Power & Performance: Foundations of Nutrition and Training

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Power & Performance: Foundations of Nutrition and Training

This course is part of Sports Nutrition and Training: Innovation Assets Specialization

Instructor: Marisa Sáenz

Included with

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Understand how nutrients, energy systems, and training shape elite football performance.
Learn to apply evidence-based nutrition and hydration strategies to optimize recovery.
Explore how metabolism, energy balance, and strength training build lasting performance.

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Sports Nutrition and Training: Innovation Assets Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

This course introduces the scientific foundations of nutrition and training that power elite football performance. Through evidence-based insights from Real Madrid’s innovation and performance teams, learners will explore how nutrients, energy systems, and physiological processes interact to fuel the modern game. From understanding macronutrients and hydration to mastering metabolism and energy balance, the course connects biological mechanisms to real-world performance on the pitch.

You will discover how elite clubs monitor nutrition, hydration, and training loads to enhance recovery, prevent fatigue, and sustain top performance across an entire season. Each lesson translates complex sports science into practical knowledge applicable to players, coaches, and professionals working in football and beyond. By completing this course, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how to fuel, train, and recover like an elite athlete, building the foundation for long-term excellence in sport.

Delve into the nutritional essentials that drive elite performance on the field. This module covers the roles of macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and hydration, offering practical guidance to optimize players’ diets and ensure they’re always game ready.

What's included

6 videos4 readings2 assignments

6 videos Total 27 minutes

Understanding Nutrients: The Building Blocks of Athletic Performance 4 minutes
Macronutrients in Action: Fueling Elite Football Performance 4 minutes
Understanding Micronutrients: The Hidden Performance Enhancers 5 minutes
Optimizing Micronutrient Intake: Practical Strategies for Football Excellence 4 minutes
The Science of Water Balance and Thermoregulation in Football 4 minutes
Practical Hydration Strategies for Elite Football Performance 5 minutes

4 readings Total 130 minutes

Welcome Reading 5 minutes
Complementary Resources on Fuel to Perform: Energy and Macronutrients for Elite Football 45 minutes
Complementary Resources on Elite Essentials: Vitamins, Minerals, and Trace Elements for Football Performance 50 minutes
Complementary Resources on Fluid Foundations: Hydration Needs in Football 30 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Fueling the Game: Essential Nutrition for Football Performance 30 minutes
Fueling the Game: Essential Nutrition for Football Performance 30 minutes

Explore the journey of food from plate to pitch, and discover how the body converts nutrients into powerful movement. Learn about digestion, muscle energy systems, and how to balance energy intake and expenditure for sustained athletic output.

What's included

6 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

6 videos Total 27 minutes

Understanding the Gastrointestinal System: Structure and Function 4 minutes
The Journey Continues: Digestion, Absorption, and Athletic Performance 5 minutes
Understanding Muscle Structure and Energy Systems 4 minutes
Fuel Sources and Energy Stores for Athletic Performance 4 minutes
Understanding Energy Efficiency and Expenditure 5 minutes
Components of Energy Expenditure and Balance 5 minutes

3 readings Total 150 minutes

Complementary Resources on From Plate to Power: The Journey of Food Through the Body 50 minutes
Complementary Resources on Unlocking Energy: How the Body Powers Movement 50 minutes
Complementary Resources on Balancing the Game: Energy Expenditure and Balance 50 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Mastering Metabolism: Fueling Elite Football Performance 30 minutes
Mastering Metabolism: Fueling Elite Football Performance 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Mastering Metabolism: Fueling Elite Football Performance 10 minutes

Gain a deeper understanding of the physical and metabolic demands faced by footballers during matches. This module breaks down match performance, energy systems, fatigue management, and the art of planning elite training for maximum impact.

What's included

6 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

6 videos Total 30 minutes

Understanding Match Performance and High-Speed Running 5 minutes
Positional Demands and Tactical Influences 5 minutes
The Metabolic Symphony of Football 5 minutes
Understanding and Managing Match Fatigue 5 minutes
The Architecture of Elite Training 4 minutes
Implementing Elite Training: Planning and Periodization 5 minutes

3 readings Total 150 minutes

Complementary Resources on The Game Within the Game: Decoding Football's Physical Demands 60 minutes
Complementary Resources on Match-Day: Energy Systems, Fuels, and Fatigue 40 minutes
Complementary Resources on Building Elite Performance: Training the Top-Class Player 50 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Game Ready: The Physiological Demands of Football 30 minutes
Game Ready: The Physiological Demands of Football 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Game Ready: The Physiological Demands of Football 10 minutes

Build the foundation for football excellence with targeted aerobic, anaerobic, and strength training strategies. Discover advanced periodization models and the latest methods for developing the power, endurance, and resilience essential for top-level competition.

What's included

6 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

6 videos Total 30 minutes

Understanding Aerobic Conditioning in Football 5 minutes
Advanced Training Models and Periodization 5 minutes
Understanding High-Intensity Training Adaptations in Football 5 minutes
Implementing High-Intensity Training in Football 5 minutes
Understanding Strength Training Adaptations in Football 4 minutes
Implementing Effective Strength Training Programs in Football 5 minutes

3 readings Total 105 minutes

Complementary Resources on Building Your Engine: Aerobic Training for Elite Football 20 minutes
Complementary Resources on Charging Your Power: Anaerobic Training for Elite Football 40 minutes
Complementary Resources on Fortifying Your Foundations: Strength Training for Elite Football 45 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Foundations for Excellence: Key Qualities for Physical Development in Football 30 minutes
Foundations for Excellence: Key Qualities for Physical Development in Football 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Foundations for Excellence: Key Qualities for Physical Development in Football 10 minutes

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Instructor

Marisa Sáenz

Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea

48 Courses 5,756 learners

Offered by

Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea

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