Contemporary practices of strength and conditioning coaches in professional soccer

Anthony Weldon; Michael J. Duncan; Anthony Turner; Jaime Sampaio; Mark Noon; Del Wong; Vivian W. Lai

doi:10.5114/biolsport.2021.99328

eISSN: 2083-1862
ISSN: 0860-021X

Biology of Sport

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3/2021
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abstract:

Contemporary practices of strength and conditioning coaches in professional soccer

Anthony Weldon

¹

,

Michael J. Duncan

²

,

Anthony Turner

³

,

Jaime Sampaio

⁴

,

Mark Noon

²

,

Del P. Wong

^{5, 6}

,

Vivian W. Lai

¹

Human Performance Laboratory, The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), Hong Kong
Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
4 Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, CreativeLab Research Community, University of Tra´s-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
School of Nursing & Health Studies, The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
titi Sports Technology, Shenzhen, China

Biol Sport. 2021;38(3):377–390.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2021.99328

Online publish date: 2020/10/23

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This study describes the contemporary practices of strength and conditioning coaches in professional soccer. Fifty-two strength and conditioning coaches from professional leagues across 18 countries completed an online survey, consisting of 45 questions, with eight sections: (a) background information, (b) muscular strength and power development, (c) speed development, (d) plyometrics, (e) flexibility development, (f) physical testing, (g) technology use, and (h) programing. A frequency analysis was used to assess and report responses to fixed response questions, and thematic-analysis used for open-ended questions to create clear, identifiable and distinct themes. All strength and conditioning coaches were educated to degree level or higher, 65% held strength and conditioning certifications and 54% held soccer coaching certifications. Concentric (100%) and eccentric (98%) modes of resistance were the most commonly prescribed, whereas the squat (including variations) (52%) was deemed the most important exercise for soccer players. Hang clean (33%) and multiple hops/lunges (89%) were the most programed Olympic weightlifting and plyometric exercises. Global Positioning Systems (94%) were the most utilized technology-based equipment. Time, scheduling and fixtures were the biggest issues faced, which made it difficult to periodize training programs and apply appropriate training loads. Furthermore, strength and conditioning coaches would like to further integrate technology to comprehensively monitor and test players, while also believing that technology will continue to be developed and integrated in the future. Strength and conditioning coaches from professional soccer can use the information from this study to review current practices and also provide ideas for diversifying or modifying future practices

keywords:

Contemporary practices of strength and conditioning coaches in professional soccer

Anthony Weldon 1 , Michael J. Duncan 2 , Anthony Turner 3 , Jaime Sampaio 4 , Mark Noon 2 , Del P. Wong 5, 6 , Vivian W. Lai 1

Survey, Exercise selection, Physical development, Programing, Physical testing

Anthony Weldon

¹

,

Michael J. Duncan

²

,

Anthony Turner

³

,

Jaime Sampaio

⁴

,

Mark Noon

²

,

Del P. Wong

^{5, 6}

,

Vivian W. Lai

¹