RYPT fitness: Footballer's Fitness
- Evolution of sports training
- Adapt your cardio fitness
Sport and fitness coaching is evolving significantly making a huge difference to the performance of not only athletes, but the general population.
Even as a bystander to the evolution of performance coaching (albeit with a vested interest) it is remarkable the changes over the past decade.
I heard an interview with James Witts on BBC radio 5 live yesterday. He is a man of informed opinion having worked alongside Premier League footballers in a study for his new book. Much of what he said was to be expected but also revolutionary.
The primary development in aerobic fitness has been a focus in VO2 max (lung capacity). This is notable in the case of heart rate monitors and GPS. The data that clubs analyse has a massive say on what happens on the pitch.
Cardiovascular fitness has evolved drastically and today's athletes are subject to intense tabata training (high intensity interval training). The interviewer also commented on the drastic rise in hamstring injuries which can be attributed to the first ten seconds of sprinting. Rapid acceleration requires the use of a huge amount of muscles which can create sprains.
The top level sports coaches also have a degree of predictability about when injuries will occur and foresight to advise when player's need rest.
Unfortunately the general population don't have the ability to use high end sports scientists so it's vital to adapt and progress your training accordingly. You should know your limits and have a comprehensive warmup before you undergo a sprint session.
High intensity interval training is a superb way to get fitter faster (particularly in preseason training) and has only been a new revelation. It really highlights the importance of a structured and progressive training routine. Sprinting is something that anyone can do, however you need to set perimeters with a comprehensive cool down included. Rapid acceleration and especially slowing down do require solid technique and it's not advised to do this if you aren't 100% fit.
I would be inclined to advise using time intervals of sprinting over distance as they are more measured. If you're struggling with pace then you could use lampposts as setting the distance.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) makes cardiovascular more fun too instead of plodding along at the same pace. Whether you're training for a marathon or for general fitness, then there is a style of HIIT that will catalyse your fitness.
For a tailored training plan designed by a fitness professional, contact RYPT fitness today for a free trial.
ROSS YEOMAN
Book referenced: James Witts "Training secrets of the world's best footballer"
