Football S&C — all lessons
Module 1 – Assessment & Evaluation
Assessment protocols for footballersModule 2 – Long-Term Periodisation
LTAD in footballPeriodisation plans for footballManaging training load and volumeModule 3 – Strength Training
Exercise selection and integration for footballModule 4 – Power & Explosive Training
Explosive power and plyometrics for footballModule 5 – Speed & Agility
Linear speed, lateral speed and agility drillsModule 6 – Overtraining & Recovery
Overtraining signs and fatigue monitoring in footballModule 7 – Practical Application
Football S&C case studiesPeriodisation plans for football
Periodising football — pre-season, in-season weekly microcycles (match day minus/plus), congested fixtures and the off-season.
Learning objectives
- Plan pre-season progression
- Use match-day-based weekly microcycles
- Manage congested fixture periods
- Plan the off-season
Before this lesson
Why this matters
Football has weekly competition for months; periodisation keeps players fresh and fit.
One-match week (example)
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| MD+1 | Recovery (starters); compensatory (subs) |
| MD+2 | Off |
| MD−4 | Strength + intensive small-sided games |
| MD−3 | Extensive: larger spaces, running volume |
| MD−2 | Tactical, moderate |
| MD−1 | Speed, activation, set pieces |
| MD | Match |
Recovery after matches takes 48–72 h for many markers [nedelec2012].
Pre-season
Progressive load to avoid spikes [gabbett2016]; strength and conditioning builds over ~6 weeks [haff2016].
Congested fixtures
Recovery days, short maintenance strength, rotation of players.
Common mistakes and misconceptions
Case study
A team playing Saturday and Wednesday shifts strength to MD+2/MD−3 combined sessions and cuts MD−1 volume. Sprint markers stay stable through a 6-match month.
Further learning: video lessons
Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.
Periodisation plans for football
football S&C practitioners and federations (search)
You will understand: periodisation plans for football
Why: Practitioner content; verify the specific video.
Strength and conditioning in practice
football S&C practitioners and federations (search)
You will understand: applied S&C sessions
Why: Practitioner content; verify the specific video.
Knowledge check
Knowledge check · 0/5
1. MD−4 typically involves…
2. Nédélec et al. (2012) found post-match recovery of some markers takes…
3. MD−1 sessions should be…
4. During congested fixtures, priority is…
5. Pre-season duration is commonly about…
Short-answer & application questions
- Write a one-match week microcycle.
- Plan a two-match week.
- Design a 6-week pre-season.
Key takeaways
- Pre-season builds conditioning, strength and match load over ~6 weeks.
- In-season weeks are organised around match day (MD−4 to MD+1).
- Post-match recovery takes 48–72 h for many markers.
- Congested periods prioritise recovery and maintenance.
Connected topics
References
- Nédélec M, McCall A, Carling C, et al. (2012). Recovery in soccer: part I — post-match fatigue and time course of recovery. Sports Medicine, 42(12):997–1015. Narrative review check pending
- Haff GG, Triplett NT (eds) (2016). Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning (4th ed.). Human Kinetics / NSCA. Textbook check pending
- Gabbett TJ (2016). The training—injury prevention paradox: should athletes be training smarter and harder?. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(5):273–280. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-095788 Narrative review check pending
Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.