Speed Training For Soccer Football Game
So you want more speed in your soccer (football) game to out run your opponents and are at odds at how to go about it. Well, to develop speed to play soccer well is very much different from developing speed say, for a track and field race. Why is this so? That is because you have to develop various types of speed instead of just sprinting speed.
The types of speed you need to develop are:-
• Thinking speed – You must think fast on your feet (pun not intended) and adapt to the furious pace of the game. You are running and thinking at the same time. How to feign a movement, how to create space, which position to run into, who to pass the ball to, to shoot or to dribble…etc. The flow of thoughts are endless until the final whistle is blown.
Thinking speed can be developed with a good football coach and by playing competitive football game often.
• Acceleration speed – Acceleration speed is crucial to play good soccer. You need to suddenly pick up speed very quickly when your opponents are closing in on you. This sudden burst of speed will catch your opponents unaware or caught them flat footed if your acceleration includes a sudden change of direction.
You can develop acceleration speed by developing strength in your entire lower body. All your leg muscles including your glutes (butt muscles) are recruited when you accelerate. Weight training with squats, lunges, stiff legged dead lift and calf raises are crucial to develop power in your lower body. When your lower body muscles are strong, you can also jump higher when you are going for a heading.
High Interval Intensity training and incline speed running up slopes will also help you to develop powerful acceleration speed as well as building up your endurance and power.
• Turning Speed – When you dribble, turn and feign fast, you need to have great body stability and strength. You can only turn fast and powerfully if you have strong and stable core muscles.
To develop powerful core muscles, do crunches, reverse crunches, bridge, plank, side crunches etc. These exercises are to be done slowly and deliberately compressing your core muscles hard every time you breathe out.
When you have physically developed these muscles well, coupled with good skill training and stamina, you will be one hell of a speed demon on the football field.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
History of Football (Soccer)
Since time immemorial mankind has played various ball games. Evidence of which can be seen in many ancient societies, ancient Greek society being an example. The beginnings of the modern game however began in Britain in the times leading up to the industrial revolution. Whole villages would band together against other villages in games, which would span several fields. These games were often violent and there wasn’t any particular restrictions on which body parts you could use.
Variances of such games continued for some time until the 19th century. More and more people were leaving their villages for the industry of towns. People were feeling pride and allegiances to their fast growing towns and soon people wanted to represent their own towns in competition with the other new fast growing towns around them. Soon games where-by you could only use your feet were being played in stadiums between the burgeoning settlements. At this stage in history there were no crossbars on the goals, only a piece of flimsy tape adjoining two poles. Other differences included, as you might suspect, no use of goalie gloves but also importantly no offside rule, the absence of such a ruling meaning strong attack bias with games frequently ending 10 a piece or greater.
More and more towns created their own football teams and by the beginning of the 20th century the structure of how football is contested today with leagues and cups were in place. Also around this time the game was beginning to be exported around the globe with teams beginning in countries like Germany and Italy around this time. International bouts were beginning, at this point England remaining supreme defeating the likes of the rest of the world on its own. With this international popularity it wasn’t long before the game was being contested on the world stage in the likes of the World Cup or European Championships.
Tactically the game was changing too, with the advent of the offside rule out went 5 strikers and in came more defensive approaches, teams such as Italy trailblazing such approaches to the game. England was losing its supremacy and by the 50's Spanish and Italian club teams as well as South American international teams in particular had risen to an equal footing.
The game since has steadily grown in popularity around the globe, this popularity attracting wealth making former small town sports clubs into multinational plcs. With this greater professionalism has been introduced into the game with better use of nutrition and exercise as well as strict controls on player’s lifestyles. The use of emerging technologies and assistance from the likes of sports psychologists are all being used taking the game to new highs. The future of the sport definitely looks rosy.
Variances of such games continued for some time until the 19th century. More and more people were leaving their villages for the industry of towns. People were feeling pride and allegiances to their fast growing towns and soon people wanted to represent their own towns in competition with the other new fast growing towns around them. Soon games where-by you could only use your feet were being played in stadiums between the burgeoning settlements. At this stage in history there were no crossbars on the goals, only a piece of flimsy tape adjoining two poles. Other differences included, as you might suspect, no use of goalie gloves but also importantly no offside rule, the absence of such a ruling meaning strong attack bias with games frequently ending 10 a piece or greater.
More and more towns created their own football teams and by the beginning of the 20th century the structure of how football is contested today with leagues and cups were in place. Also around this time the game was beginning to be exported around the globe with teams beginning in countries like Germany and Italy around this time. International bouts were beginning, at this point England remaining supreme defeating the likes of the rest of the world on its own. With this international popularity it wasn’t long before the game was being contested on the world stage in the likes of the World Cup or European Championships.
