IN THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF BACKROOM BOYS, FITNESS AND CONDITIONING COACH TONY DALEY EXPLAINS THE TESTING CARRIED OUT ON THE PLAYERS BEFORE THEY DEPARTED FOR THE SUMMER.

* * *

It's been a busy time over the last couple of weeks as in conjunction with the lads' training we have also managed to carry out their end-of-season fitness tests.

 

In the past they've stayed behind for a week after the end of the season but now that we have the fully accredited Sports Science laboratory it is easier for us to slot the tests into their training regimes.

 

We've carried out testing now on both the first team squad and the Development players as well.

 

This has included the VO2 Max test, lactate profiling, and field based tests such as repeated sprints, agility tests and jump tests.

 

The main reason of these tests is to assess where the players are at this particular time in terms of their fitness levels.

 

As a result when they come back to do their pre-season tests prior to returning to training we can see what levels are they at and where they need to get to.

 

If their fitness levels are within the range of what we are looking for then they can proceed with pre-season training but if an individual's tests are below the required levels, we can reassess their pre-season programme, so therefore reducing the chances of injury during a very important phase of the season.

 

 As usual they will be given a programme to follow during the off-season break.

 

As with previous years this is nothing too intense because they do need to rest and recover after what has been such an intense season in the Premier League.

 

It's just to make sure the players keep to a certain level of fitness and prepare the muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons for what will be a tough pre-season.

 

If they follow the programme then their bodies are ready for pre-season and it's always a progression from there.

 

The players are not coming back in during the summer break as they have done in the past because during the last two years tests at this stage have shown they are at a good standard of fitness and have come back for pre-season been absolutely flying.

 

It's almost been the case of having to keep them at a certain level because you don't want them to peak in advance of the first league game of the season.

 

So this time they'll have a good break whilst also being given the off-season programme to follow.

 

On a personal note I have to say the players have been outstanding in terms of their application towards their fitness work this season.

 

They have done everything that we have asked of them right the way from pre-season and even in the last two weeks of the season when we had clinched safety they were still responding to all our demands - they didn't switched off.

 

It's not a case of needing to pat each other on the back but I think all departments such as the coaching, medical and sports science staff have worked very well together this season and it's paid off.

 

Don't get me wrong - we all know that the most important thing is always the players out on the pitch but the work behind-the-scenes has also ensured that they have been as ready as they can be for each and every game.

 

And it's great news for everyone concerned that we've accomplished what we set out to by staying in the Premier League.

 

Whatever your job at a football club, the more time you spend in the Premier League the more experienced you become.

 

I'd had one season in the Premier League working as a Fitness and Conditioning Coach with Sheffield United when we went down on the last day which was a horrible feeling.

 

It's the league where everyone wants to be.

 

As a staff and players we always tried to do things as a Premier League club even when we were in the Championship.

 

Now we are here it's no different and we are always learning and trying to develop new skills, and members of the department are already enrolled onto courses at the end of the season in preparation for the start of next season.

 

We've already had meetings about pre-season and it's all planned between the coaching, medical and sports science departments as to what we are going to do.