Weight Training Soccer: Discover The Benefits
You would be surprised to find out that the objective of weight training soccer is to develop the muscles that support the joints instead of just focusing on growing muscle mass. For this reason fitness training session should be arranged off the field and away from the ball so that the players pay attention to some special muscle groups.
This will result in improved mobility and flexibility for enhanced swiftness and power.
Core: The area that is first to be targeted are the abdominals, which is usually called the core. 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 basis of strength, the gravitational center, and the balancing point of the body.
In other words, the core is where all physical actions of the body are initiated 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 pump the heart. Thus being the biggest muscle groups of the body pump great volumes of blood. So, even walking is good exercise in weight training soccer as each leg helps the heart push a lot of blood through the entire body.
A lot of energy is exerted in hitting the ground, thus it is very important to have powerful and well-balanced leg muscles required by the hips, knees and the ankles.
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: Arm is a useful part in playing soccer as they help in maintaining balance like when you jump to head a ball or when you suddenly alter directions. A powerful jump is made by throwing the arms in the air.
Plyometric: For best results, weight training should go together with a well-planned plyometric program. Using this technique such players will be produced who will show good results in the first half of the season.
The key again is going back to the core, because only a well-developed soccer fitness program to develop the core will naturally bring these areas into focus.
Program: Usually a program that is calculable and particular to an individual’s requirement should be applied at the start 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 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.
Tags: fitness training, soccer fitness, soccer strength training, Weight training soccer