Tactically the game was changing too, with the advent of the offside rule out went 5 strikers and in came more defensive approaches, teams such as Italy trailblazing such approaches to the game. England was losing its supremacy and by the 50's Spanish and Italian club teams as well as South American international teams in particular had risen to an equal footing.
The game since has steadily grown in popularity around the globe, this popularity attracting wealth making former small town sports clubs into multinational plcs. With this greater professionalism has been introduced into the game with better use of nutrition and exercise as well as strict controls on player’s lifestyles. The use of emerging technologies and assistance from the likes of sports psychologists are all being used taking the game to new highs. The future of the sport definitely looks rosy.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A Firm Step With Soccer Cleats
In modern soccer, performance is a key factor for professionals. This performance depends not only on his mental and physical shape, but also on good footwear. An essential part of the footwear is the soccer cleat, also known as studs. The soccer shoes are specially equipped with cleats that prevent players from slipping and assist in rapid changes of direction.
There are different types of cleats for the different sports, such as rugby cleats, baseball cleats, soccer cleats, cleats for track, etc. Most sports played on grass or dirt require the use of cleats for athlete's stability.
The difficulty to play soccer on different types of ground was recognized early on in the history of soccer. That meant that the sole of the soccer shoes needed to offer proper resistance or ground traction.
At first, metal tacks similar to those of engineers' boots were used. These metal tacks could be dangerous and their use was forbidden by Rule 13 of the FIFA regulations for the safety of the players. Eventually leather soccer cleats (or studs) replaced these tacks.
Soccer cleats are made of different materials and can be fixed or removable. The most common are the plastic cleats. This is so because shoes with plastic soles are simpler to make and usually cheaper than any other. Rubber soccer cleats, though, are usually softer than the plastic ones.
Both plastic and rubber soccer cleats are usually fixed to the sole of the soccer shoe. There are also aluminum soccer cleats, which are usually removable. These soccer cleats can be entirely aluminum or plastic with aluminum tips. Recently new cleat systems were devised to help distribute pressure across the boot. Incorporation of new polymer materials further strengthened the sports shoe as well as providing lightweight footwear.
Each type of soccer cleat is indicated for a different type of ground. Soft grounds usually are more slippery so one generally uses higher aluminum cleats that penetrate more deeply to avoid slipping. For firm grounds the soccer cleats are a bit lower, therefore plastic cleats are indicated.
Soccer cleats made of rubber should be used on hard grounds, as they are better for impact. On harder grounds the soccer cleats need not penetrate too deeply, as the ground isn't as slippery. The soccer cleats are usually higher on the heel and lower on the forefoot, as more weight is put on the heel.
Injuries related to the wrong use of the soccer cleats are quite common. These injuries are usually on the knees and ankles. The most common knee injuries caused by wrong choice of the cleats are those to the ligaments. With the use a high set of aluminum soccer cleats on firm or hard ground the injuries are most likely to occur. The ankle injuries are usually sprains. The wrong use soccer cleats can also cause blistering to the feet, giving them an uncomfortable feeling.
Many professional players still prefer the shoe with traditional soccer cleats arrangement, which provide no more protection to the player than the boots of yesteryear.
Changes to shoe design appear to be in response to demand from parents keen to reduce the number of injuries associated with the modern game. The use of the right soccer cleats according to the ground that the game is going to be played is a key factor to prevent blistering and injuries that can be serious.
Soccer players should set an example and use the right type of soccer cleats and also the manufacturers should instruct the client for the better use of the soccer cleats.
There are different types of cleats for the different sports, such as rugby cleats, baseball cleats, soccer cleats, cleats for track, etc. Most sports played on grass or dirt require the use of cleats for athlete's stability.
The difficulty to play soccer on different types of ground was recognized early on in the history of soccer. That meant that the sole of the soccer shoes needed to offer proper resistance or ground traction.
At first, metal tacks similar to those of engineers' boots were used. These metal tacks could be dangerous and their use was forbidden by Rule 13 of the FIFA regulations for the safety of the players. Eventually leather soccer cleats (or studs) replaced these tacks.
Soccer cleats are made of different materials and can be fixed or removable. The most common are the plastic cleats. This is so because shoes with plastic soles are simpler to make and usually cheaper than any other. Rubber soccer cleats, though, are usually softer than the plastic ones.
Both plastic and rubber soccer cleats are usually fixed to the sole of the soccer shoe. There are also aluminum soccer cleats, which are usually removable. These soccer cleats can be entirely aluminum or plastic with aluminum tips. Recently new cleat systems were devised to help distribute pressure across the boot. Incorporation of new polymer materials further strengthened the sports shoe as well as providing lightweight footwear.
Each type of soccer cleat is indicated for a different type of ground. Soft grounds usually are more slippery so one generally uses higher aluminum cleats that penetrate more deeply to avoid slipping. For firm grounds the soccer cleats are a bit lower, therefore plastic cleats are indicated.
