Did you know that soccer training tips has an important feature; stretching, that is highly recommended as well as practiced by almost every sports person? Soccer is one of such sports that is always growing and developing in its complexity.
When it comes to kid’s training for soccer, two types of stretching i.e. static and dynamic stretching are included in it.
When doing the static stretching, players draw out their muscles to a given point of resistance and hold it right there for a given amount of time. When it comes to dynamic stretching, recurring motions, rhythmic bouncing, and rebounding is what the player does. In general, it is not considered as effective as static stretching and more dangerous than static stretching.
This article shares some of the benefits that stretching provides in helping average players become champions.
Stretching reduces injuries: Constant stretching by players during the day and continuing it over a period of time helps the growth of their muscles, thus diminishing the risk of injury. Stretching provides a way of growing the muscle mass and strength as well.
Stretching affects flexibility: Stretching does prevent loss of flexibility. Still, the effects of stretching are way better when it is done for a long period of time than for a shorter duration.
Stretching increases flexibility when it is performed for a few minutes before any soccer activity. But, of all the soccer training tips, the best is where stretching program is extended over a longer period of time that constantly improves the player’s range of motion.
Stretching enhances performance: Player’s performance improves when stretching exercises are designed to be soccer specific.
Make sure that the kids enjoy stretching: Make stretching fun for the kids by including a variety of soccer drills into your session. Keep changing the type of warm up exercises that you perform before stretching. Try tag games, ball tag, and keep away.
Focus mentally on the stretching and feel and understand each stretch, checking for stiffness or soreness.
In most of the cases a single 15-30 minute stretch for each muscle group is enough for kids but some may need longer stretches or more repetitions.
This is because when the temperature of muscles is higher than normal, tightness decreases and extensibility increases. Those players who wish to sustain or increase their flexibility can partially attain this goal by stretching. It’s advisable to perform stretching exercises when the body temperature is higher than normal as it is safer and more useful.
That’s why some experienced coaches recommend stretching after a workout also. If your kids stretch for 5-10 minutes after performing soccer skills, their muscles will not tighten too fast.
Usually, players who practice an active warm-up ahead of stretching get a superior range of motion than those kids who just stretch. So if injury prevention is your aim, stop stretching before exercise and increase the warm up time.
One of the most important soccer training tips to keep in mind is that stretching, if done hurriedly, does not help kids gain any flexibility, and becomes worthless and repetitive, so give them sufficient time to warm up before stretching. Join to our youth soccer coaching community and you can get access to numerous articles, videos, and periodic newsletters.
Andre Botelho is the author of “The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide” and he’s a recognized expert in the subject of youth soccer coaching. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make coaching sessions fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: Youth Soccer Drills.
