Competitive footballers and their coaches take football training very seriously. Professional footballers train for about three hours a day and some will go on to use a gym afterwards. Good quality football training equipment increases speed, suppleness, vertical jump level and accuracy in ball throwing. Whether using adjustable agility hurdles, foot speed agility ladders or reaction hoops, warm up exercises are necessary at the beginning of every session. Coaches use football training equipment to train players for both offensive and defensive strategies. Training is also important because it creates a psychological bond between team members.
Mechanics of movement in football training
Using and practising the correct running mechanics can help players to improve their speed and acceleration. Running at high speed occurs for just over six per cent of a game, sprint running for just over three per cent, walking and standing takes up 27 per cent and jogging over 25 per cent. Multi-directional acceleration is the goal of many football drills.
Sports supports for hamstring injuries
The hamstring comprises three muscles at the back of the thigh; they are the semitendinosus, the semimembranosus and the biceps femoris. They can be pulled or torn and the first twelve hours post injury is when the correct treatment is most crucial. Sports physiotherapists apply the ‘RICE’ formula. This process involves rest, ice, compression and elevation. Exercising the limb is also necessary to rehabilitate the muscles and hamstring supports facilitate this. It is, however, important that the correct level exercise is carried out to avoid further injury.