Football Players Training

Football is a sport played between two teams of 11 players each. The objective of the game is to score a point by advancing or carrying the ball into the end zone or over the goal line of the opponent. To score a point, a player is required to possess a number of athletic abilities such as speed, acceleration, agility, flexibility, mobility and muscular endurance. These abilities can be acquired through proper training that can improve the player’s game in the most physically demanding sport.

Four basic types of training are offered for football players to emphasize the importance of strength and speed. These include the common strength training that helps prevent injuries, improves kicking performance and provides the good basis for good sprinting speed. Maximal leg strength exercise is also necessary to continue what is gained from the general strength training, but specifically it is useful for developing power and speed of the player. Plyometric training exercises that repeatedly stress the muscles are also necessary for the player to complement strength training and as an alternative. Maximum sprint training is conducted by running over short distances that may or may not require added resistances. Outside of these types is the cardiovascular training which is imperative for any player desiring to have the needed stamina to run long distances, or in quick, short bursts. This is conducted through distance and sprint running either outdoors or on a treadmill. Skills-training is also important for players in order to master the needed playing skills, as well as footwork and overall techniques. To enhance leg power and sprinting speed, a player must also conduct the hop-bound-jump training that consists of hopping, bounding and jumping actions.

Strength training is an important aspect of football players training in making their muscles especially on the legs and trunk powerful as they play the game. The ideal exercises for increasing general strength include leg presses, leg extensions, leg curls, bench presses, and abdominal and lower back exercises which can be done with various gym equipment. Speed is another football skill to train for if one desires to be good in the game. Training for speed consists of jogging and running, leg stretching, performing sprint run in short distances, and jumping workouts. Speed workouts that include exercises focusing on fast twitch muscles will ensure that the muscles are conditioned to act and respond quickly. Hill training is part of speed training because it develops speed, strength leaping ability and endurance by running 60 feet upwards from the foot of the hill.

Football training experts have given certain football training tips for both professional and non-professional footballers. Among these tips is conditioning training to help players to be not only fit for the match but also be at the top of the game and free from serious playing injuries. Periodization training is also recommended for players to help them avoid over-training while maintaining strength and power. Receiving drills are also advised for players to practice how to catch a ball without letting it bounce off from their own body.