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Sergio DolzTRAIN
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Football · single-leg strength and braking

Nine exercises to complement field work. Brief high-quality braking first, then challenging single-leg strength, posterior chain and trunk work. This is not a complete football training plan. The session includes preparation and supplementary low-load movements. You may split them up or shorten the session according to tolerance.

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Physical preparation for football on a sports field. AI-generated image.
Physical preparation for football on a sports field. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
75 min
Level
Advanced
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Adjustable dumbbells, Stable support, Exercise mat and Clear 15 m straight route; Stable wall for supplementary exercises
Before you choose
For regular trainees with established technique in every movement who can estimate remaining repetitions. Dumbbells must provide sufficient load: finishing with much more reserve makes this less than advanced for you. Learn new movements with supervision first. Jumping and braking require previous experience and a dry, clear surface. Coordinate the load with training and games.
Intensity
RIR 2 means finishing able to do about 2 more good repetitions. Main sets should be challenging without failure. Preserve posture and breathing in holds and carries; prioritise speed and quality in jumps.
Warm-up
Before the session, complete one gentle round of the three listed movements. Allow about 8 minutes for preparation, transitions and rehearsing the first exercise; extend this if needed. Add 2–3 gradual warm-up sets for the first loaded exercise, well below fatigue, and one rehearsal of the first unfamiliar pattern. These are not work sets.

Duration is approximate. Prepare your equipment and take the indicated rests; needing more rest can make the workout longer.

PREPARE TO MOVE

Your warm-up

Start with this gentle preparation before your working sets. The listed duration includes the warm-up.

  1. Active walking

    60–90 s at a comfortable pace

    Choose a clear, safe area and start walking at a comfortable pace. Take regular steps with your arms moving naturally. Keep a pace that allows conversation and slow down to finish.

    What you train: Warms up the body and trains arm-leg coordination while walking.

    Watch video
  2. Supported toe raise

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Stand beside a fixed support with both heels grounded. Lift the fronts of your feet without shifting your body back. Slowly lower until your whole feet rest on the floor.

    What you train: Strengthens the front lower-leg muscles that lift your toes while walking.

    Watch video
  3. Supported ankle mobility

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Place one foot near a wall with the whole sole grounded. Move your knee forward in line with your toes, keeping the heel down. Return slowly and repeat with the other ankle.

    What you train: Trains ankle mobility with the foot grounded.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

9 exercises
  1. Gradual submaximal deceleration

    3 × 3 runs of 10–15 m

    How to do it
    1. Choose a clear straight stretch with enough room to slow down.
    2. Accelerate gradually to a submaximal speed, then slow down with short steps.
    3. Decelerate until you are stable, walk back and prepare for the next run.

    What it trainsPractises gradual acceleration and deceleration using several controlled steps.

    Rest
    Rest 120 s between sets. Reset each repetition with good posture.
    Tempo
    Quick intent · full stabilisation · sufficient rest
    The movement, step by step

    Accelerate gradually along a clear straight stretch to a submaximal speed. Slow down using several short steps until you are stable. Walk back and start each run again with control.

    Technique cueStay in control on every run; this is not a maximum-speed race.

    Watch the demonstration for Gradual submaximal decelerationE3 Rehab Exercise Library · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Use a gentle jog, slow down gradually and walk back. Your session determines intensity.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Walk briskly, then slow your pace.
    To progress
    First improve how consistently you can perform the movement. Increase only one variable in another session; do not increase speed, distance and repetitions together.
    Avoid this mistake
    Stopping abruptly or doing it on a slippery surface.
    View exercise guide
  2. Controlled lateral movement

    3 × 10–15 s

    How to do it
    1. Place two markers 3–4 m apart on a flat, clear surface.
    2. Move sideways between them with short steps, without crossing your feet.
    3. Slow down before changing direction and allow the full recovery between efforts.

    What it trainsTrains sideways movement, braking and foot placement.

    Rest
    Rest 90 s between sets. Reset each repetition with good posture.
    Tempo
    Quick intent · full stabilisation · sufficient rest
    The movement, step by step

    Move sideways between two markers 3–4 m apart, without crossing your feet. Slow down with control before changing direction. Keep efforts brief and allow ample recovery.

