(Short Course) Introduction to Performance Science in Football

What you will study

This course is delivered over 8 core topics, each focusing on a key element of performance science in football. Students will engage with interactive content, short video lectures, and applied tasks each week.

Week 1: Introduction to the Platform
Get oriented with the virtual learning environment, assessment format, and course expectations. Learn how to navigate resources and engage with content effectively.

Week 2: The Demands of Football
Explore the physical, technical, tactical, and psychological demands placed on football players at different levels of the game, supported by current research and match data.

Week 3: Developing Resilience in Football
Understand mental toughness, coping strategies, and the psychological frameworks used to build player resilience in elite and grassroots football settings.

Week 4: Game Model Building & Development
Learn how to design a team’s game model, linking tactical principles with player roles and performance outcomes.

Week 5: Injury Reduction Strategies
Examine common football injuries, their causes, and evidence-based approaches to injury prevention and load management.

Week 6: Leadership and Culture for High Performance Football
Study the influence of leadership styles, communication, and team culture in creating and sustaining a high-performance environment.

Week 7: Current Tactical Trends in European Football

Week 8: Football Nutrition and the Role of the Nutritionist
Gain an introductory understanding of football-specific nutrition, fuelling strategies, and the role of the sports nutritionist in performance and recovery.

Bonus Topic: Competitive Football Training Periodisation (Optional Extension)
A brief overview of how training is structured across a season to optimise player performance and manage fatigue.

Teaching & Assessment

This module follows a blended learning approach with an emphasis on active learning. It is delivered entirely online via the university's virtual learning platform (Moodle).

The teaching methods include:

• Asynchronous Video Lectures: Each topic is presented in three 20-minute videos, designed to be engaging and informative.
• Interactive Tasks: After each video, students will complete tasks to test their understanding and apply key concepts in real-world scenarios.
• Supplementary Readings: Required readings and resources will be provided to deepen understanding and provide context.
• Virtual Tutorials: Opportunities for one-on-one tutorials with the module leader will be available for further support and clarification of content.

Workload and Levels of Teaching:

• The course requires approximately 5-6 hours of study per week. This includes watching lectures, completing tasks, reading, and preparing for assessments.
• Level: This module is designed for undergraduate or postgraduate students, with the content aimed at providing a strong foundational knowledge in performance science specific to football.
• Students should expect a moderate level of independent learning alongside guided instruction.

How Students Will Be Assessed:

Students will be assessed based on a combination of written and practical tasks:

• 4 x Short Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These will assess understanding of key concepts from the video lectures.
• 2 x Session Design Tasks: Students will create football training sessions that align with the physiological and tactical demands discussed in the course.
• 2 x Short Essays: These essays will require students to reflect on specific course topics such as injury reduction strategies or football nutrition, providing an opportunity for in-depth exploration of key areas.

Student Engagement Expectation:

• Online Study Time: Students should expect to spend 5-6 hours per week engaging with online content (watching videos, reading, completing tasks).
• Active Participation: Students are expected to actively engage with discussion boards, tutorials, and other interactive elements within the online learning platform to support their learning and deepen their understanding of the material.
• Assessment Preparation: Additional time will be required for assessments, especially for the essay and session design tasks.