Let me ask you a 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?
Set some definite goals for your team before you plan your next training session. Determine in advance what you wish to achieve form this program and do whatever it takes to accomplish that.
Add to your training program such soccer drills that are new, innovative, and fun to perform so as to add variety. This will give the players a break from the dullness of performing repetitive drills day in and day out. Once players start enjoying their practice sessions, you’ll notice that their performance will improve consistently.
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. Appreciating each other’s feelings creates an environment that is pleasant for both the coach and the kids.
Soccer players can greatly benefit from having a high level of flexibility. There are 3 types of flexibility.
Dynamic flexibility: It refers to a player’s capability to perform fast movements within the full range of motion in the joint, like twisting from side to side.
Static active flexibility: It’s the skill to stretch an intricate muscle employing the tension within that muscle. One example is to hold one leg in front of you and keep it as high as you can. The hamstrings are stretched while the quadriceps and hip flexors hold your leg up.
Static passive: This kind of flexibility allows a player to make use of his 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 go to the next in line of soccer training tips. It requires you to check that kids are wearing an appropriate gear, depending on the weather conditions.
Training for soccer and a fitness program should go hand in hand with a view to work upon those areas that need most help. Following are the factors that must be kept in mind when designing a training program like this.
Age of the player: With age, there is a decrease in the flexibility of soft tissues in the body that is directly related to the reduced range of movement, no matter what the gender. Still, the chances of flexibility getting decreased are very less if we remain active.
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 hinder the range of motion in a joint.
Pain: With an increase in pain, flexibility decreases resulting in muscle spasms. Nonetheless, flexibility in kids is not hampered by strength training unless the exercises are done correctly and in full range of motion.
Genetics: A player’s genetics also decide the amount of flexibility that his or her body has.
What’s stopping you from incorporating these soccer training tips into your training program and make it more effective and productive? 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