Let’s accept the fact that in Soccer practice , both stretching and warming up are not given due attention by either coaches or players. It must be understood that a practice must support the development of players as a whole. In soccer training, performing daily drills is not good enough.
Players need strength, flexibility, and endurance to stay alive in the game. Therefore each practice session should begin with warm up rounds and stretching. It should then be followed by technique teaching, games and drills. In the end, kids should be taught game tactics.
There are two purposes that are fulfilled from warm up and stretching. They prepare the body for a strenuous workout and at the end of the session, stretching relaxes the tired muscles. There are some drills that account for amazing stretching and warm up exercises.
1. Running in Formation: This warm up activity requires all team members to run, two alongside each other, staying in harmony. This is a great team activity that develops stamina as well as instills team spirit among the kids. Also, when the kids move about in a formation, it gives a direct message to the opposition that your team is a force to reckon with.
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. It’s necessary for each player to have a ball in this activity. Ask the assistant coach or an advanced player to lead the team. This player should try a lot of new things which should be imitated in turn by the rest of the pack.
3. Reaching out: In soccer practice, this is a well accepted and efficient stretching activity. Make the players stand with their legs apart and direct them left, right, and center. After that, tell them to try touching their toes. In the beginning, they may find it difficult but will get used to it soon.
4. Lift legs up behind: This exercise helps the kids work their thighs. While standing, the kids must fold one of their thighs and hold it for a specific time. Then they must do the same with the left leg. It is vital that the kids do not look at the ground otherwise, they may fall down.
Every practice must have a goal. As a coach, try to focus on 1 or 2 skills per week. Engineer drills that work towards developing the skills of the players while at the same time helping them warm up and stretch.
Being fit is vital. Appreciate the fact that the team that gets worn out easily loses. It is extremely important that every drill uses a soccer ball. Do not make the kids run just like that, have them dribble with the ball while they do so.
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