Prepare To Perform

Football , Rugby, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball
Coach
Greg Dea

OVERVIEW

This 4-week program is built for field athletes managing patellar tendon pain who want to keep training, maintain strength, and safely restore jumping and landing capacity.

Rather than resting or removing load, this program uses progressive strength, controlled plyometrics, and session-specific movement preparation to build tendon capacity and prepare the knee for real sport demands.

Designed for field and court sport athletes, but also anyone with patella tendon loading intolerance who wants to improve and has progressed beyond a basic level of strength and tolerance to load.

WHAT YOU GET

4 weeks of structured training (3 sessions per week)

Progressive strength and tendon-specific loading

Controlled landing and elastic power development

Movement preparation included in every session

Optional daily tendon care & reset session for non-training days

Clear progression and regression rules

Athlete-friendly coaching cues (no medical jargon)

HOW IT WORKS

Block 1: build tendon capacity and load acceptance
Block 2: increase tendon strain and reactive landing demands

Strength stays in throughout.
Elastic work progresses by control and rhythm, not reckless intensity.

An optional daily reset session (Spanish squat isometrics, mobility, and tissue work) is included for athletes who want to support symptoms and joint positions on non-gym days. This session is supportive, not mandatory, and does not replace strength or plyometric work.

Some discomfort is expected — guidance is provided so athletes know what’s acceptable and what signals the need to adjust load.

WHO THIS IS FOR

✔️ Field athletes with patellar tendon pain who can tolerate gym training
✔️ Athletes wanting to train through symptoms safely
✔️ Coaches needing a ready-to-use tendon capacity block
✔️ Clinicians wanting a performance-focused loading template

WHO THIS IS NOT FOR

🚫 Acute tendon tears
🚫 Significant swelling or locking
🚫 Pain at rest or worsening week-to-week
🚫 Athletes unable to tolerate basic strength training

If unsure, seek professional guidance before starting.

WHY THIS PROGRAM IS DIFFERENT

Prioritises strength as protection, not rest

Progresses plyometrics without unnecessary flare-ups

Includes session-matched movement preparation

Offers optional daily tendon care without removing performance work

Built around real field-sport demands, not clinic isolation

This is return-to-performance, not generic rehab.

PRICE

$69 USD

NOTE

Individualised movement correctives based on screening can replace the default movement preparation.
This is optional and not required to complete the program.

The optional daily reset session is included for athletes who want additional symptom support between training days.

Features
1 sessions per week
Must use App app to view and log training
Program Training
benefit-image-0
1. Train Through Tendon Pain Safely
Maintain structured training while managing patellar tendon pain. This program provides clear loading rules so athletes know what discomfort is acceptable, when to progress, and when to adjust — removing guesswork without removing training.
benefit-image-1
Strength That Protects the Tendon
Slow, controlled strength work builds force capacity in the quadriceps and lower limb, reducing excessive strain during running and jumping. Strength stays in throughout the program to protect the tendon rather than avoid it.
benefit-image-2
Restore Landing & Jump Confidence
Progressive, controlled plyometrics rebuild landing tolerance and elastic capacity without flare-ups. Athletes relearn how to absorb force efficiently before returning to higher-speed and higher-impact demands.
benefit-image-3
Clear Progression & Regression Rules
Each block includes simple criteria to guide progression or regression based on pain response, stiffness, and training tolerance. Athletes and coaches know exactly how to adjust load without abandoning the plan.
benefit-image-4
Optional Daily Tendon Reset Session
Includes an optional daily session with Spanish squat isometrics, targeted mobility, and tissue work. Designed for non-training days to support symptoms and joint positions without replacing strength or plyometrics.
Features
feature-icon
Programming 3 days per week
3 days per week of specific strength and plyometric training, with optional "reset" days to maintain the tendons health when there is some soreness.
feature-icon
Exercise Video Guidance
Instructional videos to guide your practice and make execution easy
feature-icon
Delivered through TrainHeroic
Sweating over a lifeless PDF is so last year. Your program will push you harder, know you better, and keep you going longer, all through an app.
sample week banner image
phoneMockup
Sample Week
Week 1 of 4-week program
Sunday
Lower Strength – Tendon Capacity

Prep

A

MOVEMENT PREP – LOWER STRENGTH (TENDON CAPACITY)

Purpose Prepare the ankle, knee, and hip for controlled strength work by improving sagittal-plane access, reducing unnecessary stiffness, and reinforcing forward tibial travel under load. Movement Prep (2 rounds) 1. Half-Kneeling Ankle Rocks 8 reps per side Slow and controlled Cue: “Let the knee travel forward. Keep the heel down.” 2. Bodyweight Split Squat (Forward Tibial Bias) 6 reps per side 3-second lower Cue: “Allow the knee to move over the toes. Stay tall.” 3. Hip Hinge to Reach 6–8 reps Smooth transition Cue: “Hinge back, then reach long.” 4. Slow Eccentric Decline Calf Raises 8 reps 3-second lower Cue: “Control the way down.” Notes This prep should feel loosening, not tiring No pain beyond 1–2/10 If pain increases, reduce range not reps

