Everyone in football uses the word intensity. Federations put it first in their principles. Coaches demand it. Analysts measure it. But what does it mean?
Today's episode is about splitting the word in two. Because intensity is doing at least two very different jobs in football — and confusing them is the source of a lot of confused coaching.
In this episode: why "more intensity" is often just "fight harder" wearing a nicer coat. The wood-chopping test, meaning why intensity without skill is flailing. What good intensity is: not effort as decoration, but effort as the natural consequence of a clear read. Insights from Joni Ruuskanen, physical performance specialist at the Football Association of Finland, on what actually separates top players in high-intensity moments, and why Julián Álvarez and Pernille Harder win duels their physique alone shouldn't win. Why sprint metrics tell us what is different between levels, but not why. And what it would mean to change what the word intensity means inside your sessions.
Good, skillful intensity is knowing where to look and when to move. That is what we should coach.
The Progressão book is on its way in English, more on that soon.
🌍 More at progressao.fi 📷 Instagram @progressaofi 👥 LinkedIn @Project Progressão
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