Yoga for Footballers: League, Union and AFL
Football is brutal on the body. Collisions, sprints, sudden changes of direction, kicking, tackling and a long season with little time to recover. Over the years Raw Power Yoga has delivered programs to the Brisbane Broncos, Brisbane Lions and Australian Rugby League. Here’s what yoga for footballers actually does, and how to use it.
What football does to the body
- Hips and groin take a beating from sprinting, kicking and changing direction.
- Hamstrings are loaded hard at high speed.
- Backs and necks absorb contact week after week.
- The nervous system stays switched on through games, training and travel.
What yoga gives footballers
Mobility. Hips, hamstrings, ankles and the upper back move better when they’re regularly taken through full range. Read yoga for tight hips for the key poses.
Strength and control in long positions. Lunges, balances and slow transitions build control through range, not just in the gym’s familiar shapes.
Recovery. Slow classes and breathing help players come down after games instead of staying wired for hours.
Composure. Breath control is a tool for staying clear headed late in a tight game. Read Breathe Light, Slow and Deep.
What we’ve seen with professional teams
When we worked with the Brisbane Lions, sessions ran weekly from the start of pre season. Club staff told us they saw clear improvements in players’ flexibility across the year. The players didn’t swap their strength and conditioning for yoga. They added it to fill the gaps.
I played 18 years of professional basketball, so I know the season grind firsthand. Read what 18 years of pro basketball taught me about yoga.
How to fit yoga into a football season
| Phase | Yoga | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Pre season | 2 sessions a week | Mobility and strength through range in Raw Flow or Raw Power |
| In season | 1 to 2 sessions | Recovery in Raw Yin or Long Slow Deep |
| Game day plus one | 1 slow session | Downshift, breathe, restore range |
| Off season | 2 to 3 sessions | Build mobility before the next campaign |
Keep strong classes away from the day before a game.
Frequently asked questions
Will yoga make me less physical?
No. It complements contact and strength training. Better mobility and control support how you move under pressure.
Can yoga prevent injuries?
No program can prevent all injuries. Yoga improves mobility, control and recovery, which are all part of staying on the park.
Do you run sessions for clubs?
Yes. Contact us about sessions for your club, from juniors to senior squads.
Get on the mat
New students get 10 days unlimited yoga for $48. Clubs and teams can find out about structured breath training at The Vincere Protocol™.