The "Too Bulky" Myth: Why Strength Training Makes You FASTER, Not Slower
We've all heard it: "Don't lift too many weights, you'll get too bulky and slow!" It's a common fear among young footballers, especially wingers and attacking midfielders who rely on speed and agility. The image of a massive bodybuilder often comes to mind, making players shy away from the weights room.
But here’s the truth, from someone who’s seen it first-hand at the highest level: this idea is a myth. For a footballer, smart strength and conditioning (S&C) training doesn't make you "bulky and slow"—it makes you more explosive, faster, more agile, and far more resilient to injury. As a Master in S&C who has worked with developing athletes at Everton FC and Liverpool FC Women's academies, I can tell you that this fear is one of the biggest roadblocks to a player's physical development.
6-Week Strength Program For Goalkeepers
Strength is important as it allows us to build the foundations to develop power, which as a goalkeeper is one of the most important performance parameters.
Strength and power have a close relationship. If we can develop strength, it puts us in a great position to develop power.
Here’s Another FREE 6-Week Acceleration Program:
Everyone wants to get faster right? The ability to produce speed quickly from a slow or standing start is essential in football.
The importance of acceleration is fundamental to the success of football players irrespective of position.
According to Faude et al. (2012), players perform an average of 1300 accelerations and decelerations per game.
Another study showed that players reach their maximum speed in less than 3 seconds, Di Salvo et al. (2007).
Want To Get Faster Over 10 Metres? Here’s A FREE 6-Week Acceleration Program:
Everyone wants to get faster right? The ability to produce speed quickly from a slow or standing start is essential in football.
The importance of acceleration is fundamental to the success of football players irrespective of position.
According to Faude et al. (2012), players perform an average of 1300 accelerations and decelerations per game.
Another study showed that players reach their maximum speed in less than 3 seconds, Di Salvo et al. (2007).