SOCCER CONDITIONING

When we talk about conditioning we usually think about running, sweating, sprinting, etc. In short, we define conditioning as any kind of exercise that push our physical abilities with the idea that our body can handle increased demand better.

It makes sense to do a little more than what we are used to in regards to stamina, strength, speed, technical skills, mental attitude and performance. Conditioning in soccer should always be done while playing soccer. In youth soccer, conditioning should be geared to finding solutions for soccer problems.

How important is it for a player to run the 100 meters if he is not able to solve a soccer problem in the meantime? Is the player able control the pass after a sprint? Does he know what to do next? Is he aware where his teammates are?

A player should run, shoot, pass, dribble, and jump in order to resolve a soccer challenge. Shooting, jumping, running and passing are a task by itself; but a part of a bigger soccer task.

In youth soccer, it is a lot more important for a player to solve a soccer problem then to be the fastest or the strongest. The most important part of conditioning is for the player to be able to contribute to the team in a positive way as much as possible and as long as the game lasts.

A soccer player need not be a weightlifter, sprinter or highjumper. A soccer player needs to know how to solve soccer problems. The better a player is prepared for this the better he is conditioned. This is a learning process. When the brains learns what to do the muscle follow and react appropriately.

CONDITIONING IN SOCCER IS PLAYING SOCCER

TECHNIQUE IN SOCCER

Technique in soccer is always linked to the objective of the game. It is by definition goal oriented. You have to score goals to win a game. It is a means to an end.

Players have to understand the objectives of the game before you can even say anything about technique.

Soccer technique is the means of controlling the ball. There is no way around this. Technique should always be taught with this in mind.

Once a player learns the basic techniques of soccer, they can only improve by playing soccer and having as many touches as possible. Though the starting player will be able to execute simple soccer tasks, it will take time and a lot of practice (touches) to be able to solve more complex soccer tasks later on.

In soccer, no two situations will ever be the same. As soon the ball starts rolling in a game, nobody can predict where it is going. Therefore, a player has to be flexible and able to adapt to every new situation.

In soccer, there is no ideal technique. How a player kicks or controls a ball always depends on that situation.

Practice is the best teacher, but it should be done in such a way that the players could learn as much as possible. Therefore, it is important to adjust the field and the rules of the game according to the player’s skill.

It has been proven that a game of 4 vs 4 provides the best possible way for players to develop. Players should have as many touches with the ball and play with as much as possible to hone their skills.

Learning soccer is like learning how to drive a car. As soon as you start to drive it is never the same, every second a new situation occurs. You can explain to somebody how to drive a car, but to really learn it you have to drive yourself. You can explain to some how to play soccer, but to learn it you have to do it and practice over and over.

You learn technique in soccer by playing soccer.

READING THE GAME

Soccer problems become much clearer to coaches as well as players in small-sided games. A simple solution to reading the game is to subdivide it in three main situations:

1. Possession of the ball by your own team.
2. Possession of the ball by your opponent.
3. Change of possession, you loose or gain the ball.

At all times players must be aware of these situation and how to handle these circumstances. Here are general guidelines how to handle them.

POSSESSION
Game plan
1. Move the ball towards the opponent’s goal.
2. Score goals.

General Principles
1. Create as much space as possible (width and depth).
2. Move forwards and play the ball deep when possible.
3. Keep possession of the ball.
4. Play the ball square to create openings for a forward pass.
5. Maintain the correct formation.

OPPONENTS IN POSSESSION
Game plan
1. Disrupt their built up.
2. Win the ball back.
3. Avoid conceding goals.

General principles
1. Make the field as small as possible.
2. Move towards the ball (pressing).
3. Move towards own goal (fall back).
4. Push towards the touchline (squeezing).
5. Pressure the player with the ball.
6. Mark closely in the area of the ball.
7. Maintain a zonal marking further away from the ball.
8. Remain useful as long as possible (position yourself behind the ball).

CHANGE OF POSSESSION
Game plan
1. Switch game plan from “possession” to “opponents possession (or vice versa) as fast as possible.

General Principles
LOSS OF POSSESSION
1. The player who is nearest to the ball tries to avoid the ball being played by pressuring the opponents as much as possible. Regardless what his/her position is. This is foremost important for attackers.
2. All players switch immediately towards preventing a scoring opportunity by “squeezing” the opponents.
3. Mark tight close to the ball if teammates are close.
4. Mark zone if not enough teammates are available. Delay, do not dive into your opponent.

WINNING THE BALL
1. The player who wins the ball first looks to play the ball forwards.
2. Players away from the ball should “ask” for the ball.
3. The player who gains possession can also place the ball in an open space and a teammate can run into that space (mostly along the line in the corners).
4. Spread out to create space.
5. Teammate of the player with the ball must take initiatives (make runs without the ball to draw attention away from teammates.

For most players and teams the most difficult part of soccer is “Change of Possession”. You HAVE TO read what is happening and change positions as fast as possible.