The preparation of football players to successfully cope with the vigorous physical demands of training and match-play is complex, requiring a combination of theoretical knowledge and competency for programme design and review. The design and delivery of training programmes is crucial to maximise performance potential and reduce injury risk in players.
Best practice strategies are conducted using collaborative and multi-disciplinary methods, where the quantity, frequency and type of stressors (load) applied to the individual players is carefully monitored, controlled and manipulated.
For a player to reach their full performance potential, the majority of the total training time, irrespective of the level of the team, should be on the field with the ball. Managing load during football activities is possible with or without technology. Complimenting football activities with conditioning exercises without the ball is an important component of load management.