These 6 Exercises Will Make Any Soccer Player Fit and Fast

Any soccer player who does these 6 exercises will increase their soccer fitness and their soccer speed in less than 21 days. It is a great pre-season soccer conditioning and soccer speed program. This soccer conditioning program will make any soccer player fast and fit very quickly.

Because soccer is such an explosive sport where players are expected to have great speed and agility too, designing a conditioning and speed program that focuses on these needs is quite important. So with that said, here are the 6 speed and conditioning exercises soccer players should be doing. Also, I have included a brief explanation of the exercise and why it is important.

These 6 exercises should be broken up into 2 groups of three. I have also included suggested groupings. One group of three exercises should be done 2 times in one week and the other group should be done one time during the week. On the following week, switch it up so that the one group of exercises that was done just once the previous week is done twice this week, and the group of exercises that was done twice the previous week is done just once this week. Keep this similar rotation for the three weeks. Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday training days work best.

It is also recommended for the soccer player to warm up their body and stretch themselves out sufficiently to do these exercises. Any player considering this program should consult with their doctor before embarking on it.

All of these exercises are done as fast as a player can go.

The First Group of Exercises are:

5-10-15 Yard Shuttle: This 60 yard shuttle is designed to enhance a soccer player's acceleration speed and change of direction performance. The game of soccer is a game of quick bursts of speed and quick change of direction. This shuttle will help all soccer players gain this edge. Players should do 4-6 repetitions of this exercise with a one minute rest in between.20-40-60 Yard Shuttle: This 240 yard shuttle now taxes the soccer player's fitness with short and medium distance explosiveness. This exercise will help all soccer players gain excellent conditioning. Players should do 3-4 repetitions with a 2 minutes rest in between.200 Yard Shuttle: Here a soccer player runs 100 yards, stops and runs back to their starting point. The player is working under one minute starts. That means if it takes a player 40 seconds to complete this shuttle, they have 20 seconds of recovery (rest) time before they run the next 200 yard shuttle and so forth. A player is working on building up to 10 runs in 10 minutes. This is an excellent exercise to gain a solid conditioning foundation.

The Second Group of Exercises are:

10-20-30 Yard Shuttle: This 120 yard shuttle is a beefed up version of the 5-10-15 yard shuttle. It presents training at an anaerobic level making any soccer player explosive and powerful throughout the course of the game. Players should do 4-6 repetitions of this exercise with a 90 second rest in between.30-60-90 yard Shuttle: This 360 yard shuttle not only adds great conditioning for a soccer player but is also adds mental toughness as well. This exercise is excellent for many players but especially for midfielders. Players should consider doing 2-3 repetitions of this exercise allowing for a 3 minute rest in between.300 Yard Shuttle: This shuttle is a staple in many soccer conditioning programs. Place two cones 25 yards apart. The soccer player then runs out to one cone and then runs back and repeats this (up and back) 6 times to complete the 300 yards. It is an excellent conditioning and change of direction exercise. Players should consider doing 2-3 repetitions with a 3 minute rest in between.

This program is an excellent pre-season program for any higher level soccer players (U15 and above). It will help them become very fit and very fast which will make them a valuable player to their team.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this speed and conditioning program for soccer players.

Have a great day!

Gary Christopher

[http://www.soccerandspeedcoach.com]

To get free weekly insider coaching tips delivered right to your inbox, go to my website [http://www.soccerandspeedcoach.com] and register. Every week I'll send you players and coaches reports and insights on developing soccer skills and speed skills along with some great audio interviews you can download for free.

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Soccer Shoes and Cleats For Youth

Many of us know our young soccer players' feet grow quickly. This makes outfitting the family (kiddies, teens and grown-up kids) with new soccer shoes-a bit expensive. We are not just talking once a year, but it many cases every season (Fall to Indoor to Spring to Fall).

I strongly suggest parents refuse to buy into the brand name marketing trap-our kids must have the most expensive soccer cleats available. After all, you're paying the extra costs of the big name companies to private label and market their brands. Do you really think they are manufacturing their own shoes? Come on, it's a global economy and I'm telling you they are all having their soccer shoes made by sweatshops in India and China.

In addition, parents should understand they will never get the value out of an expensive soccer shoe in a single season. Don't worry Moms and Dads; there is another alternative for your younger players. Look for alternate brands other than the big name ones!!! There are plenty of attractive, affordable soccer shoes for young players-these soccer cleats are just not mass marketed!!! And for $19-$22, you can buy brand new soccer shoes for your rapidly growing soccer player-without breaking the bank.

