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High Performance


The Physical and Performance Profile of a Modern Defensive Midfielder
The modern defensive midfielder is a complete athlete—combining endurance, strength, agility, and explosive power with tactical intelligence. Covering 11–13 km per match, they perform constant accelerations, duels, and high-pressure actions. This role demands exceptional physical versatility, technical precision, and the ability to control both defensive stability and build-up play.

Antonios Tsikakis
4 days ago7 min read


The Physical and Performance Profile of a Modern Goalkeeper
Modern goalkeepers are no longer just shot-stoppers—they are explosive, agile, multidimensional athletes who combine power, reactive speed, aerial dominance, and distribution quality. The demands of today’s game require keepers to sweep behind high lines, command the penalty area, and execute precise technical actions under pressure.

Antonios Tsikakis
Nov 248 min read


The Physical and Performance Profile of a Modern full Back
Modern full backs are the most complete athletes in football. They cover more distance than any other position, combining elite endurance, repeated sprint ability, acceleration, agility, and top speed. Tasked with dominating the entire flank in attack and defense, they perform 20–35 sprints per match and constant transitions, making the role one of the most physically demanding in the sport.

Antonios Tsikakis
Nov 158 min read


The Physical and Performance Profile of a Modern Central Defender
The modern centre back is a complete athlete — powerful, mobile, and composed on the ball. In today’s fast, tactical game, defenders must blend strength, speed, agility, and coordination to meet complex physical demands. Success now depends not only on winning duels or headers but on combining athleticism with intelligence, adaptability, and technical precision under pressure.

Antonios Tsikakis
Oct 236 min read


The Wellness Questionnaire in Football Performance: A Practical Guide
Wellness questionnaires are a powerful tool in modern football, helping coaches monitor players’ physical and mental readiness. This article explores how simple daily check-ins on sleep, fatigue, mood, and stress can guide smarter training decisions, reduce injury risk, and boost performance.

Antonios Tsikakis
Oct 127 min read


Why Every Footballer Needs Massage: Your Recovery Game-Changer
Football places intense physical stress on players, making recovery essential. Massage therapy enhances circulation, reduces muscle tension, supports the lymphatic system, and promotes relaxation. When combined with proper timing, frequency, and other recovery methods, it becomes a scientifically-supported cornerstone for maintaining performance and reducing injury risk.

Antonios Tsikakis
Aug 305 min read


Managing the Physical Gap Between Starters and Non-Starters in Football
This guide explores the growing gap between starters and non-starters in football, highlighting the physical and psychological risks of limited playing time—and offering practical strategies to keep all players match-ready.

Antonios Tsikakis
Aug 13 min read


Pre-Season Performance: Insights into Modern Football Conditioning
"Pre-season isn’t just the warm-up—it’s the blueprint. Behind every high-performing football team lies a meticulously structured pre-season that sets the physical, tactical, and psychological tone for the entire year. In this manual, we unpack the science and strategy of those crucial six weeks—where endurance is built, strength is forged, tactics are refined, and team identity is born.

Antonios Tsikakis
Jul 78 min read


The Foundation of Speed: Why Running Technique Training is Critical for Athletic Development
Discover how proper running technique enhances football performance by improving speed, agility, endurance, and injury prevention. Learn age-specific training strategies, the role of hip mobility, and practical applications for football players.

Antonios Tsikakis
Jun 255 min read


The Psychology of Injury Recovery: Healing the Mind and Body Together
This article explores the profound psychological impact of physical injuries, highlighting how emotions, beliefs, and social factors influence recovery. It emphasizes the importance of addressing both mental and physical aspects to achieve full healing.

Antonios Tsikakis
Jun 175 min read


Ice Baths in Football: Do They Really Work?
Dortmund's players in CWI In the high-stakes world of professional football, where players routinely cover 10+ kilometers per match and...

Antonios Tsikakis
Jun 124 min read


Optimizing the Off-Season: Evidence-Based Strategies for Football Performance
Practical strategies to guide performance, recovery and long-term development.

Antonios Tsikakis
May 295 min read


The Science and Practice of Post-Match Top-Up Runs in Football
In professional football, a critical but often overlooked aspect of physical preparation involves what happens after the final whistle...

Antonios Tsikakis
May 126 min read


Decision Making in Football: The Science Behind Elite Performance
This article explores how elite players process information, anticipate play, and make split-second choices under pressure—and how coaches can systematically develop these skills from youth levels using neuroscience-backed training methods.

Antonios Tsikakis
May 18 min read


Training and Match Performance in Hot Environments: A Guide for Football Players
Heat significantly impacts football players' performance, reducing physical output and technical skills while increasing injury risk. Implementing proper hydration strategies, nutrition adjustments, and smart training schedules is critical to maintain performance in hot conditions. Teams that develop comprehensive heat management protocols gain a competitive advantage when playing in challenging environments.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Antonios Tsikakis
Apr 144 min read
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