    Technique cueKeep efforts brief and maintain the same quality of foot placement throughout the block.

    Watch the demonstration for Controlled lateral movementExperience Life · Life Time · English · Opens a new tab
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    Start with short, slow steps; match speed to your session.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Walk sideways more slowly.
    To progress
    First improve how consistently you can perform the movement. Increase only one variable in another session; do not increase speed, distance and repetitions together.
    Avoid this mistake
    Prioritising speed before controlling your stopping movement.
    View exercise guide
  3. Split squat

    3 × 5–8 per side · RIR 2

    How to do it
    1. Hold a dumbbell at each side and place one foot forward and one back, with a wide base.
    2. Lower your pelvis straight down by bending both knees, keeping your feet in place.
    3. Rise by pushing mainly through your front leg; complete one side before switching.

    What it trainsBuilds strength in each leg with a weight on both sides and your feet kept in place.

    Rest
    Rest 150 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
    Tempo
    2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hold dumbbells on both sides and take a fixed split stance with enough width. Lower vertically and push mainly through your front leg. Complete one side, then the other, with the same number of repetitions.

    Technique cueDo the same number of repetitions on each leg and keep your pelvis facing forwards.

    Watch the demonstration for Split squatPureGym · English · Opens a new tab
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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use one hand for support and reduce the range of movement.
    To progress
    After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
    Avoid this mistake
    Using such a narrow stance that you lose your balance.
    View exercise guide
  4. Supported single-leg hip hinge

    3 × 6–8 per side · RIR 2

    How to do it
    1. Rest one hand on a sturdy support and hold the dumbbell in the other.
    2. Standing on one leg, move your hips and free leg back as you lean your torso forwards.
    3. Return to standing with control, keeping your pelvis facing the floor as you lower.

    What it trainsWorks the glutes and hamstrings of one leg with added weight and support for stability.

    Rest
    Rest 150 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
    Tempo
    2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Rest one hand on a stable support and hold the dumbbell in the other. Move your hips back over one leg while the other leg moves back; keep your pelvis facing the floor. Use the support to train strength rather than turn this into a balance test.

    Technique cueUse the support to focus on strength rather than turning the exercise into a balance test.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported single-leg hip hingePhysio REHAB · Tim Keeley · English · Opens a new tab
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    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Hinge with both feet on the floor.
    To progress
    After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rotating your pelvis to increase the range of movement.
    View exercise guide
  5. Supported dumbbell row

    2 × 8–10 per side · RIR 2

    How to do it
    1. Rest one hand on a firm surface and hinge forward from your hips.
    2. Pull the dumbbell towards your hip by moving your elbow back, without rotating your chest.
    3. Lower until your arm is straight, with control, keeping your torso at the same angle.

    What it trainsStrengthens the back and arms with additional support for your trunk.

    Rest
    Rest 120 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
    Tempo
    2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
    Effort reserve
    RIR 2: finish with about 2 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Support yourself with one hand and hold your torso at a comfortable angle. Pull the dumbbell towards your hip without rotating your body; lower with control until your arm is straight. Choose a challenging weight that does not require momentum.

    Technique cueChoose a challenging weight that you can move without momentum.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported dumbbell rowPureGym · English · Opens a new tab
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    Supplementary explanationHSN · with PowerExplosive · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
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    Supplementary posture and range guide. Retain the support and prescription in this card; the main demonstration shows the reference variation. YouTube offers automatic Spanish subtitles.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the weight and range of movement.
    To progress
    After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
    Avoid this mistake
    Using momentum from your torso on every repetition.
    View exercise guide
  6. Single-leg calf raise

    2 × 8–12 per side · RIR 1

    How to do it
    1. Hold a fixed support with one hand and a dumbbell in the other; shift your weight onto one leg.
    2. Raise the heel of your supporting leg and pause at the top without swaying.
    3. Lower slowly until your heel rests on the floor, using a range you can control.

    What it trainsWorks one calf with added weight and hand support to control your balance.

