Soccer Exercises

Soccer or football is a physically demanding game and soccer players need to be mentally and physically fit. To survive in this fast paced game, you need to know some of good soccer exercises. These exercises help to maintain the fitness and flexibility level of soccer players.

Soccer Exercises and Drills

Exercises for soccer should always begin with some warm up and stretching. Stretching exercises will increase the flexibility and also have a positive effect on the mind of soccer players.

• Kneel on one foot, balance yourself by placing your hands on your hips. Push your hips forward for a complete stretch.
• Start with leg circuits, placing your hands behind your head. Stand on one foot, lunge forward and then come back, repeat 10 times and then lunge with other foot. These exercises belong to the group of plyometric exercises. It is an excellent way to improve endurance levels.
• Coaches should always take care that soccer players have speed in their running. Soccer exercise for adults should always contain jogging and running as a warm up.
• Aerobics are an excellent choice for soccer exercises. Aerobic exercises strengthen the human cardiovascular system which increases the heart rate, body temperature. Soccer players should be encouraged to do aerobic exercises such as yoga, swimming and cycling.
• Working on your upper body with weights will not only improve stamina, but also increases strength of the body. Soccer is a dangerous sport and the stronger the players, the less are their chances of getting hurt on the soccer field.

Soccer Exercises for Kids

Soccer is a game that requires lots of practice. To be a good sport in any game you need to practice it regularly. Let's have a look at some best exercises for kids.

• Hold the ball and drop it. Juggle the ball with your knee or middle thigh. Don't let the ball simply bounce off your thigh. Raise the level your thigh each time you bounce your ball with it.
• Practice instep. Instep means if you are right footed then place your left to the ball's side. Keep right foot elevated off the ground a few inches, drawn straight back and swing the ball straight.
• Try to pass the ball in between two cones. Try that the ball doesn't touch the cones.

Soccer Exercises at Home

Exercises for soccer demand a lot of physical activity. Indoor exercises are a great way to achieve that desired physical fitness.

• Sit in an erect posture with one leg straight out and toes pointing upwards. Place your other foot towards your knee and touch your toes with both hands.
• Lie down on your chest with your hands on to the sides. Now push off with your hands and clap your hands in the middle of your body and quickly place your hands to support yourself before hitting the ground. This exercise is difficult, but with regular practice you would be able to perform it efficiently.
• Soccer players need to be flexible as a gymnast sometimes, not only to get the ball from the opponent, but also to prevent soccer injuries. Exercises like yoga, swimming and skipping are ideal to be included in the soccer training schedule. You can also practice these exercises in the gym.

I hope this article on soccer exercises will help you understand the details of this physically demanding sport. Play safe!