Football Training

An increasing number of grassroots football teams are having their fixtures and training schedules decimated because of inclement weather. The shocking state of municipal pitches in the UK results in postponed matches and training sessions when it rains. But if your team has access to indoor facilities, there are some very effective training drills that will keep everyone sharp until...

If you’re looking to improve your overall game as an outfield footballer, you’ll need to master the four basic skills of the game before doing anything else. You’ll need to first master the necessary techniques, and then practise your heart out to make the most of your natural ability. By continually practising the art of passing, tackling, shooting and heading...

Being an FA accredited referee is a highly rewarding and enjoyable job; in fact many referees claim it’s the next best thing to actually playing the game. The role of the modern referee is vital in many respects. As well as officiating matches, referees play important roles in their local communities, and work with footballers to improve their discipline and...

The constant twists, turns and sudden changes of direction involved in football can put the ankles of a footballer under tremendous strain. Most ankle injuries involve little more than some mild pain and discomfort, but some can be career threatening. Playing through the pain might seem like the heroic thing to do at times, but it could put your long-term...

Another new year lies ahead, and it’s time to get your priorities in place for what lies ahead in your footballing career. Use these seven New Year’s resolutions to improve your game - and your team’s fortunes. 1. I will work on my technique at every opportunity Ask Cristiano Ronaldo or David Beckham, and they will tell you that constant...

The British football season is a long one, and Christmas is slap bang in the middle of it. As a regular player, you have a responsibility to your club and your teammates to look after yourself over the festive season period - but that’s often easier said than done. While controlling your weight during Christmas is vitally important, so is...

Football at Christmas is just as much part of the English game as half-time pies and jumpers for goalposts are. But in order to stay match fit during the festive period, you will need to make the right lifestyle choices. Christmastime is filled with temptations, many of which can be very hard to resist. However, if you can remain vigilant...

Knee injuries are perhaps the most feared of all injuries amongst professional and keen amateur footballers. Depending on the nature of an injury, a player might face up to 12 months on the sidelines while their knee heals, which is why coaches, managers and club physicians do all they can to prevent such injuries. But if you don’t have access...

The rigours of the average football season require that every footballer looks after their health and nutrition at all times. Getting the balance right between consuming sufficient calories and maintaining a healthy weight can be tricky, but by including these so-called super-foods in your daily diet, you can ensure that your body always has the fuel it needs to power...

The typical British pre-season has come a long way since the days of cross-country runs and endless practice matches. Mental preparation and conditioning are equally as important as cardiovascular fitness in the modern game - which is why coaches are always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to prepare their players. The continental approach Clubs such as Barcelona...