Did you know that soccer training tips has an important feature; stretching, that is highly recommended as well as practiced by almost every sports person? Talking about soccer, it is constantly growing and developing in its difficulty.
When it comes to kid’s training for soccer, two types of stretching i.e. static and dynamic stretching are included in it.
When doing the static stretching, players draw out their muscles to a given point of resistance and hold it right there for a given amount of time. Dynamic stretching involves rhythmic bouncing, rebounding and recurring motions. Generally, static stretching is considered as more effective and involves less risk than dynamic stretching.
There are some advantages of practicing stretching discussed in this article that improve a player’s ability to become an exceptional player.
Stretching reduces injuries: Continuous stretching during the day and performed over a period of time may promote muscle growth that, consecutively, could reduce the risk of injury. Stretching also provides a way of improving the size and strength of muscles.
Stretching affects flexibility: Stretching does prevent loss of flexibility. But, stretching is more beneficial in the long run when performed continuously rather than during the shorter periods of time.
Stretching a few minutes prior to any event is likely to increase flexibility. But the best of all soccer training tips is to spread a stretching program over a period of months, leading to a constant increase in range of motion.
Stretching improves performance: Stretches, when designed to be soccer specific can greatly improve a player’s performance.
Stretching can be great fun for the kids: If you include a lot of different types of soccer drills in your practice sessions, it can be a lot of fun. Keep changing the warm up activities that are performed before stretching. Try games like the tag game, ball tag, and keep away.
Focus mentally on the stretching and feel and understand each stretch, checking for stiffness or soreness.
In most of the cases a single 15-30 minute stretch for each muscle group is enough for kids but some may need longer stretches or more repetitions.
This is due to the fact that when the temperature of muscles is higher than normal, inflexibility decreases and extensibility increases. Those players who wish to sustain or increase their flexibility can partially attain this goal by stretching. It is better, safer, and more productive to do stretching exercises when the body temperature is higher than normal.
That’s why some experienced coaches recommend stretching after a workout also. To prevent muscles for tightening too fast, make your players do some stretching after they’ve practiced soccer skills.
Normally, players who perform an active warm-up previous to stretching get an enhanced range of motion than the ones who simply stretch. So if injury prevention is your aim, stop stretching before exercise and increase the warm up time.
When feeling stiff or inflexible, the most important soccer training tips is to allow kids to warm up sufficiently, as doing stretches would not help them become flexible, and will become boring and futile. You can get more such tips and tactics by subscribing to our youth soccer coaching community that has several relevant articles, videos, and periodic newsletters.
Andre Botelho is the author of “The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide” and he’s a recognized expert in the subject of youth soccer coaching. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make coaching sessions fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: Youth Soccer Drills.
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