For the teen recreational/select and occasional adult players, consider the newest styles of soccer shoes by Vizari. These soccer cleats are designed for players at the intermediate level in adult sizes only. We also offer high-end soccer shoes for adult players. Select level players choose the "Copa Select" or "Vanguish" soccer cleats. Soccer shoes are made with soft luxurious full grain leather-for serious soccer players in adult sizes only.

Soccer enthusiasts who choose to play indoors or on synthetic surfaces also have affordable options. If you're playing indoors, it's a good idea to purchase a pair of indoor soccer shoes. Often, you can use molded cleats on the turf at many indoor facilities, but to prevent injuries and for the health of your feet; it's wise to buy a pair of flat-soled soccer shoes to use when playing indoor.

Shop carefully for your next pair of soccer shoes and soccer cleats for synthetic turf--there are more affordable prices! You know you want--or need a pair--you're just a few clicks away from having the right soccer shoes for your turf.

Check out [http://eSoccerGear.com] for more soccer coaching resources and soccer equipment for recreational soccer programs.

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Soccer Balls

If somebody asks which is the best game in the world, there will be only one answer. Soccer. The enthusiasm and the enjoyment provided by the soccer cannot be equaled with any other games in the sports field. 90 minutes is really enchanting for the players as well as the viewers. And these enjoyment and tension are with a single sphere like item, the soccer ball.

From the inception of the first soccer ball the design and the craft has changed a lot in the manufacture of soccer ball. The first soccer ball was made with a bucky ball design, with 20 white hexagonal shapes and 12 black regular hexagonal shapes. This design of 32 panels soccer has become the standard for soccer balls. The reason for selecting black and white patches is that it helps to view the rolling balls easily on a television broadcasting. The great changes occurred in 50 years nearly.

There are many varieties of soccer balls. Balls used for local tournaments and also for children's soccer. These can be made with synthetic items with single layer. Leather soccer balls are also available in market with a bit higher price. The soccer balls of different weights, there are various varieties of very light to heavy. There are many new techniques introduced in the design to make it sportier.

The soccer balls with more layers are very often now, the soccer balls with foam layer under the leather over cover was a special design made by Adidas long time ago. The balls are carefully made such that it will move fast and can spiral while moving in accordance with the kick on it. Spinning kicks makes the ball spin and move fast. The design and materials used in soccer ball construction decides its movement and effectiveness in the soccer play.

Adidas is the renowned soccer ball making company in the world. Adidas balls rules the world cup fields and also many of the world known soccer tournaments. These soccer balls are made with much attention and care. They are made of good quality materials; different panels are joined together by stitching. They use very high quality stitching threads and make the ball glossy with fine materials. Let us see one of the important soccer balls, which are used in famous tournaments like world cups.

Adidas Soccer ball Tango has been credited with the official world cup ball for the 6 world cups. The design gives an impression that there are 12 circles on its face. This is made up of pure leather. This is the most expensive soccer ball ever made. This was the official match ball of the world cup in 1978. Tango has turned out to be the most popular soccer ball design. It has a long life span.

Many other designs have come up later, with many revolutionary ideas and soccer balls seems to keep up with modern trends and technologies.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about soccer balls [http://soccerballing.info/soccer-balls/] visit Soccer Balling [http://soccerballing.info/] for current articles and discussions.

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Affordable Soccer Balls

Selecting the right soccer ball boils down to choosing the size and construction of the ball based on the player's age and league requirements. The younger the player, the smaller the ball in most cases. Cost is also a big factor in selecting the correct soccer ball. Synthetic-leather balls are the most expensive and basic rubber-type soccer balls cost the least. Leather is no longer the favorite choice of soccer ball coverings because leather absorbs more moisture than synthetic soccer balls. A wet leather ball gets heavier over time and becomes much slower in play.

There are three basic categories of soccer balls. Match soccer balls used in professional international matches meet all Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) requirements and are imprinted with the organization's logo on the ball. They are also the most expensive type of soccer ball. In the middle range are the competition balls used in college and high school competition. Recreational and training balls fill are the least expensive.

Most soccer balls are made of blends of polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and common rubber or nylon. The best and most expensive PU balls feel like leather and are very firm, durable and water-resistant. The PVC balls are also very durable but are not as soft and responsive as the PU-blend balls. Common rubber and nylon balls can present a real value because they cost the least and last the longest. Although the rubber and nylon soccer balls lack the feel of match balls, they are fine for practice and training.

