Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Basic College Soccer Training Drills For Preseason

By Andrea Davidson


The difference between being ready for the opening game of the college soccer season and being unfit is like the difference between night and day. One of the most important aspects of any college soccer training program is preseason. If a trainer prepares thoroughly for the opening game then that could be the difference between being able to last 90 minutes, and wilting before the end of the game.

The better trainers will have planned the sessions in advance. Usually you'll start your fitness regime around five to six weeks before the first game. At the very begging things will probably be taken quite slowly, with light jogging and light warm-ups in the first week. Stretching is usually a big factor because many players are quite stiff at the start of preseason.

Working the legs is crucial because players use them so much throughout a game. The arms are important too. Exercises for these muscle groups include stationery ones and moving exercises. Stationery involves stretching and moving exercises involve circular motions of the arms and legs.

Running forms an important part of the training regime because in soccer there is a lot of running around. Aerobic conditioning is vital and should be gradually increased as the season nears. Cross country running and sprinting should be undertaken as these will get you fit quickly. Later you should also start dribbling with the ball, practicing control and movement.

As the season draws near you should be focusing less on long distance running and more on short sprints and working with the ball. For the latter players are usually grouped in pairs or as five-a-side teams and have to work in tight spaces with the ball, touching it a maximum of once or twice before having to pass to a team member.

It does not matter if you're a defender or a midfielder, every player should practice shooting. Normally this takes place when the session is nearly over, plus it gives goalkeepers the opportunity to practice stopping shots. After this comes a gentle warm down. This is a time to take things easy, so as not to strain the muscles the players have worked.

During the early part of preseason the players need to take things slowly. Some might be unfit due to the lack of exercise in the off-season, and others might not want to be there at all. Because of the latter, training needs to have an element of fund added to it, otherwise players will not be motivated to try their hardest, However, do not push them too much in the early stages or they will be too tired once the season starts.

As the season gets underway you may find that your preseason college soccer training regime has not quite gotten them fit for matches. This is not unusual. The only way for players to get fit for matches is to play competitive matches. Oftentimes it takes around two to three games for them to get fully fit for the actual game. Preseason should training help them get there quicker.




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