High intensity interval training practices in competitive field-based invasion team sports

Abstract

High intensity interval training (HIIT) can be defined as alternating bouts of short duration exercise (e.g., 5s to 10 minutes) at near/maximal intensities separated by complete rest or low intensity activity allowing partial/full recovery (1). Formats of HIIT include sprint interval training, repeated sprint training, long and short intervals, with each format capable of inducing high levels of physical stress. Competitive field-based invasion team sports (FITS) such as rugby, soccer and Gaelic games are dominated by technical and tactical components, while high fitness levels are required to supplement these skills as performance is regulated by a combination of physiological and psychological qualities. In spite of the high profile nature of FITS there remains a paucity of scientific literature examining coaches practices within such sports [6]. However it is not clear why/how coaches prescribe HIIT or what methods they implement. The aim of this study is to clarify several aspects of coaches HIIT practices such as why it is used, what methods do they utilise, does their prescription vary depending on the time of season and what variables impact their decision making when selecting a method of HIIT.