Yoga for Football: The Science Behind Winning the Game
Back in 2003, I had the opportunity to present at the England Football Association's annual training conference. The conference focused on the latest advancements in performance training, and I was invited to share my insights, and techniques because of some pretty impressive results from a squad I'd worked with over several seasons.
This particular squad had the fewest players in the league, so they couldn’t afford injuries. They played an entire season injury-free. When the coaches were asked about their secret, they credited yoga as their only new intervention.
Fast forward to now, and as I write this, England has just secured a spot in the Euro 2024 final—a monumental achievement! The pressure on the players is intense. Representing your country is the ultimate honor, and the performance nerves will be running high.
Hayley Winter delivering a sports-specific yoga session at the training ground of Ipswich Town FC, UK, in 2002.
Having spent nearly 30 years as a Yoga Sports Scientist, with my career kicking off in football, I can attest to the tremendous benefits yoga offers athletes. But when you’re on the brink of possibly the biggest game of your life, how can yoga help?
Firstly, it’s fantastic that yoga sessions are now part of the players’ strength and conditioning training. However, at this stage, and based on my experience supported by seven years of Yoga Sports Science® case-study research - less is more.
The grueling training drills and hard work are behind them. The players’ mindsets are sharp; now, their bodies need to be in sync, which depends heavily on the nervous system. To achieve this, the players can benefit from some restorative time on the mat with gentle breathwork, nourishing mobilization, and positive affirmations.
There’s no need for Downward Dogs, or vinyasa flows at this point. The game is won in the nervous system, where the mind, body, and breath are harmonized. When players can relax and connect, they can fully flow with what they do best—playing with heart and soul!
Wishing the team all the very best!
Hayley Winter (MSc, BWY Dip, ERYT-500, YACEP) is the founder of the Institute of Yoga Sports Science® (YSS). For over a decade, Hayley and her team at YSS have been teaching yoga online, working with yoga teachers, physiotherapists, and exercise professionals wanting to specialize in delivering the benefits of yoga to athletes. As a Yoga Sports Scientist, Hayley has combined her 30 years of yoga teaching with a Masters in Sports & Exercise Biomechanics, applying yoga to athletes and bridging the gap between the ancient art of yoga with modern exercise science. In 2005, Sir Clive Woodward brought Hayley in to join the medical team at Southampton F.C. It was during this time that Hayley began working with Gareth Bale and the team.
Checkout Hayley’s Latest Online Continuing Education Courses:
Yoga for Football: In this 35-minute Yoga for Football sequence, Hayley shares her most successful yoga sequence used by Gareth Bale and other players in her career as a Yoga Sports Scientist.
On Saturday, August 10th, 2024, join Hayley, and Olympic Medalist, Leon Taylor to discover the five game changing ways yoga unlocks athletic performance. Don't miss this unique online event!
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