Fitness in Soccer – Book Review

I have just finished reading Fitness in Soccer: The Science and Practical Application and I am more than pleased. The books is co-authored by 22 authors, who are respectable experts in their own domains. The book has a great flow and it is very concise, especially taking into account the large amount of co-authors.

Most of the references are of newest date, and as such the Fitness in Soccer represents great up-to-date review of the literature and current thought process in physical preparation in soccer. More than that, the book builds on top of ‘lab coat references’ and provides real-world practical solutions.

Besides great practical chapters on pre-season and in-season planning, I really liked Ibrahim Akubat’s and Jan van Winckel’s chapter on Training Load Monitoring in Soccer and Juan Luis Delgado-Bordonau’s and Alberto Mendez-Villanueva’s chapter on Tactical Periodization Model.

Speaking of Tactical Periodization, I will try to get in touch with Juan Luis and Alberto and ask them more about this concept since I believe that ‘traditional’ (by traditional I refer to traditional Olympic sports) knowledge of training planning shouldn’t be applied to team sports without modifications. Traditional training theory focuses on biomotor abilities and their periodization and peaking, while Tactical Periodization focuses on perceptual-motor and decision making skills, along with performance stabilization rather than peaking.

I would also love that High-Intensity Chapter covered running-based drills alongside SSGs. Also, Strength Training chapter could be written much, much better. Maybe in the next edition.

Anyway, Fitness in Soccer is great book and if you work in soccer (or any other team sports, such as rugby, handball, field hockey) you should definitely have it in your own library.