Let’s accept the fact that in Soccer practice , both stretching and warming up are not given due attention by either coaches or players. You must understand that a practice session should aid the player’s total professional growth. Practicing standard drills alone in soccer training will not serve the full purpose.
Players are required to have energy, flexibility, and stamina to remain in the game. So start every practice session with warm up followed by stretching. Later in the session, include games, drills, and any kind of technique teaching. Towards the end, the kids can be made to learn some game tactics.
Warm up and stretching are done with two main intentions. They prepare the body for a strenuous workout and at the end of the session, stretching relaxes the tired muscles. There are some drills that account for amazing stretching and warm up exercises.
1. Running in Formation: This warm up activity requires all team members to run, two alongside each other, staying in harmony. Since it’s a team activity, it not only adds on to the team spirit in players but also builds player’s endurance. 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: The players in this warm up soccer drills activity get to learn the skill of following orders along with dribbling with their heads held high. This activity requires every player to have a ball. Ask the assistant coach or an advanced player to lead the team. This lead player must make several different moves and everyone must imitate the lead player.
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 instruct them to touch 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 is another stretching exercise that works the thighs up. In a standing position, the kids must fold their thigh and then hold it there for some time. Then they must do the same with the left leg. It is vital that the kids do not look at the ground otherwise, they may fall down.
Every practice must have a purpose. As a coach, try to focus on 1 or 2 skills per week. Create games and exercises that warm up the players as well as help them stretch after the training and also develop their abilities.
Fitness is the key. Understand that the team that is not fit and gets tired loses. Ensure that the kids use a soccer ball for every drill that they do. Instruct the kids to run around the field while dribbling a ball.
So go ahead and make your team work out with these fitness mantras for soccer practice. If you are looking for more knowledge, tips, and tricks, subscribe to our youth soccer coaching community today.
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