Energy Expenditure and Number of Calories Burned While Playing Football

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FOOTBALL

Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, whether it’s in the playground for the youngest, on the Copacabana beach where it has become a Brazilian institution or in local clubs, football is everywhere, although it is less popular in the United States where the American version is preferred.

This sport, like other team sports played with a ball, burns off a lot of energy, since by practising it during training you burn off 8 times more than your basal metabolic rate (resting metabolic rate).

Some benefits of playing football:

• Improved physical condition: Football is a sport that uses every muscle in the body, improving cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, speed, agility and coordination. Players are constantly on the move, sprinting, changing direction and jumping, all of which help to develop general fitness.
• Developing motor skills: Football requires motor skills such as foot, hand and eye coordination, as well as the ability to control the ball, dribble, pass and shoot. Regular football practice helps to improve these skills and fine-tune motor coordination.
• Muscle strengthening: The repetitive movements of football work the muscles of the legs, thighs, buttocks, abdomen and upper body. As a result, players develop overall muscular strength, which contributes to better posture, improved stability and injury prevention.
• Improved stamina: Football matches require good stamina, as they generally last 90 minutes or more. Players must be able to maintain a constant effort throughout the match, sprinting, running and recovering quickly. Regular football practice helps to improve cardiovascular and respiratory endurance.
• Learning discipline and team spirit: Football is a team sport that requires a great deal of discipline and team spirit. Players must respect the rules of the game, work cooperatively with their team-mates, communicate effectively and make quick decisions on the pitch. These skills are transferable to other aspects of daily and professional life.
• Development of cognitive skills: Football requires rapid analysis of the situation on the pitch, tactical decision-making, anticipation of the movements of opponents and team-mates, and real-time problem-solving. Playing football therefore improves cognitive abilities such as concentration, anticipation and decision-making.
• Promoting mental health: Football can contribute to good mental health by encouraging socialisation, reducing stress, improving self-esteem and fostering a sense of belonging to a group. It also helps develop stress management, failure management and resilience skills.
• Fun and entertainment: Football is first and foremost an entertaining sport that gives players pleasure. It allows you to relax, enjoy yourself and have a good time with your team-mates and friends. Whether playing in a competitive team, taking part in friendly matches or simply training, football offers a rewarding and stimulating experience.

In conclusion, football is much more than just a sport. It promotes physical, technical and mental development, while providing opportunities for socialising and having fun. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, football is an exciting activity that allows you to stay active, have fun and experience unforgettable moments on the pitch.