Plyometrics is often referred to as the jumping exercise because of the explosive drills it encourages and it is a great way to build muscle rapidly. For this reason it has become an absolute staple for soccer players at all levels who have their own list of plyometric exercises they use to get their body into the right shape to play.How do Soccer Players Use … [Read more...] about Plyometric Exercises for Soccer Players
Soccer Position Numbers Explained
With so many position numbers in soccer and with so much innovation to have taken place in the game in the last 20 years adding more all the time, it can be difficult to keep track of all the different position numbers on a soccer team.Here we look at a range of the most popular names of soccer positions and their associated numbers:No 1 : GoalkeeperLargely self-explanatory and … [Read more...] about Soccer Position Numbers Explained
What are the Best Footballs for Concrete?
No matter how well coached or which clubs they are affiliated to, all kids start their soccer careers and learn the game by playing with their friend’s in the street or at school. This is where they really fall in love with soccer and many come home every day with the scarred knees to prove it! But when playing in the backyard or on the street, you often need a special kind of … [Read more...] about What are the Best Footballs for Concrete?
6 a Side Soccer Formations : What is the Best Way to Play 6 a Side Soccer
6 a side soccer is a fast paced and exciting game which develops ball skills and the techniques needed to play in tight situations. There are a number of 6 a side soccer formations which you can try that will give your team a tactical edge over your opponent. In small sided games like 6 a side though, formations are not the only deciding factor. Individual tactics and ways of … [Read more...] about 6 a Side Soccer Formations : What is the Best Way to Play 6 a Side Soccer
9v9 Soccer Formations : What is the best formation for 9 a side soccer
9 v 9 soccer is the closest format to a full sized game and borrows many of its tactical formations from its big brother. 9 a side soccer is a brilliant format for developing many of the skills for full sized soccer whilst also placing tactical demands onto all teams who must occupy space on the pitch, provide effective service to their strikers and score goals, so choosing the … [Read more...] about 9v9 Soccer Formations : What is the best formation for 9 a side soccer
Soccer Rebound Boards : The Soccer Net that Returns the Ball
Like many coaches I’m always interested to listen and read up on other coaches and their techniques to help improve my own style and what I am able to deliver for my players. After months of banging my head against a brick wall because I thought I’d taken my coaching as far as I could, it turns out that a simple soccer rebound board can be the difference between making my … [Read more...] about Soccer Rebound Boards : The Soccer Net that Returns the Ball
Size 1 Soccer Ball Drills
Have you ever thought about how a size 1 soccer ball could give you the same soccer education as some of the greatest players of all time? Well, today we look at some of the best size 1 soccer ball drills that will help you achieve that goal!Some of the world’s greatest ever soccer players share a lot of things in common. For instance, many of them grew up in poverty in … [Read more...] about Size 1 Soccer Ball Drills
What Size Shin Pads do I Need? – Soccer Shin Guard Size Chart
The last thing we want when we’re playing soccer is to wear equipment that doesn’t properly fit, whether it’s the jersey, the boots or anything else. One piece of equipment that most soccer players don't pay a lot of attention to is shin guards, which are mandatory for participating in soccer, and begs the question "What Size Shin Pads Do I Need?"Don't Risk Injury without Shin … [Read more...] about What Size Shin Pads do I Need? – Soccer Shin Guard Size Chart
How to Clean Shin Pads? What is the Best Way to Clean Soccer Shin Guards?
While they aren’t always an obvious choice as part of a soccer player's kit bag, shin pads are a vital part of soccer equipment and it is impossible to play the game at the top level without them. As with all of the other items in our kit bags, it is important to keep shin pads clean and free of bacteria, so we've written a guide on how to clean shin pads in the article … [Read more...] about How to Clean Shin Pads? What is the Best Way to Clean Soccer Shin Guards?
How to be a Good Right Winger – Master Your Soccer Position
Over the years of my professional coaching career I've had many younger players asking me how to be a good right winger and what skills they will need to develop, so we'll try and answer this today.When a player says that they play the number 7 or 11 position, they are often alluding to the fact that they are wingers. The number 7 often plays along the right wing (right winger) … [Read more...] about How to be a Good Right Winger – Master Your Soccer Position
What is the Easiest Position in Soccer?
With one eye on their dreams of becoming a famous soccer player many kids have asked themselves, ‘What is the easiest position in Soccer?’Goalkeepers?A great clue to discovering the easiest position to master is to go back to the grass roots of the game and watch any kickabout in the park between a bunch of kids.Kids have a great way of putting themselves into a hierarchy … [Read more...] about What is the Easiest Position in Soccer?
