A Guide To Weight Training Soccer
July 29th, 2010 Posted in Outdoors
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. It calls for special fitness training sessions off the field and off the ball with a view to segregate and concentrate on certain 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 ranging from under the breast bone up till the end of the pelvic region is called the “core”. This area is the source of power, the center of gravity, and the balancing center of the body.
In other words, the core is where all physical actions of the body are initiated from. Great abdominal cores also results in a well-balanced back, most essentially the Lumbar area. This also generates a good posture.
Legs: The leg muscles called quadriceps are vital in pumping the heart. Hence they are the major muscle groups of the body and provide enormous amount of blood volume. Walking can also be helpful in weight training soccer as each step pumps blood supply to the entire body.
Strong and balanced leg muscles are required for the hips, knees and the ankles to stand all the power and energy produced in hitting the ground.
Back, Chest and Neck: These parts of the body work as a connection 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: Arms facilitate in the balancing of the body through weight distribution, especially when jumping to head a ball or changing directions. A good tip for power jump is to throw your arms in the air while you jump.
Plyometric: For excellent result you should use both weight training with carefully planned plyometric program. They work alongside to create an individual and a team that will show improvements well within the first half of the season.
The significant point is to give importance to the core as only a well-developed soccer fitness program to develop the core will certainly target 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 comprehensive development of the player comprises of directing attention to specific areas of the body initiating with the core till each section of the body.
Finally it should be said that weight training soccer can be useful by first preparing the players; as it requires the players and the team to own the program. You are welcomed 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.