Specificity of movement

Motion Assimilation Performance System (MAPS)

For any journey we embark on we need to identify the start point and destination, and how we are going to get there. Put in a motoring context, years ago a road map would be used for this, whereas nowadays we have satellite navigation systems that automatically determine the best route and even reconfigure during the journey to ensure an optimal result. It is these principles we use with the players.

First we assess key identified movements, then prescribe bespoke programmes that athletes perform at least twice a week as a joint prehab/strength and conditioning session. Players are constantly assessed using video analysis, physiotherapists and strength coaches.

When moving, the body constantly compensates to maintain balance and stability by varying recruitment of motor units for co-ordination and efficient completion of movement. Football movement requires fast automatic motor reactions that need compensatory recruitment and implementation for successful completion, with change of direction being the most frequent of all movement actions, and when performed, there is a direct correlation with stability.

The following illustrates how this all links together with an example of a bespoke programme that players follow, increasing in sets and reps as efficiency improves. 

Turn-out in match play

Turn-out in training (L), turn-out in the gym (R)

Practical implications for coaches and support staff

This tool has the flexibility to be employed in all areas, be that the gym or anywhere else – it is relatively easy for players to perform as part of their movement preparations before training.

Components can be incorporated within general warm-ups before main football sessions as there will be some of the exercises that cross over between each athlete. Furthermore, training sessions can be set up to incorporate the practice of these specific movements, where the player receives the ball with his back to the mannequin and turns, focusing on control, stability and efficiency of movement in order to complete the task successfully. This therefore mirrors match play situations in a controlled and structured environment,  allowing a platform for the player to improve performance and relate to the specificity of the sport. 

This tool requires no expensive equipment and can be utilised by all departments. Indeed, our physiotherapists will, over time, put together an exercise library that is structured to include levels of difficulty and complexity that are incorporated within players’ rehabilitation and ‘return to play’ strategies, moving from balance to stability, increasing speed of movement then linking movement actions to more complex patterns.

Bespoke exercise programme in the gym

*As a safety precaution it is advisable to have assistance with the jump squat bosu

Three exercises from a bespoke programme

Single leg squat (L), Bosu jump squat (C), Lunge (R)

Single leg squat (level 7)

This exercise is designed to work on balance, co-ordination, strength and joint alignment.

Bosu jump squat (level 9)

This exercise works on jump mechanics from unstable surfaces, offering stability through movement with the participant remaining balanced on landing, with hip drive and joint alignment.

Lunge (level 3)

This is a deep forward lunge, with stability through movement, and offering ankle to knee hip alignment, planting the foot flat before driving back to stance position.

In conclusion

This standardised tool assesses specific movement actions and patterns that are performed in elite level football. In returning from injury the bespoke exercise programmes are specific to those requiring dynamic movement actions in the game and enhancing the recovery process. 

This structure ensures players have the ability to perform these actions on the pitch with greater efficiency, thus enabling them to return to training and competitive match action quicker. It is also used in preventive strategies employed as part of a player’s overall physical development.