In the quest for athletic supremacy, especially within the fiercely competitive world of professional football, traditional training methodologies often hit a wall when it comes to sustained improvement throughout the season.
An analysis by Silva (2022) provides a detailed examination of how athletes' performance metrics—spanning body composition, force production, jump ability, sprint ability and more —typically see a marked improvement during the preseason, only to reach a plateau as the season progresses. This phenomenon highlights a critical gap in traditional training approaches, underscoring the necessity for a paradigm shift towards more dynamic and personalised development strategies.
At KPI, we’re pioneering an approach that transcends the conventional cycle of preseason gains followed by in-season stagnation. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that continuous improvement is not only possible but essential for achieving and sustaining peak performance levels.
Sustaining peak performance
Here's an expanded look at how our methodology is making a difference:
Body Composition
Recognising the pivotal role of optimal body composition, we integrate cutting-edge nutritional science with individualised training plans. These plans are meticulously designed to adapt to the athlete's evolving needs throughout the season, ensuring that they maintain ,fat levels, optimise muscle mass and fuel correctly for peak performance. Not only do we focus on this during the season, where Silva’s study sees a more positive body composition, but during the off-season too where Silva suggests detraining seems to reverse anthropometric adaptations.
Force Production
Silva's study spotlights the stagnation in force production once the competitive season is underway. Since football related injuries likely occur in actions requiring a high rate of force development, such as sprinting and changing direction , this is far from ideal. We counter this with a continuously evolving S&C programme. This ensures athletes not only maintain but enhance their force output, critical for both offensive and defensive moments in the game.
Jump Ability
The general trend for a plateau in jump ability during the season is a missed opportunity for athletes to excel in aerial duels and explosive movements. Our year-round plyometric focus in our programmes is specifically tailored to enhance vertical leap and ground reaction times, allowing athletes to outperform their preseason benchmarks consistently.
Sprint Ability
Speed is a non-negotiable asset in football, where moments can define matches. Traditional models see sprint speed peak during preseason. In contrast, we employ specialised sprint training to ensure athletes continue to improve their acceleration and top-end speed throughout the season, and minimise their risk of sprint-related injury.
Variability
Silva notes that there is substantial variability in responses during the season which further suggests that plateauing or decreased performance is optional. With the right training, you can progress all year round.
A holistic approach
Beyond these specific areas, our holistic approach also emphasises exercise education for our athletes, mental resilience during difficult periods, and recovery protocols to season-long readiness. By addressing the psychological aspects of performance, fostering a deep understanding of the role of strength and conditioning, and ensuring optimal recovery, we ensure that athletes are prepared not just physically but mentally and strategically.
In essence, we are redefining the boundaries of athletic performance enhancement. By leveraging the insights from Silva's analysis as a foundation, we’re crafting a narrative of continuous, year-round improvement. Our athletes become living testimonials to the efficacy of our approach, breaking new ground in their performances, setting new personal bests, and redefining what is considered possible within the rigorous demands of professional football.
Our success stories are not mere anecdotes but a testament to our innovative approach to athlete development. They underscore our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what athletes can achieve, demonstrating that the seasonal performance plateau is a barrier waiting to be shattered. Through our comprehensive, science-backed, and individually tailored programs, KPI athletes are not just reaching their potential—they are exceeding it, game after game, season after season.
