Almost every kid who enjoys sport starts off wanting to know how to play soccer. A majority of kids worship their soccer heroes and can’t wait to get out onto the field, kick that ball around and score a goal!
Good coaches are in high demand and your young players will look up to you to understand the basics of the game. They also need to understand soccer conditioning and its importance in helping them become good players.
- Soccer – The Game
Generally a soccer match would comprise of an hour and forty-five minutes, divided into the first half of 45 minutes, followed by a fifteen-minute break and the second half of 45 minutes.
Four player positions, namely the forward or offense, the halfback, the fullback or defense and the goalkeeper are present in the game. Players cannot call a time out for respite.
Each player position has its own demanding requirements in terms of fitness and constitution for the player to play really well.
- Conditioning Requirements For Various Player Positions
The Goalkeeper
He has the responsibility to wait and suddenly move to rigorous action. Their conditioning routine centers on training for alertness, responsiveness, agility etc.
Halfbacks
The halfbacks are runners. Their fitness conditioning comes from anaerobic exercises.
Defensive Backs
Physically of bigger build, the defensives must be fast as well as be able to handle the forwards being quick to react.
Fullbacks
The fullback is the player with the ability to move at sudden speeds handle with strength, getting around another player literally. He needs to be totally reactive to others’ soccer moves.
Forwards
Forwards must have the ability to run short distances every so often. In addition to this, they must also possess the stamina to sustain long sprints. They must be prepared to react to any move from any direction.
Depending on the kind of headway the player makes in soccer, his training and conditioning needs will vary from time to time. The coach’s duty is to keep a track of these special requirements and design the practice drills and fitness routines in such a way as to meet them properly.
The assessment of his team is an ongoing process for the coach when he is teaching them how to play soccer. Constant evaluation is necessary through every practice session so that the coach can give his team the best support he can.
