How to Train Rate of Force Development in Football?
What is Rate of Force Development (RFD)? The Rate of Force Development (RFD) refers to how quickly a muscle or group of muscles can generate force during a contraction. It is measured as the slope of the force-time curve, expressed in Newtons per second (N/s). Unlike maximal force, which represents the highest force a muscle […]
Rethinking Movement in Football: Why Players Aren’t Built for Straight Lines
Traditional testing and training methods often fail to reflect the specific demands of football movements. Many drills and assessments still lack biomechanical and contextual relevance to the sport. For example, most exercises emphasize linear, single-plane motions, which do not represent the multi-directional and reactive nature of football. Movement efficiency relies heavily on joint angles and […]
Sprinting in Football
Introduction To say that performance in football depends on a variety of individual skills and abilities, but also, of course, on the interactions that each player establishes with teammates and opponents, should not, in principle, raise much objection. In fact, technical and tactical abilities are determining factors, but in order to be successful, each player […]
Ultrax: An Integrated Platform for Sports Performance and Organizational Management
The Evolution of Data-Driven Sports Management In recent years, sports organizations have experienced a significant shift in the way performance, training, and athlete health are monitored and managed. This shift has been fueled by the increasing volume and variety of available data, as well as by the growing need for tools that facilitate not only […]
Effects of Strength, Speed and Non-Specific Resistance Training on FVP Profile
Introduction Soccer is a physically demanding sport that requires a combination of aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Soccer players need to sprint, accelerate quickly, and change direction to beat their opponents (Taylor et al., 2004, 2017). High-speed running (HSR) (> 19.8 km/h -1) and sprinting (> 25.1 km/h -1) distance is positively associated with the number […]
What Is the Current Situation Regarding Licensing of Fitness Coaches in European Football?
Introduction Previously there were no formal standardised requirements for those wanting to work as a fitness coach in European football. This meant that anybody could be employed by a club to work in this important role without any academic or practical qualifications, or even experience. This situation was not only undesirable, but also potentially dangerous. […]
The Neuroscience of Football: Unlocking Mastery, Creativity, and Peak Performance
Introduction Every footballer knows the routine: countless hours spent on the training ground, honing techniques, refining strategies, and preparing for the intensity of match day. Yet, beneath every well-timed pass, perfectly weighted through-ball, or audacious dribble lies something much deeper than raw athleticism. These moments of brilliance are the culmination of a complex and dynamic […]
Physical Development of Young Athletes: Balance Between 3 Important Things in Training
Introduction In today’s society, many issues face young athletes. Sport participation can be a countermeasure to a sedentary lifestyle which is clearly prevalent and dangerous. Often, individuals experience failed attempts to participate in organized physical development because too much emphasis is placed on competition, with little attention on developing proper athleticism (appropriate movement skills). Individuals […]
Sprint Training in the Service of Reducing Hamstring Injuries, Part 2
Integration of Maximum Speed into the Weekly Microcycle To manage workload in weekly microcycles, it is necessary to find an adequate workload dose that promotes positive physical adaptations without increasing the risk of injury. Regardless of the chosen methodology, it is essential to achieve a balance where the highest workload occurs on days furthest from […]
Maximizing the First 15 Minutes in Football Warm Up: Examples From My Teams
In team sports like football, Strength & Conditioning (S&C) coaches typically have the first 15 minutes of a session to work directly with players. At first glance, 15 minutes may seem like too short a period to make an impact. However, when you multiply those 15 minutes by 7 days per week, 30 days per […]
