Contemporary practices of strength and conditioning coaches in professional soccer
Article
Weldon, A., Duncan, M., Turner, A., Sampaio, J., Noon, M., Wong, D. and Lai, V. 2021. Contemporary practices of strength and conditioning coaches in professional soccer. Biology of Sport. 38 (3), pp. 377-390. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2021.99328
Type | Article |
---|---|
Title | Contemporary practices of strength and conditioning coaches in professional soccer |
Authors | Weldon, A., Duncan, M., Turner, A., Sampaio, J., Noon, M., Wong, D. and Lai, V. |
Abstract | This study describes the contemporary practices of strength and conditioning coaches in professional soccer. Fifty-two strength and conditioning coaches from professional leagues across 18 countries completed an online survey, consisting of 45 questions, with eight sections: (a) background information, (b) muscular strength and power development, (c) speed development, (d) plyometrics, (e) flexibility development, (f) physical testing, (g) technology use, and (h) programing. A frequency analysis was used to assess and report responses to fixed response questions, and thematic-analysis used for open-ended questions to create clear, identifiable and distinct themes. All strength and conditioning coaches were educated to degree level or higher, 65% held strength and conditioning certifications and 54% held soccer coaching certifications. Concentric (100%) and eccentric (98%) modes of resistance were the most commonly prescribed, whereas the squat (including variations) (52%) was deemed the most important exercise for soccer players. Hang clean (33%) and multiple hops/lunges (89%) were the most programed Olympic weightlifting and plyometric exercises. Global Positioning Systems (94%) were the most utilized technology-based equipment. Time, scheduling and fixtures were the biggest issues faced, which made it difficult to periodize training programs and apply appropriate training loads. Furthermore, strength and conditioning coaches would like to further integrate technology to comprehensively monitor and test players, while also believing that technology will continue to be developed and integrated in the future. Strength and conditioning coaches from professional soccer can use the information from this study to review current practices and also provide ideas for diversifying or modifying future practices. |
Research Group | Strength and Conditioning at the London Sport Institute |
Publisher | Termedia Publishing |
Journal | Biology of Sport |
ISSN | 0860-021X |
Electronic | 2083-1862 |
Publication dates | |
Online | 23 Oct 2020 |
Sep 2021 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 17 Sep 2020 |
Submitted | 21 Jul 2020 |
Accepted | 13 Sep 2020 |
Output status | Published |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Accepted author manuscript | File Access Level Restricted |
Copyright Statement | Copyright: Institute of Sport. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license. |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2021.99328 |
Language | English |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/89138
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