Reader,
For many coaches around the world, a new year means the start of a new season. This got me thinking about how we ensure we blend physical development and conditioning with technical and tactical components going into a new season.
For me, the concept of ‘The 3S’s’ has been really helpful in simplifying my view of the physical conditioning of young players. Speed, strength and stamina are fundamentals in the physical development of footballers.
So how do we go about ensuring we can work on these things while still maintaining technical outcomes?
Firstly, consider what each ‘S’ looks like.
Speed could be running with the ball, big touches out in front of the player. It could also be forward runs, dragging defenders away, or conversely, it could be recovery runs and duels in defence.
Stamina is essentially endurance, the ability to continue to execute high-quality football actions under fatigue. The better our stamina, the more effective players are for longer in the game.
Strength is our ability to change direction and retain or protect the ball under pressure. How well can the player deal with physical duels and how agile are they both on the ball and off the ball?
Three Things to Consider
- Do you plan for these components in the pre-season and what activities do you use? For example, speed needs big spaces and an opportunity for athletes to hit top-end speed, stamina needs time, and strength may require tight spaces and lots of opportunities to change direction or compete 1v1.
- Do you try to include a ball in your physical work? Accepting that for max acceleration you may not always be able to include a ball (although it’s possible), including a ball can make physical conditioning much more enjoyable for players.
- Use physical conditioning sessions as a way to connect your team socially. Working hard together as a group can bring players together and encourage connection.
One thing for you to try this week
Plan a training week that includes components of ‘The 3S’s’ and test them with your players.
Be mindful to build up your work with players in the pre-season as they may not come back in the same shape that they finished the year before. Finally, tailor your approach based on the age of your players.
One Critical Resource on the Topic
Sign up for our online coaching course, Physical Performance Through Soccer.
PDP Members receive discounts to sign up and this course will equip you with all you need to know about developing players physically whilst still getting technical and tactical outcomes.
