Soccer Practice : Who Else Want To Warmup And Stretch

February 27th, 2010

Let’s face it! When it comes to warming up and stretching in Soccer practice , both coaches and players tend to ignore both. It must be understood that a practice must support the development of players as a whole. In soccer training, performing daily drills is not good enough.

Players need strength, flexibility, and endurance to stay alive in the game. So every practice must start with warm-up and stretch. It should then be followed by technique teaching, games and drills. Eventually, teach the kids some game tactics.

Warming up and stretching achieve two broad objectives. It allows the body to get ready for a taxing exercise regime and stretching results in resting of the muscles. There are a few drills that act as great warm up and stretching exercises.

1. Running in Formation: This warm up activity requires all team members to run, two alongside each other, staying in harmony. This activity has the effect of building player’s stamina and instilling team spirit amongst players. Moreover, moving forward in a pre defined arrangement of players; you indicate to the opponents that they are going to have a hard time dealing with you.

2. Follow the leader: This warm up comes from the family of soccer drills that allow the players to learn the art of dribbling with their heads up and tag along other team members. Every player needs to have a ball in this activity. Pick a senior player or an assistant coach to start dribbling the ball and everyone else must follow him/her in a line. This leader should endeavor to make a lot of moves and the followers should copy him.

3. Reaching out: In soccer practice, this is a popular and very effective stretching exercise. Ask the players to stretch their legs apart and direct them left, right, and center. Then, ask them to try touching their toes on all sides. At first, they may find it hard but will eventually be able to do it.

4. Lift legs up behind: This exercise helps the kids work their thighs. In a standing position, the kids must fold their thigh and then hold it there for some time. Then repeat with the left leg. It is crucial that the kids do not look below at the ground else they will fall.

Every practice must have a purpose. As a coach, try to focus on 1 or 2 skills per week. Research on methods that help players improve their skills and also help them warm up and stretch.

Physical fitness is important. Remember that the team that wears out early is the one that loses. Make use of a soccer ball for every drill that you make the kids do. Do not make the kids run just like that, have them dribble with the ball while they do so.

Go ahead and help your team use these tips in their soccer practice. If you are looking for more knowledge, tips, and tricks, subscribe to our youth soccer coaching community today.

Andre Botelho is known online as “The

Expert Youth Soccer Coach” and his free

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