Soccer balls are all clearly marked in one of three sizes with the smaller the size number, the smaller the ball. Most all soccer balls come marked in sizes 3, 4 or 5. Size 3 soccer balls are used for beginners under 8 years old are 23-inches in circumference and weigh 12-ounces. Size 4 balls are designed for players between the ages of 8 and 12 and weigh about the same as the smaller balls at 12-ounces but are larger in circumference at just over 25-inches. Size 5 soccer balls are designed for use by all players 13 and older and are built to the international standard size for all sanctioned competition. The size 5 balls weigh about 15-ounces and have a circumference of 28-inches.

Additional factors to consider in soccer ball construction are the lining and inner bladder. The lining underneath the outer covering controls the shape and feel of the ball. The bladder contains the air inside the ball and also contributes to shape and responsiveness in play. Match soccer balls usually have four layers of a combined cotton/polyester-blend lining. Mid-range balls have two layers of cotton and two layers of polyester lining, and the least expensive balls have only two layers of polyester lining.

Soccer ball bladders come in both latex and butyl. The latex bladders are considered the best type of ball construction, but they don't hold air as long as butyl bladders and need attention to proper inflation. Butyl or butyl-blend bladders hold their air better but are harder less responsive in play. The most common bladder found in mid-priced balls will usually be a blend of 80% butyl with 20% rubber.

The number of panels on a soccer ball can influence flight characteristics and how much control the player will have in play. A 32-panel ball is the type used in international soccer competition. Major League Soccer in the United States uses an 18-panel ball, and most indoor soccer leagues use 6-panel balls. The panels on high-end soccer balls are hand-stitched with synthetic thread. Mid-priced soccer balls have the same high-quality thread but are machine stitched to reduce cost. Low-cost practice and training balls will usually have panels that are glued together.

Adidas, Nike, Voit, Puma, Brine and Diadora all make good all-around quality balls that are relatively affordable, ranging from $20 to $80. Good practice balls can be purchased for as little as $15. For most young players today, an inexpensive training ball is usually all they will need to get into soccer and start having fun.

Mike Jones is an experienced blog master and published author. He lives in Los Angeles, California. For more info please visit http://www.soccerballs.com

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Indoor Soccer Shoes - NO! They Are Not Like Sneakers!

Sneakers are not made for indoor soccer.

Indoor soccer shoes are not made with cleats on the bottom like outdoor cleats. They have rubber stubs and rubber treads to allow for fast turns and abrupt stops.

They don't weigh as much as a normal soccer cleat, and look similar to sneakers, but they are much tougher than sneakers.

Tough

This soccer footwear is made to take the beating that playing indoors will give. The rubbery sole combined with a low profile design provides good grip, and helps prevent rolling your ankles.

Sneakers, even though they are only slightly higher in profile, are just not safe to use for indoor soccer. The sole of a sneaker is different than the rubbery sole that you need to perform well on the indoor soccer pitch.

Styles

Some of these shoes have laces straight up the front just like a sneaker. However some models have an irregular lacing structure. It appears to wrap around the front of the shoe instead of going straight up.

Combining the wrap around lacing setup with the hidden lace loops available on some models, provides a cleaner contact area for striking the ball. Usually these models are a little more expensive, but worth it if you are serious about your soccer game.

Movement

Playing on an indoor surface is more tricky than playing soccer outdoors. There is less give on an indoor surface, so your Soccer Shoes are built to allow for quick lateral movement. These shoes are built to allow the soccer player maximum freedom of movement, while providing good grip.

When choosing your indoor soccer shoes don't let color or style tell you what to choose. Get the comfort and support that you need.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Indoor Soccer Shoes [http://www.soccer.information-universe.com/soccer/indoor-soccer-shoes.php] for more great soccer information for yourself or your team.

The Soccer Drill Sargeant

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The Soccer Net - The Mesh That Stops the Balls

"No more chasing the ball."

Without a soccer net, a soccer goal is just a big box. The balls won't stop. They would just make you chase them all over the place. So whether you have a local practice field or a backyard goal, a soccer net is a good investment.

Huh?

Just so you understand, the soccer net attaches to a frame that is the soccer goal. The mesh that you attach to that frame is what prevents having to chase balls all over the place during a practice or game. If the balls are going into the net.

Construction

Most soccer nets are made from polyethylene plastic or nylon cording. The diameter of the separate strands can range from 2mm to 5mm in diameter. This is the cord thickness. The holes, or openings in the mesh can range from 2.5 inches to 5 inches. The standard designs are either a honeycomb, (like the cereal), or square pattern.

