Why Strength Training For Soccer Should Not Be Underestimated?

Lately I have been thinking about why so many coaches miss out on strength training fundamentals when training soccer players. Actually, I truly believe that some coaches neglect the need for strength training all together. One of my favorite goalkeeper forums is swamped every week with talk about injuries sustained during the competitive season. Neglecting strength training can lead to injury throughout the season. I’ve seen many clubs here in Australia who have scrambled to search for players during the season because injury had depleted their playing roster. Strength training was never really advocated whilst growing up playing in the national league in Australia. Sure, we had access to a dank old gymnasium, but it was primarily used to increase strength after injury. Unfortunately, we fail to realise that strength training throughout the season can really make a huge difference competitively.

Following are some handy recommendations from Batson, J. et al. 2002 in regards to strength training for specific sports:

All sports differ in the relative importance of agility, speed, aerobic endurance, anaerobic power and capacity, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination required to excel. Successful strength and conditioning programs take these factors into account when designing programs for individual athletes.

Age, maturation, body composition, muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, state of heat acclimation, nutritional status, and psychological and emotional condition should all be considered when designing programs for different populations. In addition, the individual’s current medical status must also be addressed. Conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure as well as orthopedic concerns must also be factored into the exercise prescription.

Large muscle groups of the back, abdomen, shoulders, and hips, commonly called the “core,” should be included as

part of strength-training sessions.

After hard workouts, athletes should be encouraged to perform “cool-down” exercises and stretching routines and to consume carbohydrate-rich drinks and foods. Massage and whirlpool therapies can also be useful in hastening recovery.

Agility, speed, and strength are inherently fundamental aspects to training for any sport, especially soccer. Another important aspect is training the core and remembering to warm-up and cool down during competition. Understanding that strength training can increase muscle size, fiber density, strength, power and also increase bone mineral density which can prevent injury throughout the competitive season should not be something to be taken lightly. If strength training is good enough for clubs like Real Madrid or Manchester United, then it is good enough for competitive soccer players and athletes at all levels.