Soccer Exercises And Training Drills

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Coaching Youth Soccer: A Baffled Parents Guide

Written by soccer great and championship Stanford coach Bobby Clark, COACHING YOUTH SOCCER: THE BAFFLED PARENTS GUIDE shows how an uninitiated coach can mold a group of kids into a team.

Being part of a team will be one of the most rewarding experiences of their youth. 

But in the end, it will be you who reaps the biggest reward, as you watch your players learn and grow.

  • Coaching Youth Soccer helps organize your practices and provides ideas for drills that will keep your team interested throughout the entire season. 
  • You’ll soon be getting compliments from parents because their kids enjoy the variety of “games”  they play in practice so much.
  • Coaching Youth Soccer gets you reflecting on the sense of responsility and achievement that building a team brings.

 

 

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Soccer Exercises – Let’s Begin With Fitness!

Association football is a complex game and consequently, there are a number of elements that you have to bear in mind when designing and applying soccer exercises and training programmes.

A further complication is that different methods and approaches are required at different ages – if you coach kids or teenagers, you will be well aware that your players are developing both psychologically and physically, and a technique that is effective for a senior can sometimes be damaging if applied to a youngster. 

The key to successful performance in any sport is fitness, and in the case of soccer, exercises can be divided into three broad categories:

  • Endurance
  • Strength
  • Flexibility.

Football is a Ninety-Minute Game

Soccer Ball ClockAerobic exercises that strengthen the cardiovascular system increase the heart rate, speed up breathing and raise body temperature. For this reason, jogging is an excellent choice as a warm-up activity in any soccer training programme.

However, players should also be encouraged to do other stamina-increasing sports, such as swimming, horseriding or even yoga.

Another characteristic of soccer is that it involves anaerobic activity, which is when energy is expended in short bursts.

The fast acceleration and sprinting speed required of a soccer player, and can be practiced through short sprint activities or by simply incorporating sprint-trot sections into a team jog.

May The Force Be With You

Anaerobic aspects can also be worked on in the gym or in circuit training.

Working out with weights and step exercises are not only good for improving stamina but are also essential for developing strength.

Soccer is an inevitably physical sport and the stronger your players are, the less likely they are to get hurt – it’s important to work on upper body strength along with specific exercises that focus on the leg strength needed to kick a ball effectively.

Bend It, Shake It

Soccer players need to be as supple as gymnasts at times, not only to beat the opponent but also because one of the best ways to avoid injury is to get out of the way before any damage is done.

Soccer exercises that involve stretching, moving to music or are inspired by yoga should also be part of any integrated training schedule.

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Without forgetting the technical importance of ball skills and tactics or the psychology of attitude and motivation, the fact remains that a fit player is likely to be both highly motivated and capable of playing above his or her skill level.

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What are some good drills for a soccer (football) training session?

I am starting my first coaching job tommorow morning, and have no experience. I love soccer and know all the rules involved and I also used to play.

I know a lot about formations strategies and such and I also watch a lot of soccer matches on TV. However, having no experience, I am not sure how to start, it’s an under-12 boy team and don’t how exactly to train them.

If anyone can give me an idea of what a full session should be like from start to finnish I would really apprecieate it. Should have them stretch first than run some laps?

Hi there fella, i teach under 9s. I think the best way to start a session is to jog round the pitch whilst doing jumps and left hand to right hand squats, header jumps, side steps left to right and sprints. Then go onto a few light stretches to allow them to cool down whilst still keeping their muscles warm. Then go onto a little pass and move in squares, this is a little like piggy in the middle but in squares of about 6yrds x 6yrds with three or four players in each. This should take about half hour of your time. Then try a few pass and shoot moves with your team, with defenders involved too but only two or three, you don’t want to over do it. This could also involve strategically placed cones for the players to pass through, this would help them to pass through spaces into space ( a method i have recently thought of and used to effect). Then you could go for a mini game at the end of the session, half of team vs the other half! And then what i do for the finale for a bit of fun is the Penalty shootout knockout, the kids love this. Or ask the kids what games they play in the playground or the park, then make a note and use these ideas for future training sessions. Trust me talk to the kids and most of these sessions will be a breeze cause you will be amazed at the ideas and the knowledge the youth of today have to give!!!!!

Good luck fella. This is rewarding. Trust me!!!

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Youth Soccer Coaching – Some Basic Tips

You Are The Youth Soccer Coach!

The best way to coach or teach anything is by providing training sessions that are fun. This is true if you’re coaching seniors, but even more so if you’re youth soccer coaching.

Kids soccer coaching  ought to be easy. After all, your players are doing something that they enjoy and they’re doing it with their friends. However, sometimes things can get out of hand.

The best way to keep your coaching sessions fun and focused is by sensible planning. This doesn’t mean that you have to have everything mapped out but you do need to be clear about what you want your players to have improved on by the end of the training session.

What you decide to work on will vary depending on the age and abilities of your players, but you should consider the following aspects of youth soccer coaching as you put your training programme together.

Warm-Up

Getting players to warm up and stretch gently increases their heart rate and prepares their muscles for the session. It’s also a good idea to allow some time for stretching in the middle of the soccer training, especially if you plan to step up the pace. What’s more you get the opportunity to keep your team motivated by chatting to your players informally.

Show And Tell

The best way of explaining what you want your players to do is by demonstrating the drill. Your players will understand what you want much better if they see it in action.

If you can’t demonstrate the drill yourself, you’ve got a serious problem. Is the drill badly thought out or too advanced? You should also ask yourself whether you should be coaching in the first place.

Listen To Your Players

Players will let you know if the session or drill is too easy or hard. Don’t take this as criticism – it’s important feedback and will help you get a better idea of what is and isn’t working.