B

Low Pogo Jumps

12, 13, 14

C

Double or Single Leg Altitude Landings

3 x 4

D

Stiletto Walks

3 x 10

E

Trap Bar Deadlift

6, 6, 5, 5

F

Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat

8, 7, 6

G

Leg Extension

4 x 12

H

Hamstring Slides

10, 8, 6

I

Standing Barbell Calf Raise

12, 10, 8, 8

J

Hip Airplane

6, 5, 4

K

Isometric Spanish Squat

5 x 0:45 @ 2:00

Monday
Tendon Care & Isometric Capacity Reset (Optional daily session)

Prep

A

Mobility & Tissue Reset Circuit

(Performed after isometrics or as a standalone circuit) Purpose Restore joint motion and tissue quality at the ankle, hip, and trunk to reduce compensatory knee load during subsequent training. Dosage Complete 1–2 rounds of the following: 1. Brettzel Stretch & Targeted Foam Rolling - see video titled "Conquer the Brettzel by Surrounding the Dragon" 30–45 seconds per side Smooth breathing throughout Cue: “Exhale into the position. No forcing range.” 2. Ankle Dorsiflexion Reset (Closed-Chain) Knee-to-wall or loaded dorsiflexion 2 × 6–8 controlled reps per side Cue: “Knee forward, heel stays down.” 3. Core-activated hip flexor stretch 90/90 hip rotations 2 × 5–6 slow reps per side Cue: “Keep your elbows straight and press down firmly on the front knee as you drive forward on an exhale."

B

Isometric Spanish Squat

5 x 0:45 @ 2:00

Tuesday
ELASTIC PREP – LANDING CONTROL

Prep

A

MOVEMENT PREP – ELASTIC PREP / LANDING CONTROL

Purpose Prepare the lower limb for elastic work by improving ankle stiffness, landing alignment, and controlled force absorption without excessive rate or compression. Movement Prep (2 rounds) 1. A-March Drill (Slow, Tall) 10–12 steps per side Cue: “Tall posture. Quiet foot contact.” 2. Snap-Down to Athletic Stance 4–5 reps Cue: “Drop soft. Knees forward, hips back.” Notes This is not a conditioning block Rest briefly as needed The goal is readiness, not fatigue

B

Low Pogo Jumps

14, 13, 12

C

Double or Single Leg Altitude Landings

5, 4, 4

D

Stiletto Walks

3 x 12

Tuesday
Tendon Care & Isometric Capacity Reset (Optional daily session)

Prep

A

Mobility & Tissue Reset Circuit

(Performed after isometrics or as a standalone circuit) Purpose Restore joint motion and tissue quality at the ankle, hip, and trunk to reduce compensatory knee load during subsequent training. Dosage Complete 1–2 rounds of the following: 1. Brettzel Stretch & Targeted Foam Rolling - see video titled "Conquer the Brettzel by Surrounding the Dragon" 30–45 seconds per side Smooth breathing throughout Cue: “Exhale into the position. No forcing range.” 2. Ankle Dorsiflexion Reset (Closed-Chain) Knee-to-wall or loaded dorsiflexion 2 × 6–8 controlled reps per side Cue: “Knee forward, heel stays down.” 3. Core-activated hip flexor stretch 90/90 hip rotations 2 × 5–6 slow reps per side Cue: “Keep your elbows straight and press down firmly on the front knee as you drive forward on an exhale."

B

Isometric Spanish Squat

5 x 0:45 @ 2:00

Wednesday
Tendon Care & Isometric Capacity Reset (Optional daily session)

Prep

A

Mobility & Tissue Reset Circuit

(Performed after isometrics or as a standalone circuit) Purpose Restore joint motion and tissue quality at the ankle, hip, and trunk to reduce compensatory knee load during subsequent training. Dosage Complete 1–2 rounds of the following: 1. Brettzel Stretch & Targeted Foam Rolling - see video titled "Conquer the Brettzel by Surrounding the Dragon" 30–45 seconds per side Smooth breathing throughout Cue: “Exhale into the position. No forcing range.” 2. Ankle Dorsiflexion Reset (Closed-Chain) Knee-to-wall or loaded dorsiflexion 2 × 6–8 controlled reps per side Cue: “Knee forward, heel stays down.” 3. Core-activated hip flexor stretch 90/90 hip rotations 2 × 5–6 slow reps per side Cue: “Keep your elbows straight and press down firmly on the front knee as you drive forward on an exhale."

