How to Prepare the Off-Season Period in Football – FSI Talks #2

In the second episode of FSI Talks, Bernardo Requena leads the conversation on the Off-Season Period (OSP) in European football. Requena is the Sporting Director of FSI Training and an advisor to elite football players.

He is joined by Andreas Beck, Head of Physical Performance, Prevention and Rehabilitation at Eintracht Frankfurt, and Sven Herzog, Head of Performance at FSV Mainz 05. Both bring their experience in managing this crucial period of the season.

The podcast discusses the objectives and planning of the Off-Season Period. It also explores key aspects such as physical recovery, injury prevention and preparation for the new season.

This episode of FSI Talks is valuable for coaches, strength and conditioning coaches and football professionals interested in the planning of the Off-Season Period (OSP). Learn from experts such as Bernardo Requena, Andreas Beck and Sven Herzog how to optimize recovery, prevent injuries and improve performance through personalized programs and technology.

Objectives of Off-Season Training (OSP)

The Off-Season Period (OSP) is essential for football teams.

First, it supports physical recovery after the competitive season, allowing players to rest after months of constant effort. In addition, it plays an important role in injury prevention, as potential risks can be identified and muscles strengthened through specific exercises.

Finally, the OSP provides an opportunity to work on individual performance through personalized programs, adapted to the needs of each player.

How Do Players Adapt During the Off-Season Period?

The OSP is the moment to address risk factors that may lead to injuries, which are often difficult to work on during the competitive season. Exercises such as change of direction (COD) drills or strength training can help reduce these risks.

It is also an ideal time to refine technical and tactical skills without competitive pressure, since players are not constrained by matches or a demanding calendar.

What Should Be Considered When Planning the Off-Season Period?

Effective planning of the OSP requires balancing team objectives with individual player needs.

While the collective goal is to maintain a basic level of physical fitness, personalized programs allow practitioners to address specific aspects depending on each player's position and profile.

The key is adapting training loads and ensuring consistent progress. This approach helps players maintain fitness while preparing effectively for the next season.

Effects of Detraining in Elite Football Players

Detraining during the Off-Season Period can lead to losses in endurance, strength and technical abilities if it is not properly managed.

For this reason, it is important to include light activities that help maintain a minimum level of fitness. A structured approach helps mitigate these effects and allows players to return stronger and better prepared.

Training Program During the Off-Season Period in Football

An effective OSP program should combine recovery, strength training and aerobic conditioning.

These phases must be adapted to the individual needs of each player, ensuring that they work on both injury prevention and physical development during the off-season.

Monitoring and Collaboration Between Personal Coaches and Football Clubs

The success of the OSP depends on monitoring workload, performance and injury risk.

This requires collaboration between coaches, medical staff and strength and conditioning coaches, using technology and data to adjust programs and ensure that players return properly prepared for the new competitive season.