Latest Insights & Analysis

Stay updated with the latest public health research, commentary, and field notes from our editorial team.

Featured Story

Cracking the Code of Teamwork in Soccer

October 9, 2025 · 5 min read

What separates a team that keeps the ball flowing from one that constantly loses possession? The answer might not just be talent—it could be network science. A new systematic review demonstrates how Social Network Analysis (SNA)—a tool borrowed from sociology and mathematics—can reveal the hidden connections that shape success in soccer. If you’ve ever watched Barcelona’s […]

Read analysis
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 […]

Read more →
Analytics

Predicting Player Performance

Predicting the future is no easy feat, especially when it comes to the dynamic and unpredictable world of soccer. Soccer fans and coaches alike have long sought ways to forecast player performance, and recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning are making this dream closer to reality. In a groundbreaking study, researchers from […]

Read more →
Health

Recovery after ACL Reconstruction

In the world of soccer, where the thrill of a goal and the agony of defeat are part of the game, another drama unfolds quietly yet profoundly: the battle against injuries. Among these, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture stands out. It’s not just a medical term but a pivotal event that can reshape a […]

Read more →
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 […]

Read more →
Development

The Snowball Effect of Grit

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” […]

Read more →
Health

Don’t do bicycle kicks in beach soccer!

Not a full blog, but that’s where the most injuries are. “The most common location of the BK-related injury was the head/neck (68.7%), whereas the most common location of the BK-unrelated injury was the lower extremity (54.1%) (p < 0.01). The findings demonstrated that beach soccer injury incidence was quite high; the most common injury location was […]

Read more →
Analytics

How Perfectionism Affects Soccer Referees

In the fast-paced world of soccer, referees play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the game. They make real-time decisions under intense pressure, managing everything from fouls to offside calls. Given these high stakes, it’s essential to understand what influences a referee’s performance on the field. A recent study explores the […]

Read more →
Development

Caffeine and Soccer: Boost or Bust?

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 […]

Read more →
Health

Overcoming Pain: Insights for Soccer Coaching

Introduction In the world of sports, particularly soccer, injuries and pain are often seen as unavoidable hurdles. For young athletes, these experiences can be particularly challenging, impacting not only their physical abilities but also their emotional well-being. A recent systematic review, “Adolescents’ Experience with Sports-Related Pain and Injury,” sheds light on the multifaceted experiences of […]

Read more →

Get the soccer science you need—
every Saturday morning.

We scan 70+ journals so you don't have to.
One email. Zero jargon. Unsubscribe anytime.

🔒 No spam. 1-click opt-out. Privacy-first.