B

Isometric Spanish Squat

5 x 0:45 @ 2:00

Thursday
LOWER STRENGTH – LOAD ACCEPTANCE

Prep

A

MOVEMENT PREP – LOWER STRENGTH (LOAD ACCEPTANCE)

Purpose Reinforce single-leg control, forward tibial travel, and frontal-plane stability prior to split squats and posterior-chain work. Movement Prep (2 rounds) 1. Single leg stepdown 6 reps per side Slow eccentric Cue: “Control the knee forward, not back.” 2. OTIS - Oscillating Technique (with) Isometric Stabilisation 25 reps per position Cue: "Don't let the oscillating band disturb your balance or pelvis position" 3. Hip Airplane (Supported if Needed) 4–5 reps per side Cue: “Rotate around the hip, not the knee.” 4. Isometric calf raise wall push 20–30 sec per side Cue: “Strong ankle, tall posture.” Notes If balance degrades, slow the tempo Keep knee travel intentional and controlled No rushing into strength work

B

Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat

8, 7, 6, 6

C

Hamstring Slides

10, 8, 6

D

Standing Barbell Calf Raise

12, 10, 8, 8

E

Hip Airplane

6, 5, 4

F

Thursday
Tendon Care & Isometric Capacity Reset (Optional daily session)

Prep

A

Mobility & Tissue Reset Circuit

(Performed after isometrics or as a standalone circuit) Purpose Restore joint motion and tissue quality at the ankle, hip, and trunk to reduce compensatory knee load during subsequent training. Dosage Complete 1–2 rounds of the following: 1. Brettzel Stretch & Targeted Foam Rolling - see video titled "Conquer the Brettzel by Surrounding the Dragon" 30–45 seconds per side Smooth breathing throughout Cue: “Exhale into the position. No forcing range.” 2. Ankle Dorsiflexion Reset (Closed-Chain) Knee-to-wall or loaded dorsiflexion 2 × 6–8 controlled reps per side Cue: “Knee forward, heel stays down.” 3. Core-activated hip flexor stretch 90/90 hip rotations 2 × 5–6 slow reps per side Cue: “Keep your elbows straight and press down firmly on the front knee as you drive forward on an exhale."

B

Isometric Spanish Squat

5 x 0:45 @ 2:00

Friday
Tendon Care & Isometric Capacity Reset (Optional daily session)

Prep

A

Mobility & Tissue Reset Circuit

(Performed after isometrics or as a standalone circuit) Purpose Restore joint motion and tissue quality at the ankle, hip, and trunk to reduce compensatory knee load during subsequent training. Dosage Complete 1–2 rounds of the following: 1. Brettzel Stretch & Targeted Foam Rolling - see video titled "Conquer the Brettzel by Surrounding the Dragon" 30–45 seconds per side Smooth breathing throughout Cue: “Exhale into the position. No forcing range.” 2. Ankle Dorsiflexion Reset (Closed-Chain) Knee-to-wall or loaded dorsiflexion 2 × 6–8 controlled reps per side Cue: “Knee forward, heel stays down.” 3. Core-activated hip flexor stretch 90/90 hip rotations 2 × 5–6 slow reps per side Cue: “Keep your elbows straight and press down firmly on the front knee as you drive forward on an exhale."

B

Isometric Spanish Squat

5 x 0:45 @ 2:00

Saturday
Tendon Care & Isometric Capacity Reset (Optional daily session)

Prep

A

Mobility & Tissue Reset Circuit

(Performed after isometrics or as a standalone circuit) Purpose Restore joint motion and tissue quality at the ankle, hip, and trunk to reduce compensatory knee load during subsequent training. Dosage Complete 1–2 rounds of the following: 1. Brettzel Stretch & Targeted Foam Rolling - see video titled "Conquer the Brettzel by Surrounding the Dragon" 30–45 seconds per side Smooth breathing throughout Cue: “Exhale into the position. No forcing range.” 2. Ankle Dorsiflexion Reset (Closed-Chain) Knee-to-wall or loaded dorsiflexion 2 × 6–8 controlled reps per side Cue: “Knee forward, heel stays down.” 3. Core-activated hip flexor stretch 90/90 hip rotations 2 × 5–6 slow reps per side Cue: “Keep your elbows straight and press down firmly on the front knee as you drive forward on an exhale."

B

Isometric Spanish Squat

5 x 0:45 @ 2:00

FAQs
1. Can I train through pain with this program?
Yes. Mild discomfort is expected. The program provides clear guidance on acceptable pain levels and when to adjust load. Pain should settle within 24 hours and not worsen week to week.
2. Do I need to stop jumping or running?
Jumping and landing are reintroduced progressively. High-impact work is controlled early and increased only when tolerance allows. Running and sport exposure should be managed alongside the program.
3. Is this rehab or performance training?
This is performance-focused tendon loading, not clinic rehab. Strength stays in, landing capacity is rebuilt, and progression is based on training tolerance rather than symptom elimination.
4. Who should not use this program?
This program is not suitable for acute tendon tears, significant swelling, pain at rest, or rapidly worsening symptoms. If unsure, seek professional guidance before starting.
5. What is the optional daily reset session for?
The optional reset session supports symptoms on non-training days using isometrics and mobility. It does not replace strength or plyometrics and is used only as needed.
Patellar Tendon Capacity & Landing Control