What’s that Hardest Position in Soccer?
Ask any Head Coach or Soccer Manager what the hardest position in soccer is and they will quickly tell you that they are all easy compared to their own job! After all there is an old adage in soccer that when the team does well the players get the credit and when the team does badly the Head Coach gets fired!Is a Striker the Hardest Position in Soccer?Many people would say that … [Read more...] about What’s that Hardest Position in Soccer?
What’s a Poacher in Soccer?
Why do we want to know whats a poacher in soccer? Well, there is a statistic floating around soccer that says the modern player is in contact with the ball for an average of only 1 minute 27 seconds in a professional soccer match! Imagine being paid $200,000 each week to kick a ball around for under 2 minutes of your time!Of course, there are only a few players at the top of … [Read more...] about What’s a Poacher in Soccer?
How to Kick a Soccer Ball without Hurting your Foot
When you first start to play soccer it is essential that you master the art of how to kick a soccer ball without hurting your foot technique.Many players are naturally gifted at kicking the ball with one foot in particular but struggle to kick the ball properly with their ‘wrong’ foot. The best soccer players in the world are masters at kicking the ball with both of their … [Read more...] about How to Kick a Soccer Ball without Hurting your Foot
Best Soccer Shin Guards 2024
Soccer is one of the biggest sports in the world and is played in almost every country. Having the right equipment is vital for many players and one of the most important pieces is a pair shin guards. They have been used for centuries and this article discusses the best soccer shin guards available in 2024.Quick Comparison**You can find more detailed reviews in the article … [Read more...] about Best Soccer Shin Guards 2024
What are the Best Offside Trap Drills?
Defending fast paced players such as Neymar or Messi can be quite an uphill task. Luckily the offside rule ensures that attacking players do not have an upper hand when receiving passes while positioned ahead of the last defender. To enhance the defensive capabilities of their teams, many coaches have come up with clever ways of capitalizing on the offside rule in their favor … [Read more...] about What are the Best Offside Trap Drills?
Goalkeeper Training on your Own : The Best Solo Goalkeeper Drills
We regularly receive questions from our readers and one that we seem to be getting repeatedly relates to ways of training alone as a goalkeeper. Soccer players sometimes find themselves in situations where they want to train but do not have anyone to workout with. For this reason we have taken some time out to put together a couple of tips that will guide you when engaging in … [Read more...] about Goalkeeper Training on your Own : The Best Solo Goalkeeper Drills
What is the Best Formation for 8v8 Soccer?
8 v 8 soccer is sometimes classed as the biggest of the small sided games offering opportunities to blend tight ball skills in intricate situations with more expansive play. This means it isn’t always straightforward to decide what the best formation for 8v8 soccer is.Playing the right formation that suits the players in your team is important to ensure you’re as competitive as … [Read more...] about What is the Best Formation for 8v8 Soccer?
Soccer Freestyle Tricks Names and Cool Soccer Juggling Tricks
Today we're going to look at soccer freestyle tricks names that you've never heard of and show you how to master them!Freestyle soccer consists mainly of fancy tricks and moves that are loved for their entertainment value. The fancy footwork is usually quite elaborate making it enjoyable to watch. As the cool skill of soccer ball juggling continued to evolve, the past-time … [Read more...] about Soccer Freestyle Tricks Names and Cool Soccer Juggling Tricks
What is a Sweeper in Soccer and How to Play Sweeper Position?
A sweeper in soccer definition is basically a player who is positioned in the defensive backline and is responsible for countering any opposing attackers who may get past the other defenders. The term 'sweeper' is more of a colloquial definition that was coined in the late 1800’s to refer to the job of ‘Sweeping up’ any attackers that break away from the other defenders.What … [Read more...] about What is a Sweeper in Soccer and How to Play Sweeper Position?
The Long Lost Art of the Soccer Shoulder Charge
While Soccer and NFL ‘American Football’ are very different sports, there once was a time when the sight of soccer players using their shoulders to barge opponents out of their way ‘NFL style’ was commonplace. The soccer shoulder charge is something of a lost art in the modern game having disappeared as soccer seeks to give its most skillful and attacking players more … [Read more...] about The Long Lost Art of the Soccer Shoulder Charge
Soccer 2020 – How to be a Good Right Midfielder in the Modern Game
As the game of soccer has become more and more tactical over the last 20 years and with the physical conditioning of players now far superior than before, a number of positions on the soccer field have altered greatly. Today we explore how to be a good right midfielder, taking tips from some of the greats and looking at the skills a modern right midfield player needs to succeed … [Read more...] about Soccer 2020 – How to be a Good Right Midfielder in the Modern Game
Why Lionel Messi Sucks – Is Messi Really Overrated?
