Weight Training Soccer: Learn About The Benefits
What if I told you that weight training soccer is aimed at enhancing strength rather than the building of muscle mass, especially the growth 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.
By this technique those areas will give better movement and flexibility resulting in increased pace and strength.
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 part of the body is responsible for power generation, maintain the center of gravity and balancing 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. This in turn creates and enhances a better posture.
Legs: The quadriceps are helpful 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.
The hips, knees and the ankles need balanced and strong leg muscles in order to endure all the force 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: The arm plays a vital part in soccer to help maintain balance while you jump to head a ball or when you suddenly change directions. Throwing your arms in the air adds force to a jump.
Plyometric: You should combine weight training with well-organized plyometric program for great results. Using this technique such players will be produced who will show good results in the first half of the season.
Special attention must be given to the core as only a well-developed soccer fitness program to improve the core will definitely target these zones.
Program: Usually a program that is calculable and particular to an individual’s requirement should be applied at the start of the season. The thorough improvement of an individual consist of aiming specific parts of the body first with the core and then heading for every 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 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.