Opposition Team: In one sense a coach or player cannot do anything about the opposition team, who are "as they are". A team may contain 11 international players and there is nothing an opposing coach can do about that. However, in the other sense a coach can prepare his team tactically, technically, physically and psychologically in the best possible way and adapt according to the match situation in order to cope with and be better than the opposition in these 4 areas.

Other Factors: Natural endowment (genetic factors) often plays a major role in a person's performance capacity, at least for those persons aspiring to the levels required for top level sport. The athlete often has to be endowed with the necessary talents to start with. But talent alone may not be enough. Champion-quality athletes must master the proper techniques and have the suitable tools or equipment. Granted the endowment, however, definite improvements in performance may be achieved by training. The physical response to a training program is also genetically determined although in a game like football, many players with excellent technique but who not as talented from a physical point of view have made the top level game.

Age and gender are important when judging and comparing performance. A 35 years old player may not be as quick or strong as an 18 year old but the vision and knowledge acquired over the years may give still give him a real advantage. For a detailed review on the the female player, click here.

The type of match to be played is important. A Cup match offers different stakes to a league game and teams may have to adapt their playing style perhaps leading to a change in performance levels. Finally, other factors such as luck and the referee will always play a part in the results of a team. A bad bounce of the ball or a close refereeing decision can be the difference between success and failure.

Team strategy: The choice of team strategy will have an important influence on performance. For example, a team neither physically nor technically capable of using a certain system or tactics will struggle. It has also been well documented that the postional role of a player affects performance, e.g. a midfield player generally runs greater distances than other outfield players. Another example illustrating the effects of strategy on performance is the style of play. A direct type game increases physical demands and may require a style of football certain players cannot adapt to.

Physical ability: A player who can run faster and longer, is strong, has good levels of flexibility and balance will obviously have an advantage over players who are weaker in these areas. For example, a strong relationship has been found between tests of aerobic capacity (VO2 Max) and distances run. Players with a higher aerobic capacity can run greater distances and may be less susceptible to fatigue. The coach should make sure that all players are as physically fit as possible in order to cope with the physical demands of the game.

Tactical & technical skills: This is similar to the physical abilities of players. The better the tactical and technical capacities of players, the greater their influence will be on the final result. A player who has mastered all the basic skills of the game such as shooting, passing and controlling will be at an advantage. Intellectual abilities combined with good skill are all important as creative, intuitive players with good judgment can often make the difference in big games.

Psychological ability: Areas such as motivation, confidence, concentration and the will to win all play a part in winning or losing games. A poorly motivated player may underachieve whereas an over motivated player can become a weak link due to poor discipline and self-control. Finding the right balance is important. Strong psychological skills may be the difference between two teams equal in physical and tactical ability. An analysis of the character traits of players may be useful.

Current status: The current health status and lifestyle of a player is very important. A player who is ill or carrying an injury or whose diet is lacking in the necessary nutrients will find that that their performance levels may be diminished. Players who smoke or drink alcohol will experience similar problems. Doping will affect performance in some way and players desiring to take such products should be aware of the possible consequences.

Low-confidence levels can have an adverse effect with players missing easy chances they would normally score every time. Other factors such as over-training will at sometime result in problems or a team who is peaking at the wrong moment may find their results deteriorating later on in the season. Generally, the coach must try to educate players to prevent such problems and prepare and keep track of his players especially from a physical and mental point of view.

This article has described how certain factors can affect playing performance at all levels. It is important as well to analyse the interaction between these different factors. For example, a player with modest talent but who trains hard and is well coached will improve his performances more than a player with immense talent but with little ambition.

Correct preparation can however limit the effect of certain of these influences. Both coach and player having good knowledge of the possible consequences of these factors will almost certainly have an advantage over unprepared teams. Teams who do not take these factors into account will not only produce below par performances but can place themselves at risk of injury.

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