• DOI:10.1080/14660970.2018.1432384
• Corpus ID: 148894870

Stakeholders’ understanding and perceptions of bio-banding in junior-elite football training

@article{Reeves2018StakeholdersUA,
  title={Stakeholders’ understanding and perceptions of bio-banding in junior-elite football training},
  author={Matthew J. Reeves and Kevin J. Enright and J. Dowling and Simon J Roberts},
  journal={Soccer \& Society},
  year={2018},
  volume={19},
  pages={1166 - 1182}
}

• M. Reeves, K. Enright, +1 author S. Roberts
• Published 2 February 2018
• Education
• Soccer & Society

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the understanding and perceptions of professional football academy staff, youth players and parents/carers in the use of ‘bio-banding’ during a seven week, pre-season training period. Data included a series of one-to-one semi-structured interviews and semi-structured focus groups with the three participant groups. Data were collected at three distinct times: (1) pre-bio-banded training; (2) during-bio-banded training; and (3) post-bio-banded training. Data were analyzed qualitatively using a constant comparative approach. Results suggested that there are six key themes associated with bio-banding pre-season training: (1) interpretation of bio-banding; (2) perceived disadvantages; (3) perceived advantages; (4) changes to coaching planning and practice; (5) educating stakeholders; and (6) logistical issues. This study concludes by proposing applied practitioners consider the findings as a framework to guide operationalizing bio-banding in their environment.