[hlnx1]

Women’s football has grown quickly, but training methods are often copied directly from the men’s game. Some differences are worth knowing.

• On average, female players have lower absolute sprint speed and aerobic power, but match demands relative to their own capacity are similar
• The risk of non-contact ACL injury is reported to be several times higher in female players than in male players
• Iron deficiency and low energy availability deserve attention
• Research on the menstrual cycle and performance is mixed; individual responses vary, so tracking symptoms is often more useful than a fixed rule

Read more: physiological differences in women’s football.

If you coach or play in a women’s team, what do you do differently from a men’s programme?

[hlnx1]

On ACL injury, the most consistent practical recommendation is a structured neuromuscular warm-up, such as the FIFA 11+, done regularly, two or more times a week. It combines strength, balance, landing and change-of-direction technique. The benefit tends to depend on actually doing it consistently.

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