Effects of the Compensatory Training Strategy on External Speed Load Between Starter and Nonstarter Soccer Players.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of postmatch compensatory training (CT) in mitigating disparities in external speed load between nonstarters (with varying match exposure) and starters (>60 min match play without CT). METHODS: Forty-three professional soccer players (25 [4] y) were monitored across 68 matches using global positioning system. Players were classified as starters (G1, >60 min), nonstarters (G2, 0 min), and nonstarters (G3, 1-30 min). External load metrics included total distance, high-speed running (HSR), and sprint distance, analyzed as both absolute values and relative values (% of total distance covered, and per minutes played). CT consisted of high-intensity interval exercise (∼925 m). Generalized estimating equations with least significant difference post hoc tests were applied (P < .05). RESULTS: Significant group × intervention interactions were observed for HSR and sprint distance (P ≤ .002). Without CT, G1 showed higher HSR (585 vs 33-143 m) and sprint distance (115 vs 2-34 m) than G2 and G3 (P < .05). Following CT, both G2 and G3 markedly increased HSR (G2: 33→261 m; G3: 143→318 m; P ≤ .001), reducing differences versus G1. Sprint distance increased in G2 (2→75 m; P < .001), although G1 remained higher than G2 and G3 (P ≤ .05). Relative metrics confirmed these findings, with no between-group differences after CT. Total distance remained higher in G1 across conditions (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Postmatch CT effectively attenuates external speed-load disparities between nonstarters and starters in professional soccer players.