Sparky’s Column

The Big Build Up

Pre-season is already upon us and in many ways it could be considered the most important part of a team's campaign the season. A lot of clubs are starting their pre-season training in the UAE due to Ramadan, the reverse of what normally happens. The heat and Iftar mean some clubs don't start training until 10:30pm. The excessive temperatures mean that players are concentrating on long slow distances rather than overly intensive short work. Post-Ramadan most clubs will head off for camps in cooler climes and that is where the real hard work will begin.

All clubs are different but a programme whilst in camp could look like this:

Gym Sessions

This will involve a series of tests to establish a players base level leg strength and power. These will be used later in the season as a comparison and as a way of seeing how effective the pre-season work has been. The work itself will consist mainly, as you would expect, of leg exercises with some upper body work included as well. A lot of the work will include prehab, exercises which are specifically designed to strengthen certain muscle groups and prevent common injuries such as hamstring strains.

Running Sessions

Good old fashioned running will play a major part in any pre-season. The difference nowadays is the players are monitored using a GPS unit. You may well have seen players in what looks like a cut off vest in various pre-season pictures. The vest houses the GPS unit between the shoulder blades, and it monitors distances, speed and even changes of direction all in real time. The runs will be monitored and players will be expected to cover distances in certain times. A lot of the work will also involve the changes of pace and direction you would see in a football match.

Plyometrics 

These are the sessions you will have seen with players jumping over hurdles and running through ladders. They are designed to increase speed and power in the players.

Ball Work

In pre-season the emphasis is on fitness so a lot of the technical work takes a back seat. The smarter coaches incorporate ball work into the fitness sessions so the players are getting two for the price of one. It is vital that the players spend time with the ball each day to relieve boredom and hone their skills, after all, practice makes perfect.

Technical and Tactical

If the coach is new then pre-season is the opportunity to put his stamp on the team's formation and style of play. The coach tries players in positions and works out how best he can get the team to work together. It's vital the players make a good impression if they are to feature under the new regime. The pre-season friendlies are the final chance for a lot of players to impress and for the coach to solidify a formation.

That is my pocket guide to pre-season which many consider the 'necessary evil' in any football club's calender.