The sport of soccer has evolved immensely since its beginning around 2000 years ago and is now considered the most popular sport in the world. The research related to the physical, psychological, and tactical aspects of the game has risen in conjunction with its fame. Maximizing Performance and Safety in Elite Soccer Players seeks to inform the reader with the most current research connected to optimizing physical performance and reducing the risk of injury of the elite soccer athlete in a variety of leagues. After providing an initial brief overview of applying physical and psychological scientific concepts in soccer (Laying the Foundation), this book then takes the reader through a series of important yet novel sections including; Athlete Monitoring and Data Analysis, Optimizing Physical Performance, Injury Epidemiology and Risk Reduction, Achieving Peak Performance and Safety in Various Environmental Conditions, and Unique Aspects of the Game. The goal of Maximizing Performance and Safety in Elite Soccer Players is to conceptualize and expand upon the current research associated with these topics and provide an applicable point of view to the coaches, sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and sports medicine professionals who work with these athletes every day.

The sport of soccer has evolved immensely since its beginning around 2,000 years ago and is now considered the most popular sport in the world. The research related to the physical, psychological, and tactical aspects of the game has risen in conjunction with its fame. Elite Soccer Players: Maximizing Performance and Safety seeks to inform the reader with the most current research connected to optimizing physical performance and reducing the risk of injury of the elite soccer athlete for a variety of ages. After providing an initial brief overview of applying physical and psychological scientific concepts in soccer ("Part I: Laying the Foundation”), this book then takes the reader through a series of important yet novel parts including: “Athlete Monitoring and Data Analysis,” “Optimizing Physical Performance,” “Injury Epidemiology and Risk Reduction,” “Achieving Peak Performance and Safety in Various Environmental Conditions,” and “Unique Aspects of the Game.” The goal of Elite Soccer Players: Maximizing Performance and Safety is to conceptualize and expand upon the current research associated with these topics and provide an applicable point of view to the coaches, sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and sports medicine professionals who work with these athletes every day.

The game's top players have remarkable speed, agility, and coordination demonstrated through precision passing, incredible ball control, and an uncanny ability to anticipate and react to the opposition's moves. Although the best players can make these skills look easy, each is a result of dedication, commitment, and countless hours of practice. In Elite Soccer Drills, renowned coach Mike Matkovich shares the same drills he has used in developing some of soccer's premier players. The 82 drills emphasize execution in high-level play while addressing the finer points of passing and receiving, attacking and defending, and heading. With drills for both individual players and teams, as well as practice tips and coaching suggestions, Elite Soccer Drills is the perfect practice tool for developing the high-level skills and soccer sense players need in order to excel.

Science and Soccer 2nd edition offers a comprehensive and accessible analysis of the science behind the world's most popular sport, and important guidance on how science translates into practice.

A key guide to the tools and techniques for football intelligence that will give anyone a psychological edge, in the world of football and beyond.