| It's known as 'The Beautiful Game', and is | | | | |
| the most popular game around the world. | | | | - Stamina training. Another key to any good |
| Enjoyed everywhere from playing fields to | | | | player is the level of stamina they possess, |
| streets to high schools, soccer is a game | | | | and this is where dedicated soccer fitness |
| everyone can enjoy. However, as fun as it is, | | | | training can help. After all, a game of |
| to play it properly you need to be fit as | | | | soccer lasts a minimum 90 minutes, not |
| well as skillful, and this is where dedicated | | | | including extra time if required, so ensuring |
| soccer training comes into effect. | | | | you can last the pace is crucial. Jogging |
| | | | around the soccer pitch itself a few times |
| Yet even this needs to be done properly, in | | | | will help build up your stamina as well as |
| order to get the maximum benefit from your | | | | your overall fitness. |
| soccer training. After all, it's no good | | | | |
| being the fittest player on the park if you | | | | - Aerobic and cardio training. Although the |
| have to come off with a pulled muscle because | | | | phrase aerobic may bring to mind girls in |
| you didn't warm up properly beforehand. | | | | leotards exercising to music in a hall, you |
| Therefore, making sure you have a set routine | | | | would be surprised at how this can be adapted |
| for your soccer fitness training is crucial | | | | for soccer fitness training. You obviously |
| to get the best results every time. | | | | don't need the leotards, but you can still |
| | | | use music to accompany a strong aerobic |
| - Warm up. Just like any exercise, you need | | | | workout (it's a proven fact that loud music |
| to make sure your body is completely warmed | | | | stimulates endorphins, which in turn give you |
| up before you start your soccer fitness | | | | extra energy). Do quick and intense circuit |
| training. This not only loosens up your limbs | | | | training exercises for the best effect. |
| for the training ahead, but will stop you | | | | |
| from injuring yourself. Warm ups can include | | | | - Five-a-side soccer. Perhaps not |
| light jogging, stretching, gentle bouncing on | | | | surprisingly, one of the best ways to benefit |
| the spot, and even a quick mini-game of | | | | from soccer fitness training is to play the |
| kicking the ball back and forth. | | | | game itself, and this is even more so if you |
| | | | play indoor 5-a-side soccer. With a small |
| - Speed training. Any good soccer coach will | | | | play area and fast, intense games, this will |
| tell you that speed is just as important a | | | | give your whole body a superb workout, and |
| quality as overall skill. If you can run at | | | | increase your fitness and stamina levels |
| defenders and pass them at will to get a | | | | immensely. |
| cross into your strikers, that's an added | | | | |
| weapon to your team's arsenal. Set up two | | | | Whatever level of player you are, by taking |
| cones 50 yards apart, and practice your | | | | your soccer fitness training drills seriously |
| sprinting between them and back again. This | | | | you'll become not only a better player, but a |
| is excellent for a cardio workout, as well as | | | | healthier one as well. |
| building your leg muscles. | | | | |