When it comes to soccer training, focusing on the basics is the key to becoming a great player. You must get your body into shape and work on ball control techniques. These simple exercises focus on fitness and the two most basic, and important, aspects of the game. By mastering shielding and dribbling, you will ensure that your team keeps possession of the ball and improve your odds of a victory.
Conditioning
It is important to continue endurance and strength conditioning throughout the soccer season. Dedicate time every week to running, climbing stairs and weight training. Focus on lower body weight training, as well as exercises that strengthen the core. Get your team together to run stairs or bleachers, which will improve your cardiovascular health and build lower body strength.
Shielding
With just two players, you can practice shielding the ball from an opponent effectively. Play a game of keep-away, as one player tries to steal the ball from the other. Work to maintain possession and use your body as a shield between the ball and your partner.
Dribbling
If you can't make tight turns while controlling the movement of the soccer ball, it will be impossible for you to get the ball down field. If you are training alone, set up a course of cones or other obstacles to dribble through. Move at full speed during your training sessions, as though you were playing a game. If you have a partner to practice with, try to dribble the ball the length of the field without it being stolen away.
Vertical Jump
Whether you play goalie and want to make the tough saves, or just want to nail a header, improving the height of your vertical jump will improve your soccer game. Take a small box or cone and jump over it both forward and backward for 10 repetitions. Then, jump over it from side to side. As you develop your skills, you can use a taller object to practice with.