    Rest
    Rest 90 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides. Extend the pause if you cannot repeat the technique.
    Tempo
    2 s lowering · no bouncing · firm ascent
    Effort reserve
    RIR 1: finish with about 1 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hold a fixed support with one hand and a dumbbell in the other, then raise the heel of the working leg. Pause at the top and lower slowly until your heel is supported. Use a range you can control, without bouncing.

    Technique cueKeep your hand on the support throughout each repetition.

    Watch the demonstration for Single-leg calf raisePeak Physio · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
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    Individual demonstration of the single-leg variation. Lower slowly and retain support.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use both feet.
    To progress
    After completing the top of the range in every set with the stated RIR across two sessions, add the smallest available weight increment and return to the bottom of the range.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bouncing to complete the final repetitions.
    View exercise guide
  7. Side plank

    2 × 25–40 s each side

    How to do it
    1. Lie on your side, supported on your forearm and the sides of your feet.
    2. Raise your pelvis to align shoulders, hips and feet without twisting.
    3. Breathe as you hold; lower with control to finish.

    What it trainsTrains side abdominal endurance and pelvic control with a narrow support base.

    Rest
    Rest 75 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides.
    Tempo
    Continuous breathing · steady posture · no swaying
    The movement, step by step

    Rest on your forearm and the sides of your feet. Lift your pelvis to form a comfortable straight line, and breathe without rotating.

    Technique cuePlace your elbow below your shoulder; stop if alignment is lost.

    Watch the demonstration for Side plankNASM · English · Opens a new tab
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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Rest on your knees.
    To progress
    After reaching the upper time limit in all sets across two sessions, slightly increase the load or lever while returning to the initial duration.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rotating your torso or holding your breath.
    View exercise guide
  8. Suitcase carry

    2 × 30–45 s each side

    How to do it
    1. Hold a dumbbell at one side in a clear space.
    2. Walk slowly with regular steps and an upright trunk.
    3. Stop with control and change hands.

    What it trainsStrengthens grip and trains the trunk to resist an uneven load while walking.

    Rest
    Rest 90 s between sets after completing both sides; take 15–30 s to switch sides.
    Tempo
    Continuous breathing · steady posture · no swaying
    The movement, step by step

    Walk slowly through a clear area holding a dumbbell at one side. Switch hands when you finish.

    Technique cueKeep your shoulders level even though only one side carries weight.

    Watch the demonstration for Suitcase carryE3 Rehab Exercise Library · English · Opens a new tab
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    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the weight and distance.
    To progress
    After reaching the upper time limit in all sets across two sessions, slightly increase the load or lever while returning to the initial duration.
    Avoid this mistake
    Leaning your body to compensate for the weight.
    View exercise guide
  9. Shoulder circles

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    How to do it
    1. Sit or stand with your arms relaxed at your sides.
    2. Make small, slow shoulder circles backwards.
    3. Reverse direction, then let your shoulders relax.

    What it trainsGently mobilises the shoulders and shoulder blades before activity.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Sitting or standing, let your arms relax. Make small, slow circles with your shoulders backwards, then forwards.

    Technique cueKeep your head still and breathe naturally.

    Watch the demonstration for Shoulder circlesBromley Healthcare · English · Opens a new tab
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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Make smaller circles.
    To progress
    Make the circles larger only within a comfortable range of movement.
    Avoid this mistake
    Moving abruptly or tensing your neck.
    View exercise guide
FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Walk or cycle gently for 3–5 minutes. Duration includes warm-up, sets and suggested rest; allow longer if needed. Let the muscles recover before another similar hard session.

How to progress

Record strength loads and reps. Progress only when range and reserve are maintained. End jumps or braking if height, speed or control clearly drops. Match sets to the sporting week and avoid trying this session for the first time near a game or race.

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TRAIN CONSISTENTLY

This routine is part of…

Sets and effort can change from week to week in a program. Open the session from the program to follow its stage’s guidance.

General routines for adults. If you have a health condition, an injury, are pregnant or have medical instructions, consult your professional before starting and ask for adaptations. Stop if you experience pain, dizziness or unusual breathlessness.