodization trends in internal and external TL are evident within the microcycle lens where the focus of training is on recovery and preparation for the forthcoming match.
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