The Truth About Weight Training Soccer
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 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.
Focusing on these target areas will generate superior movement and flexibility causing higher velocity and strength.
Core: The area that is first to be targeted are the abdominals, which is usually called the core. The part of the body below the breast bone till the lowest part of the pelvis area is referred to as the “core”. This area is the basis of strength, the gravitational center, and the balancing point of the body.
Thus the core is the center point from where all the physical action originates. A good and established abdominal core also leads to a well-balanced back, mainly the Lumbar part. As a result a better posture is developed.
Legs: The leg muscles called quadriceps are vital in pumping 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.
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). Thus these portions should never be ignored in soccer strength training, since they will strengthen with the development of the rest 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 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.
In conclusion, this concept of weight training soccer can be better understood through mental training of the team where both the team and individual players encourage each other to own the program. You should consider joining our youth soccer coaching society 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.