The Dos and Don'ts of Pre-Season Training!! With Matt Willmott
Jul 31, 2024
auto_awesome
Matt Willmott, an experienced leader in elite performance with notable roles at Swansea City FC and the FAW, shares insights on the complexities of pre-season training. He debunks common myths and discusses tailored fitness plans that cater to player positions. Matt emphasizes the balance of tactical training and recovery and highlights fitness testing's critical role in crafting personalized workout regimes. He also stresses the importance of nutrition and team cohesion in achieving optimal athletic performance.
Establishing clear performance goals based on team style and player positions is vital for effective pre-season training design.
Balancing player challenge with injury prevention through individualized training programs is crucial for optimizing performance preparation.
Deep dives
Importance of Setting Performance Goals
Establishing clear performance goals is essential for effective pre-season training. Coaches should identify expected physical outputs based on their team's style of play and the demands of specific positions. Understanding how different formations influence physical actions enables coaches to design targeted training programs that mimic game conditions. This targeted approach helps players not only cope with the physical demands during matches but also excel under specific tactical requirements.
Navigating the Balance Between Training Intensity and Injury Prevention
Striking a balance between pushing players to improve and preventing injuries is a critical aspect of pre-season planning. Coaches are encouraged to challenge players to exceed their limits while recognizing that safety is paramount. Developing an understanding of each player's physical capabilities and history allows for individualized training programs that minimize injury risk while ensuring players are adequately prepared for the season. This careful management of training load is central to achieving both performance enhancement and injury prevention.
The Role of Fitness Testing in Pre-Season
Conducting fitness tests at the beginning of pre-season serves multiple purposes, including evaluating individual player readiness and setting benchmarks for improvement. While physical tests provide valuable data, it's crucial for coaches to use this information meaningfully to influence training planning. This can involve not only understanding fitness levels but also fostering a competitive and motivational environment, encouraging players to showcase their offseason work. Fitness testing should therefore be integrated into a comprehensive approach, where the goal is to enhance individual and team performance throughout the pre-season.
Integrating Training Approaches for Optimal Performance
There is a growing need to integrate gym-based strength training with on-field tactics to maximize player performance. Coaches should recognize that strength training does not need to compromise training intensity and can be tailored to support on-pitch work without inducing unnecessary fatigue. Employing targeted, less intensive gym sessions during pre-season can maintain players' physical capabilities while ensuring they remain fresh for pitch training. Creating a cohesive training plan that synchronizes both gym work and tactical training fosters an environment where players can thrive physically and mentally.
Gary is joined by Experienced Leader in Elite Performance, Matt Willmott. His experience includes Head of Physical Performance at Swansea City Football Club and consultant physical performance coach at football association of Wales (FAW). Head of Fitness and Conditioning at MK Dons and Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach at Leicester City Football Club.
In this interview Matt talks about the challenges, solutions and myths around pre-season training.
To access Matt's Periodization Presentation, please click below:
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/msc-pre-season-workshop
You can also contact Matt directly at: m.willmott1@hotmail.com
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode