In soccer conditioning, it sounds good that the concentration on workouts be changed on days following a competition. It helps in producing a quality effort in a match or equally a workout. Whenever a competition is forthcoming, coaches have a tendency to be indecisive in their approach.
Talking about training, follow the policy of “less is more” whenever a competition is close. Carry on with the same amount of high intensity, however, cut down on number and duration of drills. It suggests an apt amount of incentive to continue with the performance. Coaches act just contrary to it.
The problems like overtraining and constant worry show up only because they increase the quantity and intensity both. For this reason, the players are not at their physical and mental best on the day of match.
This is also true for post match soccer fitness. After a match, depending upon the number of minutes it has lasted, the players are fatigued, stiff and sore. It is therefore extremely important to conduct a recovery workout the next day. This has the effect of letting the player’s muscles rest and bounce back to their usual self.
Again ensure that these sessions are not extensive. In general, 15-30 minutes is more than perfect when it comes to the length of these workouts. The target should be to oppose the pressure that crops up through the competition.
It’s a good idea to do some cool down workouts after the match to recuperate. This form of soccer conditioning is effective in cooling the body while at the same time keeping the blood flow normal. Include light exercises such as such as shuffling, skipping, and carioca as supplements to static stretching.
Once you leave the field and get home, taking a cool or hot shower (whatever relaxes you) does wonders to this recovery process.
To reduce the ill effects of training, initiate some recovery sessions during, between, and after the soccer exercises. If the sessions are long and without adequate gaps for recovery sessions, it will definitely lead to reduced performances and unnecessary fatigue.
After every workout or as the training session progresses, the intensity of exercises should somehow decrease. This will condition the body for the forthcoming session.
On days that the players do heavy training or soccer workouts, follow it up with light training. Also, include a rest day in the middle. The stretching sessions must conclude the training sessions. Make the players do light movement drills, self-massage, as well as body stretches in this session. This will deal with the soreness in the muscles due to breakdown of muscle tissues.
So there you have it! Incorporate these post match/workout soccer conditioning tips into your sessions and you will have a team that is fit, injury-free and full of energy, always. Our youth soccer coaching community has tons of knowledge in the form of articles, newsletters, videos etc. Benefit from these by enrolling today.
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in youth soccer coaching and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make training fun by downloading your free ebook at: Soccer Drills.
