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. It calls for special fitness training sessions off the field and off the ball with a view to segregate and concentrate on certain muscle groups.
This will result in improved mobility and flexibility for enhanced swiftness and power.
Core: Technically the first area to focus on is the abdominals, commonly known as 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 area is the basis of strength, the gravitational center, and the balancing point of 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. As a result a better posture is developed.
Legs: The quadriceps are helpful 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. So, in weight training soccer walking can be useful as it helps to increase blood circulation inside the body with each step.
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: This portion of the body provides relationship between the core and the ends (legs, arms and the head). In soccer strength training, these areas should not be neglected or thought of as irrelevant, as they will develop as the rest of the body grows.
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. Keeping your arms in the air makes a forceful jump.
Plyometric: For best results, weight training should go together with a well-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: Usually a program that is calculable and particular to an individual’s requirement should be applied at the start 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 are invited to become a member of 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.
Tags: fitness training, soccer fitness, soccer strength training, Weight training soccer