Percepções dos preparadores físicos sobre aspectos teórico-práticos do treinamento de força no futebol profissional brasileiro

Abstract

Professional football players must have an optimized development of strength and muscular power in order to have competitive advantages when facing the several demands of the game. In this sense, it is important to know the theoretical foundations and practices used to develop these capabilities by physical trainers in Brazil. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the perceptions of professionals by applying an online questionnaire. Questions about criteria used to direct strength training; planning and periodization; difficulties faced; and, reporting of dosimetry and exercises and the most important load control strategies in their program were addressed. Thirty professionals (37 ± 10 years), with an experience of 8 ± 7 years in the function (~48% of them representatives of Serie A and Serie B, national level), composed the sample. The dosimetry reported by most was 2 interventions per week, with intervals of 16-30 minutes duration for 4-12 repetitions in 1-4 sets. The vast majority (93.33%) stated that they periodize strength training; with 76% of them agreeing that such training should occur only in the pre-workout. The great majority reported difficulty in implementing strength training due to the schedule of games and infrastructural barriers; for ~70%, the time dedicated to the work is not ideal, with 73% stating that there are divergences between work proposals with the coach. Global muscle strengthening, maximization of sprinting and power capabilities, and reduction or prevention of injury risk are the main directions sought for strength training in football. On the field, squats and variations, pliometrics, contra-resistance running or running with changes in direction, and accelerations/decelerations were the exercises reported as most important in their programs. In the gym, repeating the first two exercises listed for the field included machines and LPO and drifts. The main strategy for load determination and control were "velocity-based training (VBT)" and fatigue/effort scales, respectively. Finally, this information provides important reflections on the Brazilian school's view regarding the physical preparation of its players. Future studies should analyze the reasons for the divergences in work proposals reported to exist between physical trainers and coaches.