Blogs - This Week In Soccer

Structure

The Science Behind the Perfect Long Ball in Soccer

Soccer is a sport that combines both art and science, particularly when it comes to mastering the perfect long ball. This technique isn’t just about striking the ball as hard as possible; it’s about understanding the underlying physics that govern the ball’s movement through the air. The Role of Physics in Soccer Newton’s laws of […]

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Culture

The Secret Sauce of Youth Soccer

Picture a Tuesday night training session. Cones are laid out. Bibs are handed out. But something feels off. One kid hangs back. Another snaps after a bad touch. A third is talented but disengaged. Most coaches respond the same way: more structure, more discipline, more reps. But here’s the uncomfortable truth backed by research: the […]

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Development

What Actually Predicts Success in Soccer Talent Identification?

Identifying future soccer stars isn’t as simple as watching who can dribble or score a goal. Over the past decades, researchers and scouts alike have learned that success in talent identification comes from a blend of skills, attributes, and contextual factors. In this post, we unpack the multi-dimensional factors that predict long-term success in soccer […]

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Health

Indoor Turf vs. Grass: Training Differences in Soccer

Training on indoor turf rather than natural grass introduces several key differences that can affect performance, injury prevention, and overall training dynamics. Here are some insights into how these surfaces differ and what it means for players and coaches: Surface Characteristics and Ball Behavior Indoor turf provides a consistent, even playing surface. This uniformity affects […]

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Development

Do Small-Sided Games Actually Improve Game Intelligence?

Small-sided games (SSGs) have become a popular training tool in soccer, with the claim that they not only enhance technical skills but also boost “game intelligence.” But what does the research say about these benefits, and how do SSGs contribute to a better understanding of space and decision-making on the pitch? What Are Small-Sided Games? […]

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Health

Understanding Muscle Recovery Times in Soccer

There has been growing interest in understanding muscle recovery times in athletes, particularly in the high-intensity world of soccer. This interest is not unfounded, as the ability to recover swiftly and effectively from strenuous activities can significantly impact a player’s performance on the field. Science Alert provides insights into how muscle recovery mechanisms work, with […]

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Development

Does Early Specialization Actually Help Young Soccer Players?

When it comes to developing talent in soccer, one of the most hotly debated topics is early specialization—whether focusing on soccer at a very young age is the best route to long-term success. Let’s explore what early specialization entails, the potential benefits and drawbacks, and what current research suggests about its role in youth soccer […]

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Strategy

What Makes Goalkeepers Win

Picture a tight match on a Sunday morning. Your keeper hasn’t faced many shots, but every time the ball goes back to them, the whole team exhales. The build-up stays calm. The defense steps higher. The opponent hesitates. Now flip the script. Same number of saves, but shaky distribution, rushed clearances, and poor decisions under […]

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Analytics

AI That Sees the Game Differently

You’ve probably had that moment on the sideline: your team is pressing well… until suddenly it isn’t. A winger stops tracking, a center back steps too early, or the midfield loses shape—and the whole system breaks. You know something went wrong, but rewinding it later never quite captures the full picture. Now imagine if a […]

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The Science Behind the Perfect Long Ball in Soccer

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