So I was watching the dazzling Real Madrid wipe away the stars of Juventus easily on Saturday night, and my friend was eulogising about Cristiano Ronaldo and giving me an earful of why Lionel Messi sucks.Ronaldo scored his 104th and 105th Champions League goals keeping him on top of the all time leading scorers charts and completing a sensational season for him.However, for me … [Read more...] about Why Lionel Messi Sucks – Is Messi Really Overrated?
What Does Juventus Mean and Juve’s Many Nicknames?
Wow, what a weekend of football that was and it occurred to me as I was watching Juventus get thrashed by Real Madrid in the Champions League final, that I didn’t know so much about the history of these 2 mighty clubs, for example what does Juventus mean even???With this in mind, I thought it was time for me to do a bit of digging and find out a little bit more about the … [Read more...] about What Does Juventus Mean and Juve’s Many Nicknames?
Using your Head : The Best Soccer Heading Drills
Although the beautiful game may be called 'foot' ball in many parts of the world, the ability to head the ball correctly is often underlooked and is a powerful part of the game, so today we're going to look at heading drills to improve this underrated soccer skill.Why is a good heading technique important in soccer?If you have soccer players who are strong and know how to … [Read more...] about Using your Head : The Best Soccer Heading Drills
Soccer Goalkeeper Training Drills : How to Become a Top Goalie
It’s no surprise that the most successful teams in the world have been based on having a rock solid defensive line, and today we’re going to look at the best soccer goalkeeping drills to ensure that your team lead from the back.Think of some of the great teams through history such as Arsenal’s Invisibles or some of the great German teams of recent years and what do they have in … [Read more...] about Soccer Goalkeeper Training Drills : How to Become a Top Goalie
What are the Best Soccer Shooting Drills?
Any good soccer coach will have a series of soccer shooting drills that they use regularly to keep their strikers and players in top form. Ask any soccer player out there and they’ll tell you that there is no sweeter feeling in the world than scoring a goal, so helping them to improve or maintain their shooting abilities should be one of your key goals.I’ve coached in many … [Read more...] about What are the Best Soccer Shooting Drills?
Soccer Training Program
When I was 11 years old, my parents moved to Kenya to become educators to poor and orphaned children living in that African region. It was a pretty big move for me, moving from my privileged life in North America, and I was incredibly scared. I didn’t know the language, the color of my skin was different than everybody else’s, and I had no idea about their culture or how I … [Read more...] about Soccer Training Program
Soccer Training Plan
I am going to be completely honest with you: In every aspect of my life I am a planner. Whenever I wake up in the morning, I need to plan my day: what I’m going to eat, what I’m going to wear, and what exactly I’m going to do when. Maybe this is because my father was a military man, who had strict schedules for me when I was younger, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. … [Read more...] about Soccer Training Plan
Soccer Speed Training
What do you think is the most important aspect of being a great soccer player? Is it accuracy while passing? The strength of your shot? Or your ability to dribble the ball between your legs? While all of these are integral to your ability as a soccer player, I believe the most important aspect of being a great player is speed. Speed is everything, especially when it comes to … [Read more...] about Soccer Speed Training
Soccer Skills Training
“Practice makes perfect,” is what my mom used to say to me all the time while I was growing up. From the moment I started to try and walk, and always fall, my mom would say these words to encourage me. It was a way to keep me going, and to never give up on practicing. However, the more I grew up and began playing professional sports, the more I realized that this saying is … [Read more...] about Soccer Skills Training
Soccer Passing Drills
When I was growing up I had more energy than my parents knew what to do with. I would run around all the time, and they could hardly get me to sit still. This was when my father decided it was time for me to start an extra-curricular activity. They considered dance, drama, and music, but decided I was better suited for soccer. Many parents decide to do this for their … [Read more...] about Soccer Passing Drills
Soccer Drills for Beginners
I have always hated going to the gym. While most for people it boosts their morale, and made them much more alert, I found I always left feeling not good enough.It surprisingly became much more difficult as I got older, and I wanted to find another way to work out that didn’t involve lifting weights. I looked everywhere for a new way to especially work out for my cardiovascular … [Read more...] about Soccer Drills for Beginners
Soccer Dribbling Drills
What is your favorite sport? Is it the rush of playing basketball, the thrill of playing hockey on the ice, or the endurance it takes to swim competitively? For me, and I know for many others, my favorite sport to play and watch is soccer.Soccer (also known as football in many European countries) is the most played sport worldwide as it cannot be easier to play; all you need is … [Read more...] about Soccer Dribbling Drills
