How about if you get to learn that weight training soccer targets improving strength instead of just increasing muscle mass, particularly the development of muscle groups that support the joints? For this purpose special fitness training programs should be designed to let the players have some time, away from both the field and the ball to work on target muscle groups.
This will result in improved mobility and flexibility for enhanced swiftness and power.
Core: The number one part to be focused named as “core”, refers to abdominals. 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 part of the body is responsible for power generation, maintain the center of gravity and balancing the body.
Hence all the physical actions are initiated from the core A powerful and sound abdominal core also confirms a well-balanced back, particularly the Lumbar area. As a result a better posture is developed.
Legs: The leg muscles called quadriceps are vital in pumping the heart. Thus being the biggest muscle groups of the body pump great volumes of blood. Even walking is a beneficial exercise in weight training soccer because blood is pumped through the body by each leg.
Powerful and stable leg muscles are vital for the hips, knees and the ankles to hips, to bear all the power 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). These areas must never be neglected in soccer strength training because their growth is linked with the rest 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. Throwing your arms in the air adds force to a jump.
Plyometric: For best results, weight training should go together with a well-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 complete development of the player involves targeting specific areas of the body starting with the core and then toward each section of the body.
In the end we say that weight training soccer can be applied by mentally preparing the players; because it is needed that the players and the team help each other 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.
