Introduction to Periodization – Goalkeepers
Football periodization in goalkepers Goalkeepers are the foundation of football. While they are frequently underestimated or rather only brought up to the spotlight when something goes wrong, a team is well aware that it cannot function unless they know their backs are covered. Their training and support is equally critical to the success of a […]
S&C in Youth Football
S&C in Youth Football Strength training has been proven to significantly influence football performance. Improving power, speed, acceleration or agility translate to powerful shots, winning aerial duels or covering distances faster enabling players to perform for longer. While the benefits are well-established, do senior and youth football share similar S&C programs? Objectives, demands and structure […]
Repeated Sprint Ability in football
Repeated Sprint Ability in football It is well-known that football is a chaotic, spontaneous sport demanding multiple different physiological responses in order to perform optimally. Given its intermittent nature made up of accelerations, decelerations and changes of direction, the ability to perform frequent, high-intensity actions with limited recovery time, seems to be key in order […]
Why are we stronger eccentrically?
Why are we stronger eccentrically? When talking about strong muscles, our instinct is to think of the muscle force produced as it shortens, also known as a forceful concentric muscle contraction usually producing a movement as an outcome. Other contractions include isometric (muscle produces force without changing length), isokinetic (muscle contracts at a constant speed) […]
Introduction to Hydration in football
Introduction to Hydration in football Hydration is not just about quenching thirst. It is a vital component affecting several processes both in maintaining normal body functioning and especially during performance exercise. It’s about adequate blood flow, regulating temperature and keeping muscles and brain at full capacity, among others. During a match, staying euhydrated (state of […]
Foam Rolling in football
Foam rolling in football In modern football, the foam roller has evolved from a niche recovery tool to essential in athletic preparation included in players’ daily routines across all levels. With a variety of benefits such as enhancing flexibility, aiding recovery or optimizing performance, it proves that sometimes the simplest tools can have significant impact, […]
Drone technology in football
Drone technology in football Drone technology has been present for the last 20 years though its use has been time-consuming, limited to commercial use or military with strict regulations and costly, not including the fact that few people were authorized to learn and fly drones. Recently, their use has expanded to new opportunities and the […]
Taping in football
Taping in football Nowadays, sports tape is a standard tool for a footballer, much like shin pads or socks. Taping of an athlete is one of the most common practices and it refers to the application of adhesive tape to muscles or joints with the aim to offer support, stability and protection. However, despite its […]
Introduction to Sleep – An elite athlete’s recovery tool
Introduction to Sleep: an elite athlete’s recovery tool When one thinks of a robot needing an update and reboot in order for it to perform optimally, it is as close to explaining the impact sleep has on the human body. Sleep is a vital biological process which is key for overall well-being, affecting almost every […]