Soccer Fitness Training
Your job as a coach or player is to maximize soccer fitness training without sacrificing speed and power. Let me explain what I mean. There is research that has shown when you do long runs it can cause you to lose speed and power.
You might at first question the research. How can that be? My parents and coaches my whole life have taught me to prepare for soccer by running 30 minutes a day 5 times a week in the off season. Does this sound like you? I bet most young athletes and some coaches still fall into that category. I also bet there will be some that will not change, even after studying this category.
If you've read my articles before you know I am very big on increasing fitness without affecting speed. I write about it over and over again. What if I told you it is possible to increase your fitness by using short bursts? The advantage of short bursts like short intervals and tempos is you can get into great shape for soccer. A while back I trained a college soccer athlete over the summer. I used tempo runs and interval runs like latters. When she got to camp she got some really nice comments from the coaches about her fitness.
Let me make one final point then you can read the articles below to expand your knowledge more. Short intervals are great because you get less pounding on the body, it's at a higher intensity, and you get results.
Animated Fitness Training for Soccer with targeted Shooting drill
This is a great drill to work in a team environment. Multiple players can work simultaneously. This gives the goalie additional work in goal and it also gives players a chance to improve their fitness while using the soccer ball. In addition you don't need lots of space to do this drill, which allows you to break up in two groups.
Multistage Soccer Fitness Drill
This multi stage soccer fitness drill is designed around developing fitness using the soccer ball as well as other objects. This drill puts the soccer player in positions to work on foot quickness with the agility ladder, agility with sticks and hurdles.
Soccer Fitness Q and A with Vern Gambetta
We talked about how to choose the right volume for fitness training and mistakes coaches make when conditioning teams. Working with the unique demands of year around soccer.
When planning an effective training program for soccer it is important to consider: aerobic fitness level, repeat sprint ability or RSA, speed, strength, power, agility and playing ability, etc. In this article I will only focus on the aerobic aspect of soccer.
Interview with Expert Head Sport Scientist of Newcastle United
Recently I had the opportunity to write Kenny McMillan about soccer fitness and how to develop aerobic and anaerobic fitness qualities for soccer. I also asked him what are some of the biggest mistakes soccer coaches make when training their teams. Check out this soccer fitness article.
Weight Loss for Soccer Players
Misconceptions about weight loss and soccer fitness training throughout the years tend to exacerbate the situation. Traditional weight loss programs tell us that to lose weight you must get on the exercise bike, run or do the elliptical machine for 20+ minutes a day at least 3 times a week. Because some soccer players are overweight, I've addressed the issue. This is a also a way to get the overweight soccer player into better soccer fitness shape.
