The Truth Behind Jude Bellingham’s ‘Flying Man’ Training Drill at Real Madrid
A striking image of Jude Bellingham mid-air during Real Madrid training recently went viral, leaving fans worldwide wondering what exactly he was doing. Below we will explain other interesting football news on The Football Breakdown.
The English star, wearing resistance bands on his boots and holding a kettlebell, appeared to be floating earning the nickname “the flying man.”The 22-year-old midfielder, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, stayed in Madrid during the October international break to focus on his fitness. His absence from England’s squad gave him time to work closely with Madrid’s physical trainers.
The Secret Behind the ‘Flying Man’ Drill
According to The Athletic, Bellingham’s “flying” moment was part of a strength and balance exercise designed to improve explosive power. The rubber bands around his boots create resistance, forcing the muscles to contract elastically during jumps known as a plyometric contraction.
Players perform this movement from a “sumo squat” stance, which targets the adductor muscles in the thighs. The 14-kilogram kettlebell adds intensity, helping players develop both leg strength and stability. This type of training improves agility, which is crucial for quick turns and sprints during matches.
Club sources confirmed that the drill wasn’t designed specifically for Bellingham it’s a standard part of the new physical program for several Madrid players. While it looked strange to outsiders, coaches at Valdebebas insist it’s now “something very normal” in elite-level football.
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The Innovators Behind Madrid’s Fitness Revolution
Real Madrid’s training setup has changed dramatically since Xabi Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti in May. Alonso brought a new coaching team from Bayer Leverkusen, including fitness expert Ismael Camenforte the mastermind behind these creative drills.
Camenforte’s methods emphasize strength through resistance and dynamic movement, helping players avoid injuries while improving endurance. His approach has modernized Madrid’s training sessions, which were once criticized for being outdated under Ancelotti.
Meanwhile, longtime fitness coach Antonio Pintus remains at the club as performance manager but plays a smaller day-to-day role. With Camenforte now leading training innovation, Madrid aims to build a squad that is faster, stronger, and more resilient than ever.
Bellingham’s Road Back to Full Fitness
Bellingham has made steady progress since returning from surgery, though he is still working toward full match fitness. While he’s been a regular in Alonso’s lineup, he has yet to complete a full 90 minutes. His dedication in training shows his determination to regain top form.
The midfielder knows consistent performances at Real Madrid are key to reclaiming his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. With the 2026 World Cup in North America approaching, Bellingham’s focus is on proving his fitness and form.
Next up, Real Madrid faces Juventus in the Champions League before a crucial El Clasico clash with Barcelona. For Bellingham, the “flying man” drill is just one step in soaring back to his best both for club and country. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
