Latest Insights & Research

Stay informed with the latest public health research, insights, and evidence-based analysis from our team of experts.

Development

How Soccer Boosts Young Minds and Focus

Imagine a group of five-year-olds dribbling and dodging on a soccer field. In my house, we call this “Wednesday night”. Each child is learning to focus amidst the chaos of teammates, opponents, and the elusive ball. Soccer, it turns out, is more than just a game for these kids—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing their […]

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Strategy

The Art of Scoring: What Every Soccer Coach Needs to Know

Imagine this: It’s the final minutes of the game, and your team is one goal away from victory. The crowd is roaring, players are sweating, and every pass and shot feels like the deciding factor. In these high-stakes moments, what makes the difference between a winning goal and a missed opportunity? A recent study analyzing […]

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Strategy

Influence Kicker Direction in Soccer Penalty Kicks

Every soccer match, the crowd holds its breath when a penalty kick is about to take place. It’s a dramatic moment where the fate of the game can change in an instant. But what if I told you that a small trick could influence the outcome without anyone even realizing it? New research suggests that […]

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Strategy

Referee Bias and Body Size in Soccer: Does Height Matter?

Imagine being a soccer player standing tall on the field, confident in your abilities. But what if your height alone could make you more likely to be penalized by the referee? Sounds strange, right? Well, research suggests that your physical stature might be influencing how referees call the game—and not always in your favor. That’s […]

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Strategy

The Secret to Winning Soccer: Unlocking the First Goal’s Power

In soccer, where every move can mean the difference between triumph and defeat, coaches are constantly on the hunt for the key strategies that can tip the balance in their favor. A study analyzing matches from the UEFA Euro 2024 offers compelling insights that could revolutionize how coaches think about the game. Imagine being able […]

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Strategy

How Coaches Shape Tackling

Tackling is a fundamental aspect of soccer, essential for defense and integral to the game’s dynamics. However, it also presents significant risks, particularly concussions and other injuries. Understanding how coaches communicate about tackling can provide insights into injury prevention and player development. A recent study sheds light on this important topic. The Theory of Planned […]

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Development

The Half-Time Talk’s Impact on Small-Sided Games

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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Strategy

The VAR Effect: A Game-Changer in Soccer Coaching and Player Development

In recent years, the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has transformed soccer by ensuring fairness and minimizing human errors in officiating. This technology reviews decisions made by the head referee with video footage, influencing crucial game aspects like goals, penalties, and disciplinary actions. For coaches, players, and fans, understanding VAR’s impact on […]

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Strategy

The Power of Fans: Understanding Soccer Fan Dynamics and Security Through a Foucauldian Lens

In the vast, competitive world of sports, particularly soccer, fans aren’t just spectators; they’re pivotal stakeholders. Recent scholarly explorations, such as the in-depth analysis leveraging Michel Foucault’s philosophies, reveal the dual roles of fans: potential disruptors and essential contributors to the safety and security of soccer events. This perspective not only shifts our understanding of […]

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Development

The Impact of Field Orientation on Soccer Small-Sided Games

There’s a continuous quest to optimize training methods to closely mirror the real-game scenarios. A pivotal study in this field, titled The influence of the field orientation on the representativeness of the positional dynamics in soccer small-sided games published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of soccer training: the […]

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