Translating physical training theoretical framework to soccer practice: a narrative review

Background In contemporary soccer, effective athlete monitoring is essential for optimizing training and enhancing performance. Aim This narrative review applies Jeffries et al.’s conceptual framework of physical training to the context of soccer, aiming to assess its external validity and identify redundancies and gaps within current literature. Methods Highly cited and conceptually relevant studies were prioritized from PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar to populate the framework, which outlines a structured training process in which external training load (ETL), internal training load (ITL), and training effects—categorized as acute/chronic and positive/negative—interact within a system influenced by individual and contextual factors. Results and Conclusions Findings show an evident alignment between the framework’s components and soccer-specific research. Numerous studies validate the ETL–ITL distinction and highlight the relevance of contextual elements (e.g., match congestion, opposition level) and individual characteristics (e.g., playing position, psychophysiological status). Additionally, subjective wellness metrics and psychometrically sound monitoring tools play a role in evaluating adaptation, recovery, and fatigue, particularly in high-demand environments. It further supports the classification of training effects and sport performance outcomes into distinct yet interconnected constructs. This narrative review serves as a foundational reference for advancing knowledge in soccer training, offering insights into refining monitoring practices to optimize player performance.