Dr James Malone

Football Scientist | Consultant | Mentor | Helping football fitness practitioners enhance their career through mentoring

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

Key questions when planning MD+1 and MD+2 in football:

- How much rest should we give players?
- When should days off be scheduled?
- How does turn around time impact planning?
- How should we balance non-starters fitness?

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

MD-2 is a fine balancing act.

Too much load = fatigue leading into game

Too little load = underprepared for the game

The Goldilocks principle.

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

Tips to create a better work:life balance in football:

- Effective time management
- Prioritize recovery for yourself
- Have 'no' as a default
- Establish clear boundaries

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

Advice when monitoring player readiness following matches:

- Create individual profiles for each player, with known 'benchmarks' and error boundaries

- Choose 3-4 readiness markers across different areas

- Use a combination of objective and subjective data

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

How to deal with conflict in football:

- Stepping back from a situation and reflecting
- Reframing negative thoughts
- Practicing active listening
- Clear non-threating communication

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

GPS feedback to key stakeholders - the KISS approach.

- Keep the information easy to understand
- Select metrics that make sense
- Ensure quick follow up and appropriate timing

No need to overcomplicate things.

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

Key considerations when implementing a recovery points system with players:

1. Initial onboarding and education
2. Scoring points aligned to evidence base
3. Blanket approach > individualisation

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

Potential future steps to enhance accreditation processes for football fitness practitioners:

1. Global standards
2. Streamlined processes
3. Integrated learning opportunities

It's time for the industry to have a shake up.

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

The ability to say 'no' is crucial to avoid long-term burnout in football.

Here are 5 tips on how to say no effectively:

1. Don't beat around the bush
2. Set clear boundaries
3. Stand firm
4. Be selfish
5. Be polite

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

Ways to maximise muscle glycogen replenishment in football:

- Aim for 1-1.2 g/kg per hour of high GI carbohydrates
- Co ingest with protein (0.4 g/kg per hour0
- Continue with high CHO diet on MD+1 and MD+2

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

If you want to stay in football for the long term, you need to master the art of saying no in the right way.

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

Social media is becoming the new CV.

Showcase your work to a wider audience.

Build a good reputation.

Make new connections and expand your network.

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

3 key factors when using cooling therapies for recovery:

1. Budget
2. Practicality
3. Player adherence

Evaluate all 3 areas before committing to a recovery method.

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

Example content of a MD-2 session:

- Warm Up (10 mins)

- Speed Conditioning at end of warm up (5 mins)

- Technical Exercise (10 mins)

- Possession Drill (15 mins)

- Crossing and Finishing Drill (15 mins)

- Modified 10v10 Game (15 mins)

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

3 key factors when navigating your career path as a football fitness coach:

1) Hard work

2) Good understanding of football politics

3) Some luck along the way

You need a combination of all 3 to reach the top in the profession.

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

Doing a PhD is hard.

Doing a PhD when working in football is incredibly hard.

It's not for everyone. But the rewards can be great.

[Dr James Malone @maloneperform]

Key considerations for sub-maximal testing:

1. Exercise regimen
2. Set intensity
3. Protocol duration
4. Data sample duration
5. Accounting for error