Words from Rocco Perrotta, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Empoli FC:
The Corona virus (COVID-19) for sure has changed the habits of all of us. In this sad period for my country in particular, and for the rest of the world, this is how our team has responded to this pandemic. Following the directives of the Italian government, Empoli FC technical staff now interacts with the athletes from home to home. Our team encompasses mainly Italians but also players from Switzerland, Slovenia, Sweden, Poland and Chile. The club has provided each athlete with the necessary material and tools to carry out training at home. Thanks to use of web apps and video calling, we are daily in direct contact with our players. Four strength and conditioning coaches assigned by Empoli FC are each responsible for supervising 6-7 players. Following any exercise session, the players forward a report that is downloaded using a particular app.
The collected data is reviewed and analyzed before scheduling upcoming sessions. The objectives of the Empoli FC strategy, defi ned by a team of professionals focuses on:
• Nutrition (individualized diet)
• Personal athletic programs
• Emphasizing endurance, strength and elasticity exercise tasks
• Avoid very high intensity of the proposed exercises to target the desired immune response
• Maintaining physical fi tness
The response and interaction we have had with the athletes so far have been overwhelming. We all hope this tragic moment will end soon and allow us to go back doing what we love.
UNITED WE WIN!
Rocco