The Benefits of Physical Conditioning For Your Soccer Performance

Soccer is a very physically demanding sport. In a game a player on average runs five constant miles. A soccer player also has tremendous amounts of stress on their hips, abdomens, thighs, calves, shins, ankles, toes, chests, and everywhere a soccer ball touches. In order to be ready for all of this physical activity a player must condition in the off season.

1. Run.
   1. A soccer player must run daily for long distances in the off season to keep in shape. Not only will the player have great stamina but the player will have that crucial first step in over time.
   2. Not only is a player responsible for long distance running but also short distance running. A player's fast twitch muscles are a valuable must have in a soccer game. If a player had slow fast twitch muscles they would be beaten every time. Grab a jump rope, sprint with a speed chute, or do daily plyometric workouts to keep the edge.
2. Strength.
   1. Being able to pound a sixty mile an hour soccer ball at the goalie consistently takes strength and stamina. Not only do soccer players need good leg strength, but even greater strength stamina. Shoot soccer balls daily, run with ankle weights, shoot with ankle weights, lunges, and do anything that helps with leg strength.
   2. Strong ball kicking abilities do not only come from the legs. A player's hips, back, and abdomens, are just as important. When kicking a ball almost all of a player's momentum and strength comes from twisting the hips. If a player has weak abdomens than they probably have weak hips.
3. Extra Step.
   1. Like stated before a player must have supreme stamina to have the edge. But what most athletes do not realize is the importance of an extra half step in over time. This step may seem useless, but when a player has an edge-greatness follows.

If you love soccer as much as I do then you should check out "Soccer-How to Play" or "Optimal Soccer Fitness"