Soccer cleats made of rubber should be used on hard grounds, as they are better for impact. On harder grounds the soccer cleats need not penetrate too deeply, as the ground isn't as slippery. The soccer cleats are usually higher on the heel and lower on the forefoot, as more weight is put on the heel.
Injuries related to the wrong use of the soccer cleats are quite common. These injuries are usually on the knees and ankles. The most common knee injuries caused by wrong choice of the cleats are those to the ligaments. With the use a high set of aluminum soccer cleats on firm or hard ground the injuries are most likely to occur. The ankle injuries are usually sprains. The wrong use soccer cleats can also cause blistering to the feet, giving them an uncomfortable feeling.
Many professional players still prefer the shoe with traditional soccer cleats arrangement, which provide no more protection to the player than the boots of yesteryear.
Changes to shoe design appear to be in response to demand from parents keen to reduce the number of injuries associated with the modern game. The use of the right soccer cleats according to the ground that the game is going to be played is a key factor to prevent blistering and injuries that can be serious.
Soccer players should set an example and use the right type of soccer cleats and also the manufacturers should instruct the client for the better use of the soccer cleats.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Inventors Of Modern Soccer - English Soccer History
English Soccer History – Early Days
It's hard to determine exactly how soccer became so popular in England in the 19th century, but the truth is that in the mid 19th century, almost every major town had a semi-professional soccer team. These teams were usually associations of workers from the same factory or institution or simply students at a local University.
Matches between those teams were played occasionally, with little to no prize, but only for competition's sake. However, these matches were played without any rules or a referee and as soccer isn't necessarily a sport that's completely clean of violence, all it took was a harsh tackle or an argument about a particular rule to start a bloody fight between the two teams and their supporters.
But the year 1863 marked an extremely important chapter in English soccer history, as several soccer clubs from all over the country (prominently from London) met up in the English capital and set up a sort of "soccer constitution" called the Laws of the Game (a modified version of the original rules are still in effect today and are still called as such).
That was also the birth certificate of the Football Association, or simply FA that is still ruling over English soccer nowadays and had a tremendous importance throughout the history of soccer in England and the way it evolved.
English Soccer History – Important Milestones
With England being rightfully considered the inventors of modern soccer, one would expect them to be amongst the most successful national squads in the World. However, despite having some world class soccer players throughout time and despite always being favorites for the competitions they start in, the English national squad only achieved few important milestones throughout the entire soccer history in England.
The apogee of English soccer and the most important chapter ever to be written in the entire history of soccer in England was definitely the successful World Cup run in 1966, a competition that was held on English ground, giving them the advantage to grasp their long-awaited trophy.
The 1966 team, captained by legendary Bobby Moore and with other key components such as Jackie Charlton or Geoff Hurst playing regularly, remains the best national squad in the entire English soccer history, especially since their success has not been equaled ever since.
English Soccer History – Modern Era
England is still a top team in Europe and throughout the World and has some players that are considered having world class quality, but the national team still has moderate success, despite being star-studded.
Recently, the form of English clubs overshadowed the poor performance of the national team, as Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal continue to be heavy contenders for each year's European Champion's League, the most prestigious club competition in the World.
Despite being happy with the respect English clubs impose in Europe, fans are still yearning for that long awaited European or World Cup which could mark a new important chapter in the English soccer history.
It's hard to determine exactly how soccer became so popular in England in the 19th century, but the truth is that in the mid 19th century, almost every major town had a semi-professional soccer team. These teams were usually associations of workers from the same factory or institution or simply students at a local University.
Matches between those teams were played occasionally, with little to no prize, but only for competition's sake. However, these matches were played without any rules or a referee and as soccer isn't necessarily a sport that's completely clean of violence, all it took was a harsh tackle or an argument about a particular rule to start a bloody fight between the two teams and their supporters.
But the year 1863 marked an extremely important chapter in English soccer history, as several soccer clubs from all over the country (prominently from London) met up in the English capital and set up a sort of "soccer constitution" called the Laws of the Game (a modified version of the original rules are still in effect today and are still called as such).
That was also the birth certificate of the Football Association, or simply FA that is still ruling over English soccer nowadays and had a tremendous importance throughout the history of soccer in England and the way it evolved.
English Soccer History – Important Milestones
With England being rightfully considered the inventors of modern soccer, one would expect them to be amongst the most successful national squads in the World. However, despite having some world class soccer players throughout time and despite always being favorites for the competitions they start in, the English national squad only achieved few important milestones throughout the entire soccer history in England.
The apogee of English soccer and the most important chapter ever to be written in the entire history of soccer in England was definitely the successful World Cup run in 1966, a competition that was held on English ground, giving them the advantage to grasp their long-awaited trophy.
