Football is one of the most popular sports in the world and attracts millions of players of all ages. Whether amateur or professional, the sport requires physical preparation, endurance and coordination to perform well on the field. But do you know what benefits football can provide to players? Keep reading to find out.
Football improves physical conditioning
Football involves movements of different intensities, alternating moments of running, acceleration, deceleration and recovery. Therefore, these characteristics favor the development of cardiorespiratory capacity, improving blood circulation and contributing to heart health.
According to Bodytech’s technical director, Eduardo Netto, the main changes in the quality of life of those who play football regularly can be observed in several aspects. “More willingness to carry out daily activities, better quality of sleep, greater social integration, better physical conditioning and a more positive perception of one’s own health and well-being”, he explains.
In addition to these benefits, the expert highlights that the modality also stimulates skills such as motor coordination, agility, balance, speed and body control. At the same time, it requires quick thinking, decision making, concentration and spatial perception.
So that the practice can provide these improvements in a safe and consistent way, Eduardo comments that there is a recommended frequency for the modality: “in general, two to three weekly sessions are enough to provide health benefits. The ideal frequency should consider age, level of physical fitness and previous experience with the modality”, he reports.
Other benefits of football
It is now possible to understand some of the physical benefits of football for players, but the sport also offers advantages for mental health. “Regular practice is associated with reducing stress levels, improving mood and increasing the feeling of well-being. Social interaction and the recreational nature of sport also contribute to emotional health”, says Eduardo.
And the benefits are not limited to a specific age group. The activity also brings important gains for children and adolescents. “During the growth phases, football promotes physical, motor and social development. In addition to improving physical fitness, helping to build self-confidence, discipline and the ability to work in groups”, reports the technical director.
For adults, football helps maintain physical conditioning, improves cardiovascular health, helps control body weight and promotes the maintenance of strength and functional capacity over the years.
Furthermore, by combining periods of high intensity with moments of recovery, the practice can promote high energy expenditure, helping to reduce body fat when associated with healthy habits, at all ages.
Football as a recreational practice
Those who play football recreationally can also obtain similar benefits to those who play competitively. “Although it presents lower performance demands, recreational football also promotes improvements in physical fitness, cardiovascular health, psychological well-being and social interaction”, reinforces Netto.
Furthermore, it is a dynamic and fun activity, which tends to generate greater engagement and adherence. This makes it easier to create an exercise routine and helps reduce barriers often encountered by sedentary people. Therefore, even when played recreationally, football is an excellent option to keep moving.
Finally, the modality requires respect for the rules, commitment to the group and cooperation between participants. These aspects contribute to strengthening social skills, a sense of responsibility and the ability to work as a team.