The Peak Phase of the J- Leagues' Season

The J1,2 and 3 Leagues are reaching that point of the season where things start to get really interesting. One might call it a crossroads period within a season. At this stage, teams either progress or regress with their performances. In athlete's terms, this stage is known as the peak phase- a time where athletes are able to perform at their highest level. After twenty-two weeks of game time, these players in the J-League competitions have racked up enough minutes on the field- to sharpen their game and perform at an elite level. It takes time to reach the peak phase. It also takes a lot of training and discipline from the players. They constantly have to manage themselves to ensure that their bodies are ready for gameday. Rest and recovery are equally important for players' self-management.

When I was a young athlete, I didn't understand the importance of hitting my peak during the season. I just assumed that- all a player has to do is show up and play. I had to learn, while enrolled in an academy, about the different phases of an athlete's yearly physical calendar. That was the time I learnt about the significance of a mid-season performance and value of peaking- as a player.

Teams that usually progress at this stage are able to put together performances that leave fans and supporters in awe of players' performances. During this stage, players are able to sprint faster, jump higher, show immense strength, score unbelievable goals and generally- play the game at a higher tempo. All of this is possible as a result of players being fit.

In the J-League competitions, we have started witnessing teams that display elite performances. What is also fascinating about this analysis- is that some of these teams, weren't showing this much promise- a few months ago.

When looking at the Teams in the J-1 League competition, the top three teams- Yokohama F. Marinos, Kawasaki Frontale and Kashima Antlers are showing progressive signs in terms of their peak phase. F. Marinos have been the most impressive of the three teams mentioned. Their players are peaking well in time to secure the team's number one ranking, on the 2022 log. For two weeks in a row, they have managed to fight their way back from two potential losses and ended up tying the game. Those are sure signs of a championship team that just doesn't know how to lose. That is just pure class! In the J-2 League competition, Yokohama FC, Vegalta Sendai and Albirex Niigata are all peaking well and playing phenomenal football in the second division. All three teams continue to prove just how elite they are, in comparison to the rest of the teams in the J2. A team that showed absolute class- was Yokohama FC when last weekend, they beat a team from Chiba 4-0!It looked as though they had no competition. It's going to be an interesting second half of the season for these three side. Let's hope their performances don't dip. It'll also be intriguing to see if they'll play in the promotion/relegation fixtures- to enter the J-1, for the 2023 season.

The top three J-3 League teams have also showed a lot of promise- at this stage of the season. Iwaki FC, Matsumoto Yamagata and Kagoshima United FC are all showing no signs of regression. Their players are reaching their peak levels and displaying consistent quality performances, every week. Yamagata, has a point to prove after being relegated from the J2, at the end of last season. They will be looking to get back to a higher division, for sure!

Playing professional soccer/sports at a peak level is not an easy task. It can be mentally draining and does demand extraordinary focus. Maintaining that level of consistency is key factor.

By: Khangelani Zila Mbekela

Sports Agent & Writer