Strength & Performance Training for a Footballer
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Coach Sap: At the age of 14, I began resistance training with the Vancouver Whitecaps Professional Youth Academy amongst some of the most notable sport scientists, physiotherapists, and strength coaches in North America. This improved my game of football (soccer) exponentially, but why was it so important and how did it help me?
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​Beginning with performing simple movements (ie. squat, lunge, functional core etc.) under body weight with proper technique enhanced the relationship between my central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of my body at a young age.
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This enhanced relationship between my mind and the rest of my body led to several improvements such as, but not limited to, improved coordination, sense of body position when still (proprioception) and moving (kinesthesia), and synchronization of muscle groups and fibres.
At SAP Training Systems, our intention is to introduce simple movements using minimal equipment on the pitch prior to training (body weight, resistance bands, medicine balls) to help improve your strength, power, coordination, mobility, and confidence in your own body. This can be essential as a footballer who is looking to improve their game, and impress the coaches and scouts watching on. Let’s get started!
What Will We Emphasize?
Coach Sap: With my experience as a Sports Performance Coach and my education (Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology; Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist - NSCA), SAP Training Systems want to implement a series of exercises that are essential habits for footballers at all ages. These exercises will not only support your development as a footballer and enhance your performance, but also help in preparation for games/training, prevent injuries, and improve restoration and recovery.
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Important categories of exercises we will implement include, but are not limited to:​
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Change in direction & agility
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Acceleration & sprint speed
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Coordination, balance and footwork
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Mobility
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Neuromuscular Activation
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As mentioned, these are beneficial for a variety of reasons pre-and post-activity, but they're also ideas and functional movements you can use in the future to help maintain your health, like I do now.
In-Gym Football Strength & Performance
As the game of football becomes more and more demanding physically and advanced technically, it has become vastly important to spend time executing exercises in the gym that will transfer onto the pitch.
Training structure in the weight room will specifically aim to enhance several components of your game, most notably injury prevention, movement and landing mechanics, power, strength, mobility and flexibility, and endurance.
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We're encouraging you to reach out to SAP Training Systems directly about working in the gym, regardless of your age and experience as an athlete. The simple, functional movements we will teach you are optimal for performance on the pitch, as well as are also very important to execute often and correctly to help support a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Find out more about strength and performance training with Coach Sap at Elevate Sports Performance and let's ensure you're 'Ready To Perform.'