| As soccer players become bigger and stronger they | | | | such as single leg squats, single leg jumps and single |
| also become faster on the pitch. Many players focus | | | | leg hops. |
| on weight training to increase their strength to | | | | The progression here is static (in place) to dynamic |
| become faster. Some coaches also focus on running | | | | (changing places) |
| techniques to get players faster as well. | | | | Next there a few drills that may done in a gym, on |
| Now, these are important components of speed; | | | | turf or on grass. These would be ladder drills and |
| however if a soccer player is unable to stop, change | | | | cutting drills. |
| direction and accelerate on demand, the current | | | | When a player decelerates the quadriceps, glutei and |
| speed training is incomplete. | | | | calf muscles lengthen under load. |
| The number one thing that is forgotten in speed | | | | If the player does not have the strength to slow |
| training is deceleration. If you think for a minute | | | | down they will either tear a muscle or sprain a |
| about the action of where the majority of knee and | | | | ligament. |
| ankle injuries arise from, you will realize it comes in | | | | It is for this reason single leg strength needs to be |
| some form of stopping and changing direction. | | | | built and cutting drills need to be done. |
| Any coach can develop straight ahead speed. That is | | | | Cutting drills may be done with and with out the ball. |
| simple to do. But if you want to take speed to the | | | | These types of soccer drills may put into your |
| next level, deceleration training is a must! Otherwise | | | | practice after a dynamic warm up once the muscles |
| the opportunity to minimize knee and ankle injuries is | | | | are awake and ready to work. |
| lost. Not only that but, the skill will remain the same. | | | | Building strength and doing cutting type drills needs to |
| If you take a good look at the top international | | | | be done on a consistent basis to get both short term |
| soccer players you will notice this when they are with | | | | and long term results. |
| and with out the ball. | | | | In conclusion, a speed program for soccer must have |
| This one particular skill once mastered will significantly | | | | both single leg strength exercises as well as any type |
| raise the level of the soccer player. | | | | of cutting drills that causes the soccer player to stop, |
| In order to build strength for deceleration, soccer | | | | change direction and accelerate. |
| players need to focus on some single leg exercises | | | | |