Player Equipment

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...

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...

Picking up injuries is one of the inescapable drawbacks of playing football at a competitive level. In the vast majority of cases, an injury is little more than a niggle that rights itself with rest. However, there are some footballing injuries that require an extended period out of the game, physiotherapy or surgery. You may be able to reduce your...

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...

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...

Premier League keeper Kasper Schmeichel has signed an extension of his partnership agreement with Precision Goalkeeping. The Leicester City and Denmark goalkeeper will continue his long standing relationship with Britain’s fastest growing goalkeeping brand that includes his signature Schmeichology range of gloves. The latest version of the ever popular range, Schmeichology 5, includes a brand new Fusion Scholar glove for...

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...

Improving as a goalkeeper involves working on reflexes, agility, leg speed, decision making and hand-eye coordination. In order to hone these skills, lots of practice and constant repetition are required – sometimes in an environment that recreates the intensity and often chaotic nature of a real match. There are five drills for goalkeepers that can develop all of these skills...

Shooting is an art-form in football, and the only way to improve it is by putting in the hours on the training pitch. The muscles, awareness and skill required to create power in a shot whilst controlling the ball are different to those needed for other facets of the game. There are five drills in particular that will hone these...

Another football season is finally upon us, and hitting the ground running on the pitch could be the key to glory in May. However, a relaxing summer and a few indulgences may have left you less than match fit, and you may be facing an uphill task to get into shape before the big kick-off. Slowly build your fitness levels...