In our program, warm ups for speed training sessions can be very different from day to day. This is because we are looking to progress from simple activation, mobility, stability exercises, into rhythmic movements that mimic the specific focus of the day. We want to finish off our progression with a simulated activity that enhances
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Research suggest that higher levels of fitness set you up to handle the demands of sport. So how does one achieve a “higher level of fitness,” and when do we start this process, and how exactly does it effect performance on the field or court? As seen in the picture below, taken from Edwards and
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In 2005 we created a fitness test for soccer known as the CAP Test or CAP Soccer Specific Interval Test, that has now transcended the sport of soccer and has proven to be a great test for many team sports. We started playing around with new fitness tests after talking to dozens of coaches who
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We now have over 700 coaches in 30 countries using the SoccerFIT Game Speed Test to evaluate their players and teams. Some of the college coaches have found the test a very useful preseason tool, as it shows strengths and weaknesses in SKILL, SPEED and FITNESS, and can quickly show where you are strong (and
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In phase II of our summer Game Speed program we often finish with small-sided game fitness. There are several reasons for this… some of these reasons are physically beneficial, some are mentally beneficial and some are emotionally beneficial. Let me explain…
Physically Beneficial Reasons for Small Sided Games (SSG’s):
In the May 2012 (vol. 26 issue 5
The most important question to ask when creating a testing package is, “What do I want to know?” Too often we sit down and try to come up with tests for speed, agility, strength, power, skill and fitness, and although this is ultimately what we want to know, we go about the process all wrong.
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Over the last decade we have trained over 6000 athletes. And in that time we have seen players take their speed, strength and power to levels that we never thought possible. But occasionally, this just wasn’t enough to win them a starting role. We quickly realized that enhancing a player’s 40yd dash time was not
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Last week I put up a post that documents our ACL Return to Sport program and over the last few days I have received emails asking to see some of these activities in action. I videoed a few of the drills from our session last night with 2 girls who are in the final stages
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As spring approaches, and the high school female soccer players return to the field. We though it might be good to review some of the literature regarding ACL injuries and how our program has integrated training progressions that attempt to reduce the risk of this devastating injury. Over the last few days I have put
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As a fitness professional, youth club staff member, and soccer dad, I hear ALL sides of the discussions about “early specialization in youth sports across the U.S.” While this trend affects many youth sports, this dilemma as it pertains to the American soccer landscape is the most interesting in my opinion. FACT– The U.S. is
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