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Swans Leaving No Stones Unturned
Swans Leaving No Stones Unturned
Tuesday, 19th Aug 2008 15:40

The Swans undertake revolutionary methods of ensuring that they are totally ready for matches these days

It is a long way from the old pre-season training routine that used to see the players taking the first day as a run from the Vetch to Mumbles and back before kick abouts behind the North Bank - on the concrete!

These days football has become a more scientific sport and Swansea are no different in changing the ways that they have set about things.  Training camps in Sweden, dieticians and now science all play a part in the Swans routine with the results of what they do off the pitch very evident in what they do on it.

The latest addition to an ever growing team is Dr Liam Kilduff who - together with his team - has also worked with the Ospreys and the Wales Grand Slam winning team.

Glamourous titles such as "Reactive agility" are added to the camp and Dr Kilduff told the Western Mail “Reactive agility is both psychological and physiological.

“We aim to make players think faster while building up muscles used for tackling, shooting or ball control.

“New practice involves small-sided games (two-a-side or three-a-side) because this involves all the players virtually all the time in things like passing, shooting, running in short bursts and tackling.

“The old ‘long run’ is not necessary because it’s been found players can build up strength in shorter, more powerful runs.

“The typical soccer player spends most of the match in explosive bursts, not long runs.

“We have used the latest research and technology, which allows us to perform a complete performance diagnosis on individual players.

“That allows us to identify any weak links in the player’s performance chain.

“There is no doubt from all the statistics available that players in the Championship cover more ground and work harder than those in League One.

“The stats also show Premiership players do even more and skill levels are higher too.

“It’s probably because playing against League One teams week in, week out, many of which are not as technologically advanced in a conditioning sense, means there is an overall lesser chance for players in that league to develop.”

Richie Evans - the club's physio added “As a club we are delighted to be able to establish a link with Dr Kilduff.

“Not only is he always abreast of current developments in sports science and medicine, his research in applied sports physiology and strength and conditioning in elite athletes will hopefully help us stay ahead of our competitors in the Championship.

“Our relationship can only help improve our fitness levels and performance on the field of play. Their help, advice and fitness testing over the pre-season will prove invaluable as we move up to Championship level.”

Photo: Action Images



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