How to use a points system to enhance recovery
Today, I’m going to talk about how practitioners can utilise a points-based system to enhance the recovery processes with their players.
Whilst there is debate about which recovery methods are most effective to enhance recovery in footballers, arguably the more important point is getting them to actually do something.
In other words, you can have the most elaborate recovery protocols in the world, but if the players don’t buy into it then it’s all for nothing.
That’s where the recovery points system can be an effective strategy.
Here I’ll break down how to use recovery points systems and key considerations.
What is a Recovery Points System?
The use of recovery points systems is relatively commonplace within football.
Their purpose is to provide players with a scorecard type approach to recovery. Various recovery modalities are given a score, in which players are encouraged to ‘add up’ and aim for a specific target.
Whilst the foundations of recovery (sleep, nutrition, relaxation) are covered within the points scorecard, other modalities such as cold-water immersion (ice baths), foam rolling and massage are also encompassed.
These scorecards are typically used following match play, usually within a 48-hour time frame.
Other examples have used a weekly approach, in which recovery is recorded across each training and rest day.
Below is an example in football, kindly provided by mentorship client Joshua Smith:
Key Considerations When Using a Recovery Points System
Whilst the use of a points-based system to recovery seems straightforward, its important practitioners understand the key considerations when trying to implement with their players:
1. Initial Onboarding
When implementing a recovery points scorecard, its important that you hold a meeting with the players to educate them firstly on the importance of it, and then secondly how you want them to use it.
The ‘old school’ way would be through the use of training diaries for athletes to keep track of themselves.
In the modern world of technology, the use of personalise apps can be a good alternative and make it easier for players to input and practitioners to track.
If the players don’t understand why they are doing the scorecard (i.e. what’s in it for THEM), then it will die off after a few weeks.
The key selling point is that by enhancing their recovery processes, it will make them fresher, reduce injury risk and potentially enhance the following performance.
2. How to Score the Points
There is no set way in which practitioners have to assign points to each recovery modality.
Some like to have a range of points with different categories (see earlier example above), ranging from optimal recovery point zones to ineffective recovery.
Others prefer an overall total score aim (e.g. 100 points) for players to try and attain.
It makes sense to assign higher weighted points to recovery modalities that have stronger research support showing an enhancement of recovery.
Examples include cold water immersion, compression garments and massage.
Other newer recovery modalities (e.g. blood flow restriction) that show promise but currently lack comprehensive peer-reviewed support may score lower on the score card.
The below recovery pyramid may help you decide how you want to weight your recovery points.
3. Individualization
The majority of recovery point scorecards use a blanket approach to all players to ensure that ‘all the bases are covered’.
However, it could be argued that a more individualized approach should be adhered.
When it comes to recovery, we are sometimes guilty of providing too much recovery that may potentially blunt certain adaptation effects (e.g. cold-water immersion and strength adaptation pathways).
This may relate to several factors, including starters vs non-starters, phase of season, age of player, etc.
With more practitioners also adopting a periodized approach to recovery modalities during the training microcycle (i.e. focus on different modalities depending on the training day emphasis), this may also be considered.
To play devils advocate, all of this may just be seen to overcomplicate the system for players.
My suggestion would be to start with a blanket approach, and then work your way towards an individualized approach once buy in and trust with players has been established.
In Closing
The use of a recovery points system can be a really useful way to empower players with the responsibly to ensure adequate recovery processes across the season.
There can be certain challenges faced when trying to implement such as system, namely initial player buy-in and long-term tracking of the responses.
Given its low-cost nature and potential upsides, it’s a no brainer to try out with your players.
Whenever you are ready, find out how I can help you further:
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