Hamstring Injury Prevention in Elite Football – FSI Talks #7

Hamstring injuries are among the most common muscle injuries in elite football. Preventing them requires understanding multiple factors that influence player health and performance.

In this episode of FSI Talks, three specialists in sports science and performance discuss how to reduce the risk of hamstring injuries through a multifactorial approach.

The discussion features Luis Suárez, Head of Performance at FC Lugano and professor at Pablo de Olavide University; Nacho Torreño, Director of Performance at Chicago Fire FC; and Javi Núñez, professor at the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Pablo de Olavide University.

During the conversation, the experts explore the role of individualized training, emotional factors and interdisciplinary collaboration in injury prevention.

A Multifactorial Approach to Hamstring Injury Prevention

Effective prevention of muscle injuries requires considering multiple factors. According to Javi Núñez, it is not possible to analyze a muscle injury by focusing solely on the affected muscle.

The human body functions as an integrated system where structures such as fascia, tendons and the neuromuscular system influence injury risk.

For this reason, the experts emphasize the importance of designing individualized training programs that include mobility, strength, neuromuscular control and recovery strategies tailored to each player.

The Importance of Individualized Training

Each player presents different physical characteristics and competitive demands. Luis Suárez explained that standardized protocols can serve as useful guidelines, but they are rarely sufficient to optimize injury prevention.

Individualization allows practitioners to adjust training loads and exercises according to factors such as injury history, playing position and the demands of the competition schedule.

This approach makes it possible to address both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence injury risk.

Emotional Factors and Injury Risk

Emotional well-being can also influence the likelihood of injury. Nacho Torreño shared an example in which a player suffered an injury after experiencing a traumatic personal event, despite being in excellent physical condition.

Stress, lack of sleep or personal difficulties can affect a player’s recovery capacity and increase vulnerability to injury.

For this reason, the experts emphasize the importance of considering psychological well-being as part of the injury prevention process.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Elite Football

Injury prevention requires close collaboration between different departments within the club. Strength and conditioning coaches, medical staff, analysts and coaches must work together.

According to Luis Suárez, communication and trust within the multidisciplinary team are essential to accurately evaluate the player’s condition and adapt training programs.

This collaboration allows practitioners to make more informed decisions and respond flexibly to the individual needs of each player.

Training Variability and Physical Preparation

Introducing variability in training helps better prepare players for the dynamic demands of football. The experts highlighted that football is a constantly changing sport that requires high adaptability.

The inclusion of vibration-based exercises or high-intensity stimuli at strategic moments may improve muscle readiness and reduce injury risk.

These stimuli should be integrated carefully within the overall training plan to maximize their benefits.

An Integrated Approach to Injury Prevention

There is no single solution to preventing hamstring injuries. Effective prevention requires combining scientific knowledge, practical experience and a deep understanding of the athlete.

From fatigue management to interdisciplinary collaboration, the experts agree that the key lies in adopting a holistic perspective that views the player as a complex system.