You should always be talking to your team. Warm-ups and breaks are particularly good opportunities for informal chats. If you have a good relationship with your players – in command but approachable and open to ideas – criticism will be constructive and your team will end up playing better.

It’s also very important to encourage respect and the best way to do this is leading by example. If you treat your players with respect, you’ll find that they’ll respect you in return and they’ll also be more respectful towards each other – this will also stop them from misbehaving when your back is turned.

Be Flexible

Never make your training sessions or plans too rigid. You need to be able to adapt, not only because some players
might have difficulty with new drills but simply because what you planned might not seem such a good idea when you actually see it in practice.

For this reason, it’s always a good idea to have a Plan B!

Variety Is The Spice Of Life

Keep training interesting by mixing things up and using different variations of similar drills.

By changing things you keep your training sessions fresh and stop players from getting complacent. Keeping your players on their toes and continually learning will guarantee you a mischief-free session. If you make your training sessions boring, you’re heading for trouble.

Youngsters respond well to a predictable training format that contains a few surprises.

Put New Skills Into Practice

Once you’ve completed the technical side of training, always remember to try and incorporate the new skills learned in a game situation. Always try and end the session with a small sided game that will allow your players to experiment with their newly-acquired skills.

The greatest mistake you can make as a youth soccer coach is to starve them of the ball. Your role is to teach by showing but you also have to be able to stand back and let them learn from their own mistakes.

Don’t Make It Feel Like School

Don’t preach or lecture them too much – otherwise you might as well send them to school. Most importantly, allow your players to enjoy soccer without you trying to coach every second of the play.

You should also bear in mind that more doesn’t necessarily mean better. So don’t pack too much into your training sessions. It’s often more productive to concentrate on a few new skills in each session allowing plenty of time to go over drills that you’ve worked on previously.

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In many respects, coaching youth soccer is a question of common sense – being prepared, flexible and practical will mean that both you and your team get more out of training sessions, and that’s a great way to start building a great soccer team.

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How long does a 12 year old boy run for soccer training?

I’m helping my little brother to improve his soccer skills, i wake him up every morning at 5:am and make him run about 8 times (i dont think its a lot because i used to play soccer too) around a soccer field. but i’m really not sure how long he should run. and also do u know any web site that shows stuff about different soccer drils? thanks

A: He needs to practice his football skills such as dribbling, heading the ball, chest control, team play and just general ball control.

Try dribbling in out of of cones and that will help with dribbling. Do shuttle runs to improve speed and stamina.

Throw the ball to him and let him header it. Remember to get the right technique, get both arms up to get the power behind header. Imagine you are holding a picture and you are going to smash it with your head.

He needs to be able to control the ball. Try passing the ball to each other at different heights and various power / speed. Your first touch is vital in keeping ball possesion. You need to cushion the ball with your foot, or sometimes the leg, so it stays near you and you don’t knock it to the opposing team. The inside of the foot is usually used to cushion the ball.

Use the inside of the foot for passing. Use the laces to shoot which helps to get the power behind the shot.

Use the words like “man on” to tell a team mate that they have an opponent coming to them. And “time” to let them know no one is on them.

Practice using both feet too. My friends were confused whether a was right or left footed.

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Beginner soccer drills and training?

My friend wants me to train him this summer to play on the same college soccer team as me in the fall. What are some quality drills that we can do to get him to be a better player? He wants to play defense, so clearing and touch will be important.

A: You’re probably wondering how you can combine them into a routine for yourself. Well, if you are, then read on and take a look at some of the examples listed below. But remember, don’t be afraid to make modifications to your regimen. Each player is different! And if you have questions, consult a coach or trainer. Good luck!

You can modify this schedule to what fits you best, as long as you incorporate all of these elements frequently. But it’s a good idea to avoid strength training your legs every day so that they have a chance to recover and rebuild the muscle fibers. On the days you’re not doing plyometrics, you can still weight train, but focus on the upper body. As for what and how much to work, try this workout, three sets each.

Day 1–> Stretching–> Sprints –> Plyometrics –> Weights (lower) –> Ball work –> Stretching

Day 2 –> Stretching –> Balance –> Shuttle run –> Sit-ups –> Pushups –> Weights (upper) –> Stretching

Day 3 –> Stretching –> Distance run –> Sprints –> Ball work –> Stretching

Day 4 –> Stretching –> Shuttle run –> Sit-ups –> Pushups –> Plyometrics –> Weights (lower) –> Stretching

Day 5 –> Stretching –> Balance –> Weights (upper) –> Distance run –> Sprint –> Ball work –> Stretching

Day 6–> Stretching –> Shuttle run –> Sit-ups –> Pushups –> Weights (optional) –> Stretching

Day 7–> Off

Upper body: Benchpress –> pec-fly/butterfly –> incline press –> lat pulldown –> compound row –> tricep extensions (cables or dumbbells) –> dips –> bicep curls –> concentration curls

Lower body: squats or leg press –> leg extension –> leg curls –> lunges –> abs –> calf raises

Also, you shouldn’t do plyometrics on a day you do long distance running. You don’t want to overexert your legs and possibly injure yourself. If the routine above gets boring, switch it up a bit to what best fits your body.

Balance exercises can easily be added to your training. Since most of these tend not to require a lot of physical strength and endurance, do them on a less strenuous day, or at a time of day when you feel your legs can handle them (preferably the morning).

TIP: You can never do enough ball work! Make sure to get plenty of this in your daily routines, whether it’s through regularly scheduled practice or by working it further into your training regimen.

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I am coaching youth soccer. What coaching points should I keep in mind for the goalies?

A: Dont be afraid to come out..but if they do come out..they need to be going full blast and focusing on getting that ball…they cant stutter..either go out..or stay in…

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