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.
Concentrating on these areas will facilitate greater mobility and flexibility leading to an increase in speed and power.
Core: The number one part to be focused named as “core”, refers to abdominals. “Core” is the portion of the body which starts from the breast bone till the lowermost part of the pelvis area. This portion of the body is the origin point of power, gravity and balance in 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. It also improves the posture.
Legs: The quadriceps are leg muscles which are essential in increasing blood flow to the heart. Therefore they are the largest muscle groups of the human body and supply vast amount of blood to the heart. Even walking is a beneficial exercise in weight training soccer because blood is pumped through the body by each leg.
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. A good tip for power jump is to throw your arms in the air while you jump.
Plyometric: For excellent result you should use both weight training with carefully planned plyometric program. 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: Typically a program which is measureable and precise to an individual’s requirement should be functional at the opening 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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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 training fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: Soccer Drills