Is soccer speed training part of your training plan? If not, it’s time to give this high energy and high success method a try. Coaches all over the world have found that soccer speed training makes for faster players and more wins. What exactly is soccer speed training?
Basically, it’s a mix of aerobic and anaerobic exercises that are combined to train the soccer player’s body to achieve maximum acceleration, maximum velocity, and maximum endurance. These three traits can revolutionize both offense and defense by giving players the sheer speed they need to leave the other team in the dust.
The first component of soccer speed training is acceleration. The ability to accelerate with speed and control can give a player a huge advantage on the playing field. This crucial skill can mean the difference between taking possession of the ball and watching the other team score. Acceleration generally refers to the speed gained in the first three to four seconds of running.
If you are in need of a few acceleration exercises to jumpstart your soccer practice, try running short spurts of less than 30 meters and focusing on adding speed in a smooth and efficient manner. Many teams find that running from one cone to another, and then back, is an easy way to work on this vital skill.
The second part of soccer speed training is velocity. Velocity means speed, and maximum velocity means reaching and maintaining the highest possible speed. The key to maintaining a high velocity is to stop trying to accelerate and instead finding a relaxed stride. This will help the player maintain a high energy level and even prevent injuries. How can a soccer player learn velocity?
Many coaches have found that placing a cone at the 25 or 30 meter line to signify an end to the acceleration running style is a good visual cue for players. Once they cross the line, they begin working on finding a stride while maintaining speed and energy. Just knowing the difference between the two running styles is often enough to get players on the right track.
The last component of soccer speed training is endurance. Endurance is the ability to maintain speed over a long period of time, even while become fatigued. Soccer players often find themselves having to perform while their energy stores are running low, so this quality is perhaps the most important of the three. Like many aspects of sport performance, endurance requires both mental and physical strength.
Mentally, players must be committed to maintaining their quality of play and their good form. As for the physical component, many teams have found that occasional long runs of five or more minutes are good for building the strength needed to outlast the competition.
With these simple exercises, it should be easy to make this revolutionary program part of your regular training. Adding soccer speed training to your practice can make for a swifter, stronger team that can get to the ball faster and keep it in play longer. With maximum acceleration, velocity, and endurance, your team should soon be celebrating maximum wins as well.
