Science and Soccer

Now in a fully revised and updated fourth edition, Science and Soccer is still the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to the physiology, biomechanics and psychology behind the world's most popular sport. Offering important guidance on how science translates into practice, the book examines every key facet of the sport, with a particular focus on the development of expert performers. The topics covered include: - anatomy, physiology, psychology; sociology and biomechanics - principles of training - nutrition - physical and mental preparation - playing surfaces and equipment; injury - decision-making and skill acquisition - coaching and coach education - performance analysis - talent identification and youth development Science and Soccer: Developing Elite Performers is a unique resource for students and academics working in sports science. It is essential reading for all professional support staff working in the game, including coaches at all levels, physiotherapists, conditioning specialists, performance analysts, club doctors and sport psychologists.

A. Mark Williams is Professor and Senior Research Scientist at The Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) in Florida, USA. Paul R. Ford, PhD is Senior Lecturer in the School of Sport, Exercise and Applied Sciences at St Mary's University, UK. Barry Drust, PhD is an Applied Exercise Physiologist and an Industrial Professorial Fellow in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham, UK.

1. Physical Preparation 2. Resistance Training 3. Aerobic and Anaerobic Training 4. Soccer in the Heat: Performance and Mitigation 5. Nutrition for Match Play and Training 6. Recovery Strategies 7. Psychological Characteristics of Players 8. Anticipation and Decision-Making 9. Skill Acquisition: Player Pathways and Effective Practice 10. Sociological Influences on the Identification and Development of Players 11. Player Wellbeing and Career Transitions 12. Developing (Adaptive) Coaching Expertise 13. Injury Epidemiology, Monitoring, and Prevention 14. Infectious Diseases 15. Biomechanical Assessments 16. Analysis of Physical Performance in Match-Play 17. Technical and Tactical Match Analysis 18. Monitoring Training 19. Utilising Training and Match Load Data 20. Growth and Maturation 21. Talented or Developmentally Advanced? Player Assessment and Evaluation 22. Talent Identification and Talent Promotion 23. Modern Approaches to Scouting and Recruitment 24. Working as a Director of Sports Science or High-Performance Director 25. Working as a Sporting Director