Relationship between load and readiness to train in a Gaelic football pre-competition training camp

The purpose of this study was to investigate daily deviations of selected physiological and psychometric variables in elite Gaelic football players during a pre-competition training camp to minimize the risk of overtraining and injury. Thirty elite Gaelic football players (26.9 ± 3.5 years, 182.8 ± 6.1 cm, 84.6 ± 8.1 kg) participated in this study. Data were collected during a 5-day warm-weather training camp. External training loads (TL) of total distance (TD) and high-speed running distance (HSR) were measured via global positioning system (GPS) technology. Physiological response to external load was measured via countermovement jump (CMJ) using an Electronic Jump Mat. Internal TL (Session RPE X Session Duration) was recorded for each player post-session and psychometric data were recorded each morning upon rising using the Metrifit athlete monitoring system, calculating a readiness to train (RTT) score for each player. There were no statistically significant day to day variations in countermovement jump (CMJ) scores and RTT (Coefficient of Variation: 7.98% & 13.87%, small to moderate effect size respectively). Data were stratified based on the volume of HSR performed, with no statistically significant differences in RTT on the following day between selected high or low ‘loaders’. While TD, HSR and internal TL varied significantly from day to day, there were no adverse effects on individual CMJ or RTT scores on the following day. The findings of the current study demonstrate that an appropriately planned pre-competition training camp can provide a dedicated and prolonged period of time to develop tactical and team play elements while not adversely impacting levels of fatigue.