Weight Training for Soccer: Vital for Soccer Players
To be great at sports, you must be physically fit; there is no question about it. Sports require a lot of physical strength, flexibility, and a lot of determination. This is why you find so many professional athletes at the gym, before and after practice, to keep pushing their own bodies to be the best they can be. When I was in high school, I was interested in playing … [Read more...] about Weight Training for Soccer: Vital for Soccer Players
Strength Training for Soccer: What It Is and Isn’t
When most people think of a sport that requires strength training, they first think of either boxing or football. While those require a great deal of strength to be successful, people underestimate how much strength is required to be an amazing soccer player. Right now, go to YouTube and watch a segment of a professional soccer game, with men or women! Look at all those … [Read more...] about Strength Training for Soccer: What It Is and Isn’t
Soccer Training Guide: A Comprehensive Way to Train for Soccer
When I was younger I would always complain to my parents when I had to go to any type of sports practice. I loved the games and I loved the competition but I did not like any sort of training. I found it boring and mundane, especially when it came down to doing the basics of the sport. I was cocky, and I thought I was better than everyone else. This was because I was born … [Read more...] about Soccer Training Guide: A Comprehensive Way to Train for Soccer
Soccer Training Exercises: A Complete Guide to Improved Performance
There is never a point in any profession where you will be the best at what you do. I know this sounds harsh, and there will be many people who disagree with me, but this is my utmost belief, and I think it is one of the healthiest ones to have. The moment you start thinking you have achieved the pinnacle of your success and don’t have to work any harder to be better, is the … [Read more...] about Soccer Training Exercises: A Complete Guide to Improved Performance
Soccer Techniques to Master for Beginner Players
Before I get into this article I want you to answer a few questions. How long have you been playing soccer? Where would you say your skills are at right now? Are you a beginner, or a more serious player? What are your long-term goals when it comes to soccer? What position do you play? Is this the position you want to stay in? And lastly, what soccer techniques do you want to … [Read more...] about Soccer Techniques to Master for Beginner Players
Soccer Goalkeeper Training: Training for the Most Important Line of Defense
I have always had big dreams to be a professional soccer player. Growing up I would watch my entire favorite teams every chance I got, and idolize all the best soccer players. It was something that I thought could’ve been possible and from the age of 4, I was in a soccer league.Even though I never made pro, and this was my choice as I also had other interests, soccer has always … [Read more...] about Soccer Goalkeeper Training: Training for the Most Important Line of Defense
Soccer Drills for Youth: Keeping Your Training Fun and Interesting
When I was a little boy, I was so full of energy that I would constantly be running around the house with my parents chasing me. While it may have been cute at first, after a while, it exhausted my parents. But instead of punishing me, or sending me to my room, my parents decided to find a way to channel my energy. They tried putting me in dance classes but it wasn’t the … [Read more...] about Soccer Drills for Youth: Keeping Your Training Fun and Interesting
Soccer Conditioning Drills
If you are a soccer player and are interested in pursuing it at a professional level, you will never be able to stop your training and soccer conditioning drills will be a part of your weekly training sessions. Even if you are simply playing it recreationally and want to condition and improve your footwork, you are going to have to work for it!With any sport, especially soccer, … [Read more...] about Soccer Conditioning Drills
The Epic Soccer Training System: The Best Solution to Improving Your Soccer Game
Do you love soccer? Do you want to expand your game? For me, I have always been a huge fan of soccer both on and off the field. I have watched countless games and played in many leagues, both recreationally and professionally, where I have tried to strengthen my ability as a player. However, sometimes it can be difficult to know what drills are best to enhance your ability. … [Read more...] about The Epic Soccer Training System: The Best Solution to Improving Your Soccer Game
How to Improve Soccer Skills
Has anyone ever told you that “practice makes perfect?” I am sure you’ve heard this saying so many times, either from one of your parents or from a personal coach. Today, however, I am here to tell you that you cannot believe in that saying. The moment you even start thinking that you have become, “perfect,” is the moment you will fail at whatever skill you are … [Read more...] about How to Improve Soccer Skills
Defensive Soccer Drills To Strengthen the Team
Ever since I was little, I have been playing soccer. It started out as just a hobby, but the more I played and the more I trained, the more I fell in love with the sport. I think soccer is the best sport to play and one of the most challenging sports as it can be quite difficult and physically exhausting to be running almost non-stop. While most people prefer playing striker … [Read more...] about Defensive Soccer Drills To Strengthen the Team