The Quantification of Absolute and Relative Training and Match Data Across a Typical Microcycle Utilizing a Match Day Minus Approach—A Case Study Examining Female Professional Soccer Players

This study aimed to quantify the absolute and relative data across a typical microcycle (MC) in female professional soccer players utilizing a match day minus (MD-) approach. Ten players (24.7 ± 2.6 years) from an elite female Portuguese team participated in this case study. Data was analyzed in absolute or relativized values (per minute) and included the following metrics: duration, total distance, high-speed running distance (HSR, >15 km/h), number of accelerations (ACC, >1–2 m.s−2 [ACC1]; >2–3 m.s−2 [ACC2]; >3–4 m.s−2 [ACC3]; >4 m.s−2 [ACC4]) and decelerations (DEC, <1–2 m.s−2 [DEC1]; <2–3 m.s−2 [DEC2]; <3–4 m.s−2 [DEC3]; <4 m.s−2 [DEC4]). Total distance showed a significant difference between MD-4 and MD-2 (p = 0.047, moderate effect), which presented the lowest value of all MC days, while MD presented the highest value of HSR compared to all training days (p < 0.001, large to very large effect) for both absolute and relativized data. Relative data showed higher values for MD-5 with significant differences during MD-2 for ACC1, ACC2, DEC1, and DEC2 (p < 0.01, large to very large effect), while absolute data showed higher values during MD-4 for ACC2, DEC1, and DEC2 (p < 0.01, large to very large effect). Absolute ACC3 was higher during MD-3, denoting significant differences from MD-2 (p = 0.002, large effect). This study highlighted that it is possible to train, in specific sessions, with identical loading patterns of match play, specifically for ACC and DEC metrics. However, HSR distance was found to be higher during MD, while training values were significantly lower.