Plyometrics Training on Soft Surfaces
Plyometric training is a method within strength training (1,2) that is beneficial due to the short time required to apply force, similar to sports actions (1,3,4). However, not all surfaces generate the same responses. In this article, we will explore how sand and water affect jump mechanics, their benefits, and which types of athletes may […]
Adaptable Systems for Programming
WHAT does Adaptability Mean? Adaptability is being able to adjust to any situation at any given time – John Wooden Consider this quote from legendary American basketball coach John Wooden and reflect on your systems as a strength and conditioning coach. Ask yourself, if you had to move to a new organisation or sport tomorrow, […]
Glute Hypertrophy Program – Your Movement Muscle Development
Why Are Gluteal Muscles So Important? The gluteal muscles—gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus—are among the most powerful and functional muscles in the human body. Their role goes far beyond aesthetics. Well-developed and properly functioning glutes are essential for movement, posture, stability, and overall performance. Here’s why glutes matter: 1. Core Movement & Strength Glutes […]
Using VALD Technology in Football Teams – How to Use Them During Offseason – Part 1
Mentorship Programs A few weeks ago, we kicked off our mentorship program for coaches who want to work, or are already working, in football. This program dives into all the key aspects of strength and conditioning in football while addressing the responsibilities and challenges of this role. We’ve been covering topics like assessment, monitoring, periodization, […]
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. […]
