You've probably heard it a hundred times that it is a good idea to alter the intensity in Soccer conditioning on days following a competition. It results in a better quality shot in a match and likewise in the trainings. The coaches prefer to remain uncertain in their approach, anytime they are nearing a competition.

When a tournament is approaching, it is best to employ a "less is more" approach to training. Carry on with the same amount of high intensity, however, cut down on number and duration of drills. It conveys the required motivation to keep up with the performance. Coach’s performance is an exact contradiction.

They tend to increase both the amount and intensity leading to over training and pressure. Because of this, on the day of the match, players are not totally fit.

This is also true for post match soccer fitness. After a match, depending upon the number of minutes it has lasted, the players are fatigued, stiff and sore. So it’s essential to carry out a workout session, the very next day, aimed at helping players recuperate. Their muscles will begin to relax and they’ll find it easy to get back to their normal self.

At the same time, see that the sessions are not very broad. Generally, 15 to 30 minutes is what the ideal duration is for these workouts. The target should be to oppose the pressure that crops up through the competition.

The most common recovery after a match is the cool down session. This sort of soccer conditioning is helpful in slowing down the body and controlling the flow of blood normal through the muscles. In addition to static stretching, add some light activities too such as shuffling, skipping, and carioca.

When the players return home, they can enjoy hot or cold showers that aid in recovering the muscles.

Soccer conditioning

To reduce the training related anxiety, conduct recovery sessions during, between, and after the soccer exercises. Long and strenuous sessions may cause the players to under-perform and also feel fatigued.

As the workouts become advanced and the training sessions progress, the strength required for the session should decrease. This will help the body get conditioned for the next session.

Follow the days of heavy soccer workouts with light exercises on another day. It is a must to include a rest day also between the workout days. All sessions must be accompanied by cool down sessions. Make the players do light movement drills, self-massage, as well as body stretches in this session. These help a great deal in reducing or eliminating the soreness that is the result of breakdown of muscle tissues.

So there you have it! Add these post match/workout soccer conditioning tips to your sessions and you will be amazed by the results of your workouts. Our youth soccer coaching community offers resources such as articles, newsletters, videos etc. You gain from them by registering today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in youth soccer coaching and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. Learn how to explode your players' skills and make training fun by downloading your free ebook at: Soccer Practice Drills