Return to Availability in 3 Weeks

After losing 54 days to hamstring injury during the 2022/23 season, the focus was clear: restore availability without compromising speed, sprint volume, or attacking output.

Assessment identified mechanical constraints in sprinting that were increasing strain at high velocity and limiting tolerance to repeated exposure.

A targeted off-season programme addressed sprint mechanics, strength, and high-speed exposure — delivered through an integrated 292 team aligned around performance and availability.

The result was zero days missed the following season, alongside increased sprint exposure, repeatability, and improved attacking output.

This work shows that availability and performance can be improved together when intervention is precise and aligned.

Client

Raheem Sterling

SERVICE

Off-season performance reset. Sprint mechanics, posterior-chain strength, daily power exposure, and position-specific conditioning.

Duration

2023 off-season, with outcomes tracked across the full 2023/24 season.

3

weeks to match ready

50%

more sprint actions per match

48%

increase in chance creation per 90

The Challenge

Raheem Sterling entered the 2023 off-season with 292 Performance following a period of reduced availability and recurring hamstring injuries. Time lost interrupted training continuity and limited exposure to high-speed actions central to his role.

Initial problems identified during 292 Performance profiling assessment:

In-depth AI analysis of sprint mechanics showed why hamstrings struggled at high velocity
Full training and match GPS data analysis to understand tolerance to repeated sprint exposure

The requirement was clear: restore availability without reducing speed, volume, or attacking output.

What 292 Delivered

The off-season programme was delivered by an integrated performance team, each contributing specialist expertise:

Performance Coaches – daily delivery and session management
Programme Performance Director – oversight of strategy, load progression, and decision-making
Data Analyst – tracking outputs, monitoring trends, and informing adjustments
Speed Specialist – ensuring sprint exposure and high-speed mechanics were maintained using AI technology

All disciplines worked together to support one outcome: keeping the athlete ready to perform.

Programme interventions:

Sprint Mechanics

Shift towards a front-side dominant sprint profile
Reduction of excessive back-side mechanics
Progressive exposure to >90% maximum velocity

Strength and Power

Posterior-chain strength aligned to sprint demands
Daily power exposure to maintain output without accumulating fatigue

Position-Specific Conditioning

High-speed running volumes aligned to winger demands
Acceleration and deceleration exposure reflecting match patterns

‍

Outcomes

Availability

54 days missed pre-intervention
0 days missed post-intervention

Physical Output

50% more sprint actions
25% more accelerations
+50% dribbles per 90

Game Impact

xG + xA per 90: +41%
Shot-creating actions: +48%

Key insight: Reduced injury risk and improved attacking output were achieved together. Mechanical sprinting adjustment and exposure management allowed sprint volume to increase without sacrificing availability.

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