Learning outcomes

After this course you will have a deeper understanding about:

• the reason behind the ‘month of birth’ bias;
• how to scout more players who are great decision makers but temporarily struggle with the execution;
• the consequences of scouting too many older players for the growth pattern of younger players;
• football is first of all an intensity sport so players should train better rather than more;
• the difference between fitness and freshness and how these two interact;
• the consequences of accumulation of fatigue in terms of performance and injury risk;
• a quick build-up during pre-season will result in short term training effects;
• a gradual build-up during pre-season will result in longer term training effects;
• how to manage players who are introduced to a higher level of play and to avoid a set back or injury;
• explosive players use more energy per football action and need more recovery time between actions so they require individual periodisation to avoid unnecessary muscle injuries.