If you get to know that weight training soccer does not encourage on adding to muscle mass rather it stresses upon the strength of muscle groups that support the joints. This requires special fitness training program without the ball and off the field in order to give time to focus on particular muscle groups.
This will result in improved mobility and flexibility for enhanced swiftness and power.
Core: The abdominals, titled as the ‘core’ is the area first area to concentrate upon. The area of the body below the breast bone up till the groin or the base of the pelvic region is considered as the “core”. This portion of the body is the origin point of power, gravity and balance in the body.
So, the core is the place from where all the physical activities start from. A good and established abdominal core also leads to a well-balanced back, mainly the Lumbar part. It also improves the posture.
Legs: The quadriceps are leg muscles which are essential in increasing blood flow to the heart. This means that these are the biggest muscle groups of the body and are responsible for pumping a huge amount of blood volume. Even walking is a beneficial exercise in weight training soccer because blood is pumped through the body by each leg.
The hips, knees and the ankles need balanced and strong leg muscles in order to endure all the force and energy produced in hitting the ground.
Back, Chest and Neck: These areas of the body serve as a link between the “core” and the ends (legs, arms and the head). During soccer strength training, these parts should be given a lot of importance as their development is directly proportional to the growth of the body.
Arms: For balancing the body arms are very helpful; example while jumping to head a ball or shifting directions. Throwing your arms in the air adds force to a jump.
Plyometric: A mixture of weight training with well-organized plyometric program must be practiced for quality results. This will create individual or teams who will show growth during the first half of the season.
Always remember to give importance to the core as only a well-developed soccer fitness program to develop the core will positively aim these areas.
Program: Normally such a program should be designed which is measureable and specific to an individual’s requirement and used at the introduction of the season. The thorough improvement of an individual consist of aiming specific parts of the body first with the core and then heading for every section of the body.
We conclude the session by saying that weight training soccer can be better comprehended by mentally preparing the players and the team where both of them motivate each other to own the program. You can subscribe to our youth soccer coaching community and find an answer to all questions as the site offers loads of information in form of articles, videos, and newsletters.
Andre Botelho is the author of “The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide” and he’s a recognized expert in the subject of youth soccer coaching. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make coaching sessions fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: Kids Soccer Drills.
