Altitude training in team-sport athletes

Altitude/hypoxic training was traditionally exclusive to endurance athletes seeking to improve oxygen-carrying capacity by increasing hemoglobin mass. This requires prolonged exposure to altitude, leading to "live high-train high," and since the 1990s, "live high-train low." More recently, different "live low-train high" hypoxic methods, incorporating repeated sprints or resistance training in hypoxia, have emerged. These methods primarily benefit peripheral aspects with improved resistance to muscle fatigue or increased hypertrophic responses, both important for team sports. Combining these innovative methods with traditional altitude training allows for the development of both aerobic and anaerobic pathways specific to team sports. This chapter provides an overview of traditional and innovative methods, highlighting the pros and cons of each currently available option.