In kids soccer drills, it’s surprising that warm up before playing is considered unimportant. Being a coach, I’d let it be known that warming up is not only compulsory but is even critical to begin the day’s play at a brighter and healthier note. This issue is conveniently ignored as unimportant by the coaches in youth soccer drills. The consequences are then faced by the players when they suffer injuries in training.
You will find some great tips on warming up your team before practice sessions. Train the team to use the body movements in a way that all the muscles get worked up. This is the right way to wake up the entire nervous system. Doing things fast can lead to cramps or stiffness in the muscles.
Tip 1: In this make the players go for a light 5 to 7 minute jog. It is highly recommended to start with a light jog and then eventually sprint. In this, the pulse rate should reach 120 beats per minute. However, slow progress is the key. This should be followed by players moving their legs backward and forward for approximately 10 minutes each. Finally, over 20 yards, make them stretch actively.
Tip 2: Having said that, do remember that even this active stretching over 20 yards comes with some warm up drills of its own. For instance, the players should practice hopping forward and backward. Teach the players cross stepping as well. They must also be taught high-knee carioca. You can have these performed similar to sprinting.
In soccer drills for kids, running towards the back is also a very useful warm up exercise. But the best way to carry it out is to raise the heels up to the butt. No doubt, it is a little difficult to practice it this way but there’s no other way of correctly doing it.
Tip 3: In kids soccer drills, there are many other warming up exercises that increase the stamina to perform in the practice sessions. Have your players bounce with rings and swings. These give an added element to the skipping exercises. You can also make your players do the intersecting skipping. It is Quick Hip Swings which is e very efficient and proven method of warming up the body, although it’s a little superior.
Then you can tell your players to do long shuffles with rotations in the middle. Make them practice forward and backward leg swings. It’s a very efficient activity and helps in toning the body. In the same way, high leg forwards and backwards is also very effective.
Tip 4: Stretching must be appropriately and effectively performed. For the legs, stretch hinging works the best. Make sure all players have worked out their quadriceps, calves, hamstring, and groin without fail. Stretching not only prevents injury but also increases the range of the muscles.
In soccer drills for youth, another important thing to ensure is that kids don’t do too much of anything. They have the tendency to get carried away in excitement and injure themselves as a result.
Now that you are armed with this information about kids soccer drills, ensure that kids do warm ups before performing the drills. Our youth soccer coaching community is the place where you’ll many related news and articles. Register now to enjoy the benefits.
Andre Botelho is known online as “The Expert Youth Soccer Coach” and his free ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. Learn how to skyrocket your players’ skills and make practice sessions fun in record time. Download your free ebook at: Youth Soccer Drills.