"Compensation for players who are rarely or never used in matches (less than 20 minutes) is too often limited to intermittent training at 100% of their MAS. This approach addresses the energy aspect, but leaves out an essential dimension: maximum speed and neuromuscular exposure." This is the observation made by Salim Khairi, the fitness coach for the U23s of Union Tihad Tourga in Morocco. The sports science doctoral student points out that research highlights the importance of maintaining a regular maximum sprint load for three reasons: injury prevention, particularly of the hamstrings, neuromuscular stimulation, and speed maintenance. "The work of Nicholson et al. (2020) indicates that a total volume of 150 to 300 meters of sprinting at maximum intensity is optimal for compensation. Concretely, this can translate into: 6 to 10 sprints of 20 to 30 meters with complete recovery, maintaining maximum quality of execution," continues the specialist. "This type of work promotes the maintenance and development of speed while strengthening muscle and tendon tissue."
‘Substitute Compensation: Get Sprinting!’ reminds Salim Khairi (left), fitness coach for the U23 team at Union Tihad Tourga in Morocco / ©DR