The 1966 team, captained by legendary Bobby Moore and with other key components such as Jackie Charlton or Geoff Hurst playing regularly, remains the best national squad in the entire English soccer history, especially since their success has not been equaled ever since.
English Soccer History – Modern Era
England is still a top team in Europe and throughout the World and has some players that are considered having world class quality, but the national team still has moderate success, despite being star-studded.
Recently, the form of English clubs overshadowed the poor performance of the national team, as Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal continue to be heavy contenders for each year's European Champion's League, the most prestigious club competition in the World.
Despite being happy with the respect English clubs impose in Europe, fans are still yearning for that long awaited European or World Cup which could mark a new important chapter in the English soccer history.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
3 Best Ways To Improve Soccer Skills Individually
If you’re looking for ways to improve soccer skills individually, you’ve come to the right place. I know that soccer team practice sometimes just isn’t enough if you want to become great. Just take a look at most of the great soccer players in activity. They always say that they spend a lot of hours off-pitch improving their soccer skills, which makes them so good in matches. But simply training after hours isn’t enough, you need to train intelligently, after a rigorous program.
-Best Ways to Improve Soccer Skills – DVD Programs
There’s a lot of these babies around the Internet these days, so if you’re planning on buying a DVD program for individual soccer practice, make sure it’s a serious author that created it and it’s not some lame compilation of soccer highlights with subtitles saying “Do this and you’ll be great”.
A quality DVD program is a great way to improve soccer skills, because it allows a certain level of interactivity to your learning. It’s not like learning from a TV show, because with DVD’s you can go straight to the chapter that interests you, you can go back and review stuff over and over again until you get the picture.
-Best Ways to Improve Soccer Skills – Skill Focusing
If you notice that there’s a certain area in your game that isn’t on par with your other skills, focus on it to get it on level terms. Having an unbalanced skill set is extremely damaging to your game. For example, you could be very fast and strong, but if you don’t have good ball control, you won’t be able to use your physical skills for anything.
Same goes with players that are extremely technical but very weak on their feet, so improving your soccer skills in a balanced way is best. Also, you could focus on your best skill not your worst one. Are you a good long range shooter? Make that your trademark. Practice long shots over and over again and your teammates will soon know that they need to create space for your shots and you’ll be able to score more often. You could also make a trademark of your heading, your passing, your set pieces and so forth.
-Best Ways to Improve Soccer Skills – Variation
Never allow a particular exercise or drill become boring routine, or you risk entering a stalemate with your soccer skills. Whatever you’re practicing, go for alternative techniques. For example, if you’re practicing dribbling, don’t just focus on a single type of dribble, effective as it may be. You will need to have a varied repertoire of dribbles if you want to stand up to your different adversaries.
In conclusion, you will probably want to combine these three methods, not just use them separately. Use a DVD program to cover the theoretical aspects of your practice and use the other two as practical methods of getting your skills up. You should be gaining an edge in no time!
-Best Ways to Improve Soccer Skills – DVD Programs
There’s a lot of these babies around the Internet these days, so if you’re planning on buying a DVD program for individual soccer practice, make sure it’s a serious author that created it and it’s not some lame compilation of soccer highlights with subtitles saying “Do this and you’ll be great”.
A quality DVD program is a great way to improve soccer skills, because it allows a certain level of interactivity to your learning. It’s not like learning from a TV show, because with DVD’s you can go straight to the chapter that interests you, you can go back and review stuff over and over again until you get the picture.
-Best Ways to Improve Soccer Skills – Skill Focusing
If you notice that there’s a certain area in your game that isn’t on par with your other skills, focus on it to get it on level terms. Having an unbalanced skill set is extremely damaging to your game. For example, you could be very fast and strong, but if you don’t have good ball control, you won’t be able to use your physical skills for anything.
Same goes with players that are extremely technical but very weak on their feet, so improving your soccer skills in a balanced way is best. Also, you could focus on your best skill not your worst one. Are you a good long range shooter? Make that your trademark. Practice long shots over and over again and your teammates will soon know that they need to create space for your shots and you’ll be able to score more often. You could also make a trademark of your heading, your passing, your set pieces and so forth.
-Best Ways to Improve Soccer Skills – Variation
Never allow a particular exercise or drill become boring routine, or you risk entering a stalemate with your soccer skills. Whatever you’re practicing, go for alternative techniques. For example, if you’re practicing dribbling, don’t just focus on a single type of dribble, effective as it may be. You will need to have a varied repertoire of dribbles if you want to stand up to your different adversaries.
In conclusion, you will probably want to combine these three methods, not just use them separately. Use a DVD program to cover the theoretical aspects of your practice and use the other two as practical methods of getting your skills up. You should be gaining an edge in no time!
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