Soccer Training

Soccer played properly and soccer training puts massive demands on the body. I have worked at the top level with some of the best footballing athletes there are and I can tell you, these guys are fit. Players can work at over eighty per cent of their maximum heart rate for an hour and a half. That is an achievement in itself. If you don't believe me just try it for five minutes.

I am biased because soccer or football as it is called in The U.K. was my first love. I was football crazy as a kid. They call it 'The Beautiful Game' and it really is when consider the almost infinite possibilities associated with the playing of the game.

The top level has become so good today that it really is incomparable (as are many sports) with the play of yesteryear.

Soccer and soccer training demands severely of the physiological system as it is heavily stamina based. The fittest players, generally those who play in midfield roles have the capacity to work the pitch from box to box (penalty area to penalty area).

Demands have been shown to be slightly less for forwards and defenders who do not cover as much ground during a game, although this should not be an excuse to be 'less fit' because you are defender or a forward.

In addition the other demands are on the locomotor system to provide strength, speed, balance, endurance and resiliance. The demands are enormous.

Players need to have; explosive power as speed over short distances is crucial. Cardiovascular fitness to recover and repeatedly run hard again and again is needed. Muscles must be trained to work very hard in all ways to allow frequent stopping and starting. They must be highly trained to work in conjunction with the joint structures to allow fast changes of direction together with impact and stress absorption.

To top it all you have to be able to perform technically at the same time. It really is no wonder it has such world popularity and is played by so many.

Genius is bestowed on some and no matter how hard you try becoming the next Wayne Rooney is likely only if you have an abundance of natural talent. You can however with the correct soccer training make a massive difference to the level of your game.

What this is about is taking your sport, in this case soccer, analysing it, breaking it down into its elements and working on each component to improve your game. Believe me, small percentage improvements in each aspect will shoot your performances through the roof.

The aspects involved in soccer are:

Stamina in abundance.

Explosive Power (speed and strength).

Solid Dynamic Balance

Good Technique

With all of these in your locker your confidence will soar and you will find many aspects of your game improving. Remember though non of this is a quick fix. It will take time and application. You provide that and I will provide the know how.

To find out more about our publication
' Soccer Training: The Complete Footballing Athlete'
please click here.