You've probably heard it a hundred times that it is a good idea to alter the intensity in soccer conditioning on days following a competition. The result is an improved attempt in a match and a similar result in a workout. The coaches prefer to remain uncertain in their approach, anytime they are nearing a competition.
When you are nearing to a contest, adopt the policy of “less is more” as far as training is concerned. 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. Coach’s performance is an exact contradiction.
What they do is enhance the intensity and number both resulting in negative effects of training and lot of strain. As such, the players are not in their fittest state on the day of competition.
This holds good for after match soccer fitness. Depending on the length of the match, players feel worn out, stiff, and pain in their muscles after the match is over. As such, it’s necessary to have a workout session subsequently for the players to recuperate. 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. Acting in response to the stress that arises during the match should be the goal.
The best method to recuperate after a match is to practice cooling down. This type of soccer conditioning goes a long way in cooling down the body and also keeping the flow of blood normal. In addition to static stretching, add some light activities too such as shuffling, skipping, and carioca.
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. Long and strenuous sessions may cause the players to under-perform and also feel fatigued.
As the workouts come to a close, the intensity should start coming down. This will help the body get conditioned for the next session.
Follow the days of heavy soccer workouts with light exercises on another day. Include a complete day off in between when the players can rest. 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. These help a great deal in reducing or eliminating the soreness that is the result of breakdown of muscle tissues.
Now, you know 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 offers resources such as articles, newsletters, videos etc. Take advantage of them by subscribing 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.