Tomas Maly

Assist. Prof. Tomas Maly is affiliated with the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. He holds a Ph.D. (2009) from the same institution and has been a researcher there since 2007. Since 2012, he has served as a Strength and Conditioning coach for the first male team AC Sparta Praha, complemented by a UEFA “A” football licence. His professional roles include academic work, coaching, and administrative responsibilities as a project Principal Investigator.

Education: Began his career as an assistant at the Faculty of Sports, Prešov University (2003–2007), followed by doctoral studies and a Ph.D. at Charles University (2009).

Research Interests: Focus on Strength and Conditioning, Load Management, Isokinetic Strength, and Return-To-Play protocols in soccer. He investigates the relationship between physical attributes (muscular strength, asymmetries, fatigue) and soccer performance, with a particular emphasis on youth athletes and elite player development. His work integrates biomechanical analysis, exercise physiology, and sports medicine to address maladaptive processes and improve athlete outcomes.

Publications & Grants: Published 84 records on Web of Science (including 41 in IF journals), authored 4 books, and contributed 12 chapters to international monographs. He has led two significant GACR-funded projects: one on isokinetic strength and youth fitness (2011–2013), and another on maladaptive processes in children and youth (2016–2018). His 2023 study in Biology of Sport highlights elite youth soccer players' physical advantages over non-elite peers. Recent research (2022) explores genetic factors influencing soccer playing positions, demonstrating interdisciplinary engagement between genetics and sports performance. H-index: 14.

Awards & Activities: Awarded 3rd place in the Tom Reilly New Investigator Award (2011). Active as a professional lecturer for the Czech Football Association and an invited speaker (3x). Holds 2 domestic and 1 EU international patent for a muscle force measurement device. Reviewed for journals like Sports Medicine and International Journal of Sports Medicine.

Labs & Teams: Conducts research at the Sport Research Centre, Charles University. Collaborates with AC Sparta Praha and the Football Association of the Czech Republic, applying academic insights to professional athlete conditioning programs.