The effect of taper training on competition performance and physiological parameters with small sided games in soccer

Aim : The aim of the study is to observe the effect of 1 week taper training on aerobic endurance and running distance after 8 weeks of preparation with small sided games training applied at anaerobic threshold intensity. Methods: This study was participated by 25 football players who played football in amateur leagues with age 22 ± 2 and who is a college student in Manisa Celal Bayar University Sports Sciences Faculty. This study has been completed with 15 soccer players due to reasons such as disability, not to participate in training and voluntary withdrawal. Participants in the study were selected from soccer players who had played football for at least 5 years. At the beginning of the study anaerobic threshold, soccer specific endurance tests were applied. 2 weeks of 9 weeks training program is planned as general preparation, 6-week overload training period and 1-week taper training period. The 7-week training loads were calculated and the training loads were designed increasingly. Frequency and volume of the training sessions were decreased in taper week. A total of 3 matches were played before training and after overload and taper training. In this matches, defensive (the number of tackle, interception and pressure) and offensive (the numbers of total involvement with the ball, passing, dribbling) technical analyzes and total distance covered were carried out using the Sportscode Gamebreaker analysis program and GPS. Results : According to the results of statistical analysis, after taper training which was applied after intense training period was an increase in total walking distance, low intensity running speed, moderate running speed and soccer specific endurance levels. Conclusion : Taper training after high-intensity training has led to an increase in technical skill, running distances, and soccer-specific aerobic endurance. So taper training is recommended to trainers to improve performance and remove fatigue in soccer. Keywords : Taper Training, Soccer-Specific Aerobic Endurance, Small Sided Games, Acceleration And Deceleration.