Stay updated with the latest public health research, commentary, and field notes from our editorial team.
January 28, 2026 · 5 min read
Picture this: it’s the 72nd minute. A low cross skips off a defender, the striker stabs at it, and the ball ricochets toward goal. Your keeper reacts instinctively—no textbook dive, no perfect set position—but somehow the ball stays out. After the match, a coach mutters: “Technique was messy, but it worked.” Science backs that up. […]
Picture this: it’s the 72nd minute. A low cross skips off a defender, the striker stabs at it, and the ball ricochets toward goal. Your keeper reacts instinctively—no textbook dive, no perfect set position—but somehow the ball stays out. After the match, a coach mutters: “Technique was messy, but it worked.” Science backs that up. […]
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You’ve seen it a hundred times. A parent leans forward on a folding chair, hands cupped around their mouth, yelling instructions during a U9 match. After the game, that same parent says, “I just want my kid to have fun.” Here’s the tension: what parents say they want in youth soccer often doesn’t match what […]
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Picture a corner kick late in a tight match. Two players leap, elbows tucked, eyes locked on the ball. There’s a clash of heads, a shout, and one player hits the ground holding their mouth. Best case: a cut lip. Worst case: broken teeth, dental surgery, and weeks out of training. Most soccer coaches worry […]
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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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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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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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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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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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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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