Sizing

Because there are different sizes of soccer goals made for practice, pick-up, mini games, or full field games, there are different sizes of soccer nets. To ensure that you get the right size net heed the following guidelines:

Height - distance between the ground and the crossbar.
Width - distance between the 2 posts.
Top Depth - Distance from front crossbar to top corner of the frame.
Bottom Depth - distance from goal post to back crossbar on the ground.
Having these measurements accurate will help you get the right net right away. If you are unsure, always buy larger as you can double up the mesh if necessary.

What to Choose

A larger net made with a thicker cord will cost more up-front, but will last longer. If you think that this is not important, you may want to think again. A net will receive a lot of balls during a practice or during games. Each time a ball hits the net it will affect the mesh. And every game or practice is going to see some bodies getting tangled up in that mesh. It will all have its effect on how long the net will last. You can decide what is important to you. I suggest that if the player age is 12 or older you will need at least a 3mm cord.

Putting up The Net

Attachments

Most goals come equipped with clips or bars to fasten the net onto the frame.
For existing goals, clips can be bought separately and you can install them yourself.
Velcro-type strips are also available to wrap around the poles to fasten the net. But these will probably need to be replaced often.
You can use twine or rope but it is really a pain to cut and replace on a regular basis.
Some people suggest using bungee cords. I say NO! The hooks can be very dangerous if someone runs into them. I do not feel that they are safe enough.
Anchors

Many goals come with anchors or stakes to secure the mesh to the ground.
You should have an anchor system in place on all soccer goals.

Backup

As time passes and more balls and people go into the net, they get worn and eventually will tear. Therefore, it is a good idea to have an extra set of soccer nets on hand for when this happens. Being prepared is always a good idea.

Caution

You may not think it is dangerous but putting up a net can be just that. Be Careful. Watch your step and do not get your feet tangled in the mesh. One little twist the wrong way can cause a sprain or even a broken bone. I have seen it happen.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Soccer Net [http://www.soccer.information-universe.com/soccer-equipment/soccer-net.php] for more great soccer information for yourself or your team.

The Soccer Drill Sargeant

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Soccer Referee - Vital to the Beautiful Game

More important than some people think

The soccer referee is in the middle of the soccer field to enforce the laws of the game. He does this with the help of his assistant referees, and sometimes a fourth official.

As we all know, being a soccer official is no easy task. No matter what call you make somebody thinks that you are wrong. So you have to be able to take it.

Responsibilities

Besides looking good in their soccer referee uniforms, they are responsible for making sure that:

The soccer ball meets the requirements of the laws of the game.
The players' equipment meets the requirements of the laws of the game.
He keeps the official time of the match, supported by his assistants.
He records the goals and any red cards, or yellow cards that are given out.
He stops play for fouls, injuries, corner kicks, and goal kicks.
He allows play to continue when a foul is committed if he decides that the team that was fouled has advantage.
He ensures the safety of the soccer players.
Although these are the main responsibilities that he has, the soccer referee can discipline team officials on the bench if necessary. These team officials can be sent to the dressing room, or away from the field of play, if the offence is serious enough.

Injured Players

The referee will decide, based on the seriousness of the injury, when he will stop play. After speaking with the injured player he will decide if their is a need for medical help or not. He will then request the medical assistance if the player cannot leave the field on his own. He will send the player off the soccer field until the next stoppage of play, if he is fit to return. But the time to return is strictly up to the referee. If the player does not leave he can be cautioned (Yellow Card).

Positioning

The soccer referee must be in the best position to see the players and his assistants. He will run on a path that runs from one corner of the penalty area at one end of the field, to the corner of the penalty area at the other end of the field, on the opposite side of the field.

By being in good position the referee can:

See the play well
Talk to individual players if necessary.
Hear anything said between opposing players.
He must also be fit. He will run just as much as the players will. When is the last time that you saw an over-weight soccer official? Not likely!

Referee Equipment

To be a soccer official you also need the proper equipment. It is not much, but you will need these tools to do your job properly:

A good whistle so the players can hear when you stop the play.
A referee's wallet that contains your red and yellow cards, and a place to record the events of the game.
Flags for your assistant referees.
A good watch, or sometimes two, to time the game properly.
Good quality soccer footwear for whatever field you will be on. That could include soccer referee turf shoes or cleats.

Attention

The referee is not meant to be the center of attention. A good official will be able to let the game flow, stopping play only when necessary. He should be able to maintain control of the game, but let the players decide the outcome.

Being a soccer referee is challenging, but also very rewarding. You will receive respect from most, as they would never even try to do what you do.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Soccer Referee [http://www.soccer.information-universe.com/soccer-referee/soccer-referee.php] for more great soccer information for yourself or your team.

The Soccer Drill Sargeant

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