Strength Development Exercises
When it comes to strength training, there are several exercises you can do for soccer. First, take advantage of some of the same practices used for strength training across all sports. You can build strength by doing push-ups and sit-ups as well as weight lifting. Make sure to implement exercises that develop strength in your legs. There are also exercises you can do that are more tailored to necessary soccer abilities. Stamina is critical in soccer. You can develop this with running by using a sled or parachute to provide resistance as you run. Arm strength is especially important for goalies, but it will help any soccer athlete. You may find it useful to purchase a weighted ball to develop arm strength. These balls should not be used for kicking or heading.
Developing Endurance as a Midfielder
Few sports have a position that demands as much constant energy as that of the soccer midfielder. The responsibilities of the midfielder involve helping the defenders in protecting the goal, moving the ball up the field, and assisting the forwards in setting up plays for shooting. More action happens in the middle of the soccer field than anywhere else, and this is where midfielders are stationed. The midfielder will run two or three times the distance of a defender or forward during an average soccer game. There many ways you can help increase the endurance of a midfielder. All soccer players should be good runners, but midfielders need to run every day. Many coaches use the field lines exercise for running: players start at one end of the field and touch the first line before returning to starting position. They then move to the second line on the field and repeat the process until they have covered the whole field. Even if it is just running, anything that can be done to make the practice more interesting will help you stay motivated to increase your endurance.
Practicing Doubles
A great technique that you can use during your soccer practice is to double up. In other words, use two soccer balls instead of one. Two-ball practices can be implemented when working on passing and scoring, playing scrimmage, and practicing almost any other type of drill. Doubling up during practice will make it easier for the player to perform agilely with one ball during the game. It will allow players to be less tense and play with their mind as well as their body during games. Doubling up during practice can also increase endurance, as players will have to work twice as hard in order to accomplish the same drills. Keep in mind that though doubling up allows them to refine their skills, it does not allow them to learn those skills in the first place. Beginning players should begin with just one ball.
At-Home Soccer Practice
Parents, coaches and teammates can do a lot for a player, but ultimately the person who can best help you improve your game is yourself. Great soccer player understands the importance of practicing on and off the field. No player is perfect; everyone has something that he or she can improve on. Practice at home can give the double benefit of spending time with family and improving your game. Even if you only go through drills that your coach has taught you, you will increase your ability on the playing field. Your entire family may become interested in soccer because they see you having fun. You can involve your family members by both playing with them and inviting them to your soccer games. Just dribbling the ball to the practice field can be fun and beneficial.
