The ability to use both feet during the cut and thrust of a football match can give you options. Whether you are trying to fashion a chance for a colleague, bring the ball under control or shoot for goal, the ability to use your weaker foot can often be the difference between success and failure. Although very few people are...

How many times have you been at the wrong end of a last-minute sucker punch that lost you a game of football? Late goals are more common than you think, and more often than not they are a result of tiredness. In order to fulfil your potential as a footballer, you need to be able to perform at your best...

Warming up your major muscle groups before the rigours of a competitive football match or training session is crucial. Properly warmed and stretched muscles not only reduce the risk of injury, they allow you to be at the top of your game from the moment the action starts. There are some very specific pre-match warm-up procedures you can follow in...

Having managed and played at the very highest level, Fabio Capello knows only too well how drinking alcohol to excess can affect the performance of footballers. During the build up to a friendly with Ghana at Wembley, Capello purportedly pleaded with striker Andy Carroll to curb his drinking habits. Whether Carroll heeded that advice or not, the former Newcastle United...

The summer break provides footballers with a great opportunity to relax weary muscles, recharge the batteries and mentally recover from the rigours of a hard season. However, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that you will need to be prepared for the new season if you want to be at the peak of your powers when...

The summer is once again upon us, and for competitive footballers, it's time to relax, unwind and recover from the rigours of last season. But if you want to be anywhere near best when the new season kicks off, you'll need to start thinking about your summer health and fitness regime now. 1. Stay football fit It is one thing...

Performing at your very best for a 90-minute football match is impossible unless you are in the right physical shape - which, in part, means staying hydrated at all times. Match day hydration is one of the most important factors in your ability to perform, and not taking on enough fluids - both before and during a match - could...

As the end of another season approaches, the thoughts of footballers up and down the country turn to leisure, holidays and relaxation. But in order to hit the ground running at the start of next season, it’s always a good idea to stay in shape during the summer break. By making the following routines part of your weekly plans throughout...

The dream of becoming a professional footballer is one that hundreds of thousands of children aspire to achieve. And while hard work and determination will go a long way to making those dreams come true, the simple truth is that the vast majority of youngsters will fall short of what is required. Just one percent of children who play the...

Lower-body strength is crucial for optimum performance on the football pitch. It is the strength and power in the legs that can propel a footballer forward with a sudden burst of pace. Tackling, guarding the ball and remaining balanced whilst in possession all require strength and conditioning work, and this circuit training regime should deliver the desired results if it...