In Soccer practice , it’s a fact that both players and the coaches have a tendency to take warming up and stretching lightly. It’s important to realize that a player’s complete development is supported by a well designed practice session. Daily practicing soccer training drills is not sufficient.
Players are required to have energy, flexibility, and stamina to remain in the game. So start every practice session with warm up followed by stretching. It should then be followed by technique teaching, games and drills. Towards the end, the kids can be made to learn some game tactics.
Doing warm up and stretching exercises has two main objectives. It readies the body to take the strain of a tough sessions and relaxes the body after the session is over. There are a few drills that act as great warm up and stretching exercises.
1. Running in Formation: This warm up activity requires all team members to run, two alongside each other, staying in harmony. This activity has the effect of building player’s stamina and instilling team spirit amongst players. What’s more, when the players progress in a set pattern, the opposing team tends to look at you as a strong wall to fight against.
2. Follow the leader: This warm up comes from the family of soccer drills that allow the players to learn the art of dribbling with their heads up and tag along other team members. Every player needs to have a ball in this activity. Ask a senior player or assistant coach to take the lead with the ball and others must follow him. This player should make a lot of variations with the ball and the rest of the players should emulate.
3. Reaching out: in soccer practice, this is a well-received stretching exercise. Instruct the players to stretch their legs towards left, right, and center in a standing position. Then, ask them to try touching their toes on all sides. At first, they may find it hard but will eventually be able to do it.
4. Lift legs up behind: This exercise stretches the thighs. In a standing position, the kids must fold their thigh and then hold it there for some time. Then they must do the same with the left leg. It is crucial that the kids do not look below at the ground else they will fall.
Every practice must have an objective. As a coach, try to focus on 1 or 2 skills per week. Research on methods that help players improve their skills and also help them warm up and stretch.
Being fit is vital. Understand that the team that is not fit and gets tired loses. Make sure that your fitness activities are drills that include soccer ball as much as possible. Instruct the kids to run around the field while dribbling a ball.
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