Soccer Tips

Fitness Information

Upper Body Circuit Exercises

Individual Skills Training

Weight Program

Strength Training Equipment

Medicine Balls  Eurosport

Elastic Bands Eurosport

Keeping your shape

By keeping your shape, I don't mean your fitness (though you should).  On the attack, opening the space is so important.  No only must you have width, but depth as well.  When four players are around the ball, try to maintain a diamond shape.  The top of the diamond threatens the defense immediately, while players tucked in behind, like the bottom of the diamond, give support to the players that may have the ball and need to drop.  The drop can then lead to a quick attack behind the defense.

Staying loose

Rest between practices are good but I recommend that you do some light work on Saturday or Sunday.  Go outside and do about 10 minutes of kinetic stretching.  This includes butt kicks, high knees, power skips, etc.  Follow this by some light juggling and dribbling.  Use a kick wall if you have one.  Short frequent sessions are better than fewer long sessions.  Don't wear yourself out, but make sure you break a sweat.

Running outside of practice

Running long distances at a constant speed is great, but it's not realistic for a soccer player.  In a game, you change speeds, stop, sprint, etc. during that 80 minutes.  Sure, the average field player runs about 4-5 miles per game, but the change of pace is critical.  Consider this if you feel the desire to go out and do some conditioning.