ABSTRACT
This chapter helps coaches and practitioners use current scientific information in designing effective activation and warm-up routines for training and competition. The physiological demands on the modern soccer player are more variable and complex than in many individual sports and are dependent on many factors such as positional role, style of employed by the team, and the level of the opposition. Historically, the warm-up routine consisted of a jog around the pitch, static, and dynamic flexibility exercises, and speed, agility, and quickness activities. Flexibility exercises form an essential component of the warm-up, although the method of exercises designed to increased range of motion may vary due to individual philosophy. Training that prepares the muscle and muscle cells for the trauma and damage caused by repeated high-force generation has become an area of increased attention in the training of elite soccer players. Traditionally, warm-up routines were developed largely on a trial-and-error basis, utilizing coach and athlete experiences rather than scientific evidence.
