The post-analysis of the USWNT after the Paris Olympics is still in full flow. However, if one goes into the finer details, you can see the road to recovery for Emma Hayes’ team was not straightforward. The grueling fixture list mounts up to the player’s fitness levels. On top of that, mental health check remains critical after playing multiple games. Accordingly, USWNT player Emily Sonnett detailed the recovery process.

Often, with all the fixtures coming in thick and fast, fans criticized Emma Hayes for not using substitutions. Of course, she uses it, but with five available substitutions in three windows, Emma prefers to keep it aside. She wants her team to play at full throttle and enjoy the rigors of the game. For players in the starting eleven and who embrace matches, it’s a great deal. But fatigue is an issue. It led to Sonnett detailing the experiences of recovering from a game.

In an interview with The Women’s Game, she stated her recovery process, “Pool, Normatec. I do think what you said earlier, like the difference between Tokyo, you got, you were able to get away a little bit. We actually met a lot less than frequent tournaments, in my opinion.”

She continued, “I would say a little bit more. And also to think further to the tournament. And you’re saying different cities, we kind of that travel day ended up almost being just like travel. So then, I’m actually turning off and not actually having to think about soccer or getting my cleats on or doing my own recovery. Maybe a team-like recovery. We snuck in like mental breaks like that. I thought that was really impressive.”

Emily Sonnet details the recovery process with a no-substitution strategy

Significantly, recovery remains a key aspect of all team sports. Without proper recovery, a player could develop muscle strains or injuries. The swimming pool remains a perfect place for recovery, as mentioned by Emily Sonnett. Water’s controlled resistance leads to an increased range of motion and promotes the gradual stretching of muscles and joints. Likewise, a swimming session can help prevent stiffness and enhance overall flexibility, a key component in recovery.

On the other hand, she mentioned using Normatec, a recovery device. Using a Normatec could reduce inflammation and enhance the muscle recovery process. It gradually compresses the limbs and helps to decrease the build-up of lactic acid and other metabolic byproducts that cause muscle soreness. Fun fact: Michael Phelps produced less lactic acid enabling him to perform better.

The road to recovery is just as essential as preparing for matches. Nevertheless, we all know that Emma Hayes and Emily Sonnet understand the demands of the modern game. Moreover, technology these days provides the best recovery process for athletes. One can say, the USWNT is a perfect soccer team focusing on all aspects of the game.