Would you answer this simple question? Almost all soccer coaches tend to ignore the soccer training tips while designing training programs for kids with the intent of just making up the numbers and going through the motions. Do you find yourself doing the same thing?
Before you design your next training programs, make sure you set some specific goals for your team. Decide on what you wish to achieve from the training program and then take all steps necessary to realize your goals.
With a view to add variety in your training program, add new and innovative soccer drills that are fun to perform. This will give the players a break from the dullness of performing repetitive drills day in and day out. You’ll notice a positive change in your kid’s performance once they begin to enjoy their training sessions.
Make your players understand the value of respecting and listening to you, their coach, no matter what their age or level at which they play. Respecting each other feelings promotes a friendly atmosphere for both the kids as well as the coach.
Soccer players can greatly benefit from having a high level of flexibility. There are 3 types of flexibility.
Dynamic flexibility: Just like twisting from one side to another, it’s the player’s ability to carry out brisk movements within the full range of motion in the joint.
Static active flexibility: The ability to stretch a tough muscle by using the tension within that muscle is termed as static active flexibility. For example; hold one leg as high as possible in front of you. Here, your hamstrings are stretched when your quadriceps and hip flexors hold your leg up.
Static passive: It’s the skill of using the body weight or some external force to hold a stretch. For example; picture yourself holding your leg out in front of you and relaxing it on a chair.
Now let’s advance towards the next stage in the line of soccer training tips. This calls for a need to examine and ensure that the clothes worn by kids to the field are apt for the weather.
Training for soccer should be followed by a fitness program that focuses only on those areas that need maximum help. One should keep the following factors in mind while designing such a training program.
Kid’s age: There is a direct connection between decrease in the flexibility of soft tissues and the reduced range of movement, as one grows older, notwithstanding the gender. But, if we remain active, the flexibility will always remain.
Gender: Girls exhibit a greater range of movement, independent of their age.
Movement: In demonstrating soccer skills, active kids show a better range of movement that the inactive kids.
Injury: Injuries also get in the way the range of motion in a joint.
Pain: With an increase in pain, flexibility decreases resulting in muscle spasms. But, strength training does not slow down flexibility if you do the exercises correctly and in full range of motion.
Genetics: A player’s genetics also have an effect on the amount of flexibility that his or her body possesses.
So, there should be no reason why you should not include soccer training tips into your training program for better productivity. You can improve your coaching skills by subscribing to our youth soccer coaching community that has tons of articles, newsletters, and relevant videos.
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in youth soccer coaching and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make training fun by downloading your free ebook at: Soccer Drills For Kids.
Tags: soccer drills, soccer skills, soccer training tips, training for soccer