Football Training

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...

In order to deliver effective safe and enjoyable training sessions in your role as a football coach, you will need to ensure that you have the right equipment available. High quality, durable and safe equipment is absolutely essential for player development, but knowing what’s available and what your players require can be tricky. These items of equipment should be in...

It is easy to become too occupied with leg power and strength as a footballer, but upper-body strength is equally as important. Strength and conditioning of the shoulders, back and arms is crucial to balance – something that impacts almost every facet of your game. Upper-body strength also affects your ability to protect the ball, or to wrestle opposition players...

Participation in football at grassroots level is declining in England, and children in particular simply aren’t playing the game anything like as often as they used to. One of the reasons for this decline has been the increasingly competitive nature of youth football. Pushy, aggressive parents and an unhealthy obsession with winning can cause stress and fear amongst kids, and...

Footballers need to develop muscle power and endurance for relatively short and intermittent periods of activity. Whereas long-distance runners and cyclists need to maintain a steady pace, footballers must be able to burst into action from standing starts – dozens of times during the average match. Circuit training is a great way to develop the power and muscle conditioning required...

Football has become increasingly physical and fast over the years, so the modern player must work on core-body strength and power in order to compete at the highest levels. Toned and conditioned muscles can aid acceleration, balance and the ability to tussle opponents off the ball, which is why these five resistance workouts should be part of any team’s weekly...

The modern footballer needs to take a comprehensive approach to fitness and conditioning, which is why resistance training is fast becoming an intrinsic part of the game. However, there are some widely held misconceptions about the benefits of resistance training, and about the various techniques involved. With a sensible schedule in place, and the right techniques, footballers can improve their...