Meet Islam Gamal - though in the world of elite football, he’s better known as Jimmy. Born and raised in Egypt, Jimmy is now the Performance Manager for Pyramids FC, one of Africa’s top clubs and reigning African Champions League winners. His job? Making sure some of the best players on the continent are faster, sharper, and more prepared than the competition.
The Journey to the Top
Jimmy’s career in sports performance kicked off back in 2010 while studying and working overseas in Cyprus. Training young athletes there sparked a passion for coaching and athletic development that would shape the rest of his career.
From Cyprus, Jimmy went on to join the Real Madrid California Academy, where he refined his skills in high-performance training. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for designing programs that bring out the very best in elite athletes - programs grounded in both science and experience. Today, at Pyramids FC, he’s pushing the limits of what’s possible in football performance.
Why BlazePod?
For Jimmy, great training tools aren’t about gimmicks - they’re about results.
“If you want fitness to be something you stick to, it has to be engaging. BlazePod delivers that and more. It trains your mind, not just your body. Once you integrate it into your sessions, you’ll see why top players and teams rely on it.”
BlazePod’s reaction training lights give Jimmy the flexibility to challenge his athletes’ agility, cognitive speed, and decision-making - three skills that make the difference in split-second game moments.
Go-To Drills on the Training Hub
Jimmy gravitates toward drills that merge reaction time, cognitive sharpness, and sport-specific scenarios. But the real magic happens when he customizes drills to mimic real match intensity.
Think:
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A striker’s explosive first step toward goal.
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A defender reacting instantly to an unexpected run.
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Midfielders making decisions under high-pressure cues.
Every drill is competitive, fast-paced, and designed to keep the brain as active as the body.
Jimmy’s Favorite Drill
Jimmy’s signature creations focus on reaction under cognitive load - because modern football demands more than just fast legs. His drills often combine quick reactions with multitasking elements like scanning, passing cues, or verbal commands.
“When you force the brain to process decisions at high speed, you don’t just train faster - reactions - you build players who stay calm, adaptable, and one step ahead on the pitch.”
The Results Speak for Themselves
Under Jimmy’s system, players see measurable improvements:
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Faster reaction speed
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Better decision-making under fatigue
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Improved situational awareness
But Jimmy says the biggest shift is in confidence.
“Confidence grows from repetition and competence. BlazePod bridges the gap between drills and real-game intensity, so players start anticipating plays faster and trusting their instincts.”
Words to Train By
To athletes starting their own journey, Jimmy’s advice is clear:
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Self-belief – Your mind changes before your body does.
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Discipline – Consistency beats intensity.
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Focus – Small, intentional steps build massive results.
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Character – Let your work ethic define you.
And above all: “There are no limits - only plateaus you’ll break through.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
Jimmy’s goal for the year isn’t just about lifting more trophies - it’s about proving that limits are only starting points. He wants every player he coaches to leave with sharper skills, a stronger mindset, and the belief that they can achieve more than they ever imagined.
The Fuel Behind the Fire
Two forces keep Jimmy pushing forward:
Obsession – Chasing progress down to the tiniest details, whether it’s shaving 0.1 seconds off a reaction time or cracking the mental code of resilience.
Impact – Watching players transform from good to unstoppable, knowing those changes ripple beyond the pitch.
“I hate complacency. The day I stop learning is the day I become irrelevant. So I stay hungry - studying sports science at 2 AM, testing new tech, or picking the brains of the best coaches in the game. #NoOffDays.”
If you want to see what elite-level performance coaching looks like in action, keep your eyes on Islam “Jimmy” Gamal and his squad at Pyramids FC - because standing still isn’t in their playbook.
