The Evolution of Pre-Season Training in Football: Embracing Game-Specific Conditioning (Patreon)

Traditionally, pre-season training in football has often involved monotonous continuous running sessions that bear little resemblance to the actual demands of the sport. This type of conditioning has been criticized for its misalignment with the acyclic and dynamic nature of football. The sport requires short bursts of high-intensity activity, rapid changes in direction, and varied movement patterns, which continuous running fails to address.

Football is characterized by its unpredictable flow, with players engaging in high-intensity sprints, sudden stops, quick turns, and various technical and tactical actions. These movements are interspersed with periods of lower intensity activity and recovery, reflecting the game's intermittent nature. Consequently, traditional endurance running does not adequately prepare players for the specific physical and physiological demands they will face during matches.

However, a more appropriate approach to pre-season conditioning is beginning to emerge. Observing the pre-season training of 1. FC Nürnberg under the leadership of Miroslav Klose for the 2024/25 season provides insight into this evolving methodology. Klose's regime features running sessions that closely mimic the nature of football, where players move through a series of football-specific stations. Each station is designed to focus on different aspects of the game, whether it be general football conditioning or more specific tactical and technical drills.

At these stations, players engage in activities that replicate the physical demands of football. They might perform high-intensity sprints to simulate counter-attacking, shuttle runs to mimic defensive pressing, or quick changes of direction to emulate in-game agility. This station-based training ensures that every running effort is purposeful and directly relevant to match scenarios.

Footballers inherently dislike running for the sake of running, as it lacks context and relevance to their sport. Running should always have a purpose: sprinting to recover the ball, making a run to score, or moving quickly to support a teammate. This approach not only enhances physical conditioning but also keeps players mentally engaged, as each drill has a clear connection to the game they love.

This shift towards more game-specific conditioning represents a significant evolution in football training. It acknowledges the complex, varied, and unpredictable nature of football, preparing players more effectively for the demands of the sport. By embracing this methodology, coaches like Miroslav Klose are leading a football training revolution, ensuring that players are better conditioned, more engaged, and ultimately more prepared for the rigors of competitive matches.

Welcome to the footballing revolution, where running with purpose transforms pre-season training into a more effective and enjoyable experience for players.