Stay informed with the latest public health research, insights, and evidence-based analysis from our team of experts.
Where you grow up could be the key to soccer greatness. Imagine two young soccer players: one grows up in a small town with access to open fields and community support, while the other lives in a bustling city, crowded with limited space but top-tier facilities (I mean, this is the story of Clint Dempsey, […]
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Soccer coaches and players know that mastering the beautiful game takes more than just running drills. Yet, many youth soccer training programs still rely on repetitive, predictable exercises. Is this the best way to prepare players for the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of actual matches? A recent study published in the Journal of Functional Morphology and […]
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Imagine being a coach, working hard to get your team ready for the next big game, when one of your star players starts to withdraw. Their energy fades, their focus wanders, and their performance drops. You’re frustrated, maybe even a little angry—this isn’t what you trained for. But what if that dip in performance isn’t […]
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When it comes to soccer, the winning formula often extends beyond what happens on the field. Whether you’re an experienced coach or just starting out, one key to your team’s success isn’t found in strategy books or training drills—it’s in the environment you create. Research shows that a positive soccer environment directly impacts player development, […]
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Bridging the Training Gap Between Starters and Non-Starters Imagine you’re the coach of a professional soccer team. Every week, your starters give their all, running up and down the field for 90 minutes, pushing their bodies to the limit. Meanwhile, your non-starters—those players who spend most of the game on the bench—are eager for their […]
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Understanding how physical fatigue impacts performance is crucial for both coaches and players. A recent study sheds light on this intricate relationship, focusing on how acute physical fatigue influences peripheral perception, tactical behavior, and physical performance in soccer players. Let’s explore the findings and their implications for soccer coaching and player development. The Study at […]
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Half-time is more than just a chance to catch a breath—it’s a critical moment for strategy and reflection. A recent study has shed light on how small-sided games (SSGs) and player-led discussions during these breaks can impact the development of young soccer players’ technical and tactical skills. Small-Sided Games: A Closer Look Small-sided games are […]
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When we think of soccer stars like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, what often comes to mind is their incredible talent. But beyond raw talent, there’s a hidden ingredient that’s pivotal to their success: grit. A recent study titled “How small differences grow over time – the snowball effect of grit on practice in sport” […]
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Whether it’s shaving a second off a sprint or perfecting the arc of a long pass, players and coaches are always looking for ways to enhance performance. One popular tool in this quest is caffeine, known for its ability to boost physical performance in various sports. But how does it affect cognitive functions like decision-making […]
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In the high-stakes world of professional academy youth soccer, resilience is a cornerstone for both performance and development. A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology delves into the specific behaviors that characterize resilience in this context. This research is groundbreaking as it sheds light on observable resilience behaviors, offering invaluable insights […]
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