The football preseason is the preparation period that a team undertakes before starting the official competition. It usually lasts between four and six weeks, and its main objective is to improve physical condition, strengthen technique, and establish tactical concepts. Additionally, it is a crucial moment to build team cohesion and work on competitive mentality. In high-performance academies like SIA Academy, preseason planning is carefully designed, taking care of every detail so that players reach their best version when the season begins.
This period is not limited to running or doing strength exercises; it is an integral work that combines physical preparation, technique, tactics, nutrition, and recovery. Coaches and fitness trainers consider it the foundation upon which all the year’s performance will be built.
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Planning and clear preseason objectives
Every preseason planning should start with an analysis of the team’s goals and the individual needs of the players. Preparing a youth team is not the same as a professional one, and it also differs if players have recently competed or have been inactive.
At SIA Academy, every preseason is designed with well-defined phases:
- Physical and technical adaptation to reconnect with the ball and reactivate the body.
- Progressive increase of physical workload to boost endurance, strength, and speed.
- Tactical integration and friendly matches to put what has been learned into practice.
- Final adjustments before competition starts.
This structured approach prevents injuries and ensures the team arrives at the first match in optimal physical and mental condition.
Initial evaluation of physical condition
Before starting any physical training in football, medical evaluations and performance tests are carried out. These include measurements of strength, speed, endurance, agility, and flexibility. The injury history of each player is also reviewed to personalize workload.
At SIA Academy, this phase is a priority. With the obtained data, specific plans are designed that allow adapting preseason intensity to individual conditions, optimizing performance and reducing risks.
Base physical work
The football preseason is the perfect time to build a solid base that will support performance throughout the year. This involves working on:
- Aerobic endurance through continuous runs, intervals, and field work.
- Muscle strength with gym exercises and game situations.
- Speed and agility through sprints, direction changes, and circuits.
At SIA Academy, physical preparation is integrated with ball exercises from day one, achieving that physical training in football improves in a context similar to real competition.
Integration of tactical concepts
Besides physical preparation, preseason is the ideal moment to strengthen the team’s playing identity. The coaching staff at SIA Academy dedicates specific sessions to automate collective movements, work on ball exits, transitions, and set pieces.
Exercises in reduced spaces are performed to improve quick decision making, and training matches are held where tactical guidelines are put into practice. This ensures players internalize the system before the season begins.
Friendlies and match simulation
Friendly matches are an essential part of any preseason planning. They serve to evaluate the effectiveness of the work done, identify mistakes, and adjust details.
At SIA Academy, a logical progression is followed:
- First friendlies against less demanding opponents to gain confidence.
- Subsequently, matches against teams of similar or higher level to increase competitive intensity.
These games also help players get used to the real pace of play and competition pressure.
Recovery and nutrition
The training load during preseason is high, so recovery plays a leading role. At SIA Academy, the following are implemented:
- Physiotherapy and massage sessions.
- Stretching and mobility work.
- Techniques such as cryotherapy and contrast baths.
Sports nutrition is also key. A balanced diet, rich in proteins for muscle recovery and carbohydrates for energy, allows players to withstand demanding training and perform at their best.
Team cohesion and mentality
Preseason does not only prepare players physically; it is also a crucial time to build a strong team spirit. Group activities off the field, motivational talks, and bonding dynamics help generate trust and camaraderie.
At SIA Academy, the competitive mentality is especially worked on, teaching players to handle pressure, set goals, and maintain focus in key moments.
Progressive and controlled workload
One of the most common mistakes is to increase intensity too quickly, which can lead to injuries or overtraining. The methodology at SIA Academy applies a gradual progression, alternating high-intensity sessions with active recovery. Moreover, performance and fatigue are monitored to adjust the load individually.
A well-designed football preseason is the foundation of a successful season. It is the time to build physical condition, reinforce tactics, strengthen the group, and establish a winning mentality. With detailed preseason planning and a professional approach like that of SIA Academy, any team can arrive prepared and confident for the start of competition.
In short, investing in a good preseason is ensuring a competitive year, with fewer injury risks and consistent performance from the first minute of play.
