Thoughts on Charlie Francis and soccer

[mighty]

@svincenz

I was reading this thread and I’d like to share some views on physical preparation in soccer, having played it for quite a long time (euphemism) and having been exposed to a lot of pseudo-different approaches.

I find a lot of wishful statements, but training has to organized not only around the physiology of the soccer player, but also around the psychology of the athlete. A training plan could be perfect, but it has be wholly embraced by the athlete, and it does not matter how much he is paid. That’s the reality.
Random points:

1. It is very difficult to understand which activities are high (CNS stress) or low in soccer. Simulated games at reduced number of players can be high, low or medium and it also depends on position, motivation (sitting on the bench can be quite motivating), animosity and a range of factors very difficult to control.
2. Injuries in soccer are often a “responsibility” of the athlete and not the result of wrong physical preparation (speaking in general terms). There is a clear tendency: the athletes injured are the athletes more often injured. Poor strength is reason number one. Self-fulfilling prophecy is reason number two.
3. Pure speed training is quite difficult to implement in soccer team settings, especially in-season. As far as I know, pure sprinting sections are rarely if ever set even at A series (Italy). While strength, power and speed (highly interrelated) are the most important traits in a soccer player (a team dropping its performance towards the end of the game is not lack of fitness almost all the time!!!), it has the be found the best approach to train them. First, lack of sprinting technical skills. Then, half-hearted efforts. Then, insufficient rest between repetitions. Another thing. As running with the ball is very different than running without, do we have to consider some sprinting with the ball?
4. 12k /wk of pure (countinuos running) tempo training is difficult to implement in-season. I’d suggest half of it of pure tempo training and half in various exercises with the ball.
5. The schedule of training for pro teams is (if match on Sunday): M – rest, T-one training session, W- two training sessions,T-friendly match,F-one, S-very light training, S-match.
6. Weights. Other problem. Weight training is quite difficult to accept for soccer player. Squats are rarely done (major complaints: muscles getting too big, knee problems, slowness etc. and I’m not kidding!). This is the truth and we need to work considering reality. I’ll give a drink to anyone having a soccer team squatting 3 times a week consistently.
7. Players give their best when they have fun. Yes, a triviality.
8. I do not participate anymore in off-season trainings, in which you run 300m or more 10-15 times in a session with scarce recovery and huge production of LA. Waste of time. Usually the preferred method to get in shape.

I’ve got other points, but I think for now is enough.

1. I don’t think it is that difficult to differentiate the intensity of the various training elements in soccer. Implementing them in an already structured enviroment with little room for change, then yes. Could you elaborate on a specific instance where you can not tell the difference?

2. I think the cause of injuries in general is the same across the board in all team sports. Could you elaborate on what you mean by the players “responsibility”?

3. • 6. This is the reality of the situation. It is near impossible to convince someone (Head Coach) of how, when, why what needs to be implemented when the people in power don’t have the knowledge to actively critique the physical preparation situation. Doing so is a risk; they don’t know the outcome, and these players are worth so much that everyone is afraid to do ANYTHING. I have some firsthand and second hand horror stories from professional clubs, mainly on the repulsive (this is an understatement) attitude of many of the players (not all).

The first thing I’d say the job involves is don’t F’ them up, and go from there. However, I think the potential is at the academy level, where I am hearing success, as the current pros (many, not all) are a lost cause. Or a lower level and work up. In this instance I have heard how this developed at one club, but it took quite a long time.