Soccer is an extreme lower body sport. In order to increase power in striking and explosiveness, my solution has been hitting heavy squats.
Although you don’t need to perform heavy lifts to this degree, I deemed it necessary for the sake of building up the strength to kick 60 yards.
My coach always said if we couldn’t send a goal kick past half field, we couldn’t play.
If you wanna increase your power, I recommend hitting some heavy squats, recovering with lots of protein, then go out a day later to hit some long balls.
It worked for me!
2022-11-22 02:16:09 +0000 UTC
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Sunday Fun day!
The more you familiarize yourself with your touch, the easier the game becomes. The beauty in playing so often is everything becomes second nature. Try some juggling sessions for a week or even month straight, and I promise you’ll notice massive improvements.
Tell me how many you get!!
2022-11-20 06:14:02 +0000 UTC
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Don’t end up like my old roommate and teammate who pulled his hamstring and was out for the whole season.
The hamstrings play a key role in stabilising the knee joint, as well as maintaining hip and torso positioning. Especially in soccer it’s vital your hamstrings are loose, but strong.
2022-11-18 16:00:01 +0000 UTC
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The beauty of the baby ball.
A part of my high school and college soccer experience consisted of juggling tennis balls to perfect our touch. A ball of this size is perfect for working on making your touch more precise. If you can juggle this, you can juggle a normal ball even better. If you have a tennis ball or baby ball like this, I highly recommend testing your juggling abilities, then switching over to a normal ball to admire the improvement. The results can be astonishing.
2022-11-17 06:00:07 +0000 UTC
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Rest dayyyy:
Know your limits, and be proactive in healing your body. It’s arguably more important than the work you do previously. It’s like putting unleaded gas in a sports car. You need to fuel your body with the correct nutrients, and allow proper rest for your body to recover. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a break. You deserve it!
2022-11-13 18:47:41 +0000 UTC
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The Peroneal stretch:
This stretch single handledly ended my shin splints during pre season. This Kneeling Peroneal Stretch is a great way to loosen up the outside of your shins.
To perform this stretch: kneel on the ground with your toes turned in toward each other. Then lean back and relax your butt down onto your feet with your hands behind you on the ground to help support your weight and keep you balanced. I like doing 1 shin at a time to isolate the intensity. Give it a try!
2022-11-12 04:11:47 +0000 UTC
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The dribble game:
Being able to dribble the ball close to your body while moving around the field is vitallll. In this video, I demonstrate a great way to get lots of touches on the ball. Also, add changes in direction to keep away from the opponent, and most importantly, the fake shot at the end to force most defenders to block the shot. This creates attacking opportunity, which many pros can utilize to their advantage when trying to score.
Mimic my movement and you’ll be a pro in no time!
2022-11-09 05:05:23 +0000 UTC
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How’s your passing game? 👀
1 touch passing is such an important aspect to soccer. Many situations arise where the ball is passed to you, and the opponent does their best to pressure you in hopes you mess up. If you’re able to pass the ball upon receiving it, you can completely defuse their press.
I highly recommend getting some cardio and calf work in by 1 touch passing until your legs give out. You’ll notice great improvement overtime in the length of quality passes you distribute.
Happy passing!
2022-11-07 02:05:02 +0000 UTC
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The cross:
Being able to give a perfect ping to a player on the field is crucial. There are so many times throughout a game that a team can begin pressing as one and forces you to make a quick decision. With pings like this, you can switch the field and continue your team’s build of play.
Simply approach the ball like it’s a pass, then connect with the ball slightly below the middle of the ball, with the bone on the top of your foot. This creates a solid upward trajectory of the ball. It also gives the necessary lift to get over the opponents heads, but still keeps it under control.
Happy crossing!
2022-11-03 14:26:25 +0000 UTC
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Goalkeeper punts:
As a goalkeeper, a vital part of our gameplay is the ability to punt/ side volley a ball to another player. Every coach I’ve played for has put emphasis on the importance of this task. When you have to punt anywhere from 3 to 30 times a game, it can become extremely deteriorating. Perfecting these punts takes a lot of practice, but most importantly finesse.
Watch closely where my plant foot lands, it’s far in front of me so I can swing completely through the ball. It almost looks like I turn sideways for the kick, this creates mechanical advantage in the swing. Imagine my foot like a hockey stick. The better the connection on the ball is, the more power I generate.
2022-10-25 18:52:43 +0000 UTC
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How’s your touch!?
Having a good first touch, especially in competitive leagues, is vital for your success. This clip demonstrates an easy way you can work on your first touch.
The ball can be launched in the air off a throw in, from a goal kick, a bad pass, or even a shot off the cross bar. These are all super common ways you can find yourself needing a good first touch from the air. Don’t forget to test your first touch!
Happy ballin! ⚽️
2022-10-24 03:47:16 +0000 UTC
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Stepovers!
A great combination for disorienting your defender is a small skill move called a stepover. In this video you can see a casual representation of what it looks like. Performing this action in a game can really make the defender hesitant. This gives you more ability on the ball first off, but most importantly keeps it super close so your attack can be more controlled and harder to defend.
Try to mimic my movement!
2022-10-23 05:52:31 +0000 UTC
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1000 touches a day keeps the rusty touches away!
Especially after lifting weights and gaining size, it’s very easy to lose your composure, due to an in-balance compared to the last time you played. It’s important to constantly familiarize yourself with the ball, and keep your body and mind dialed in the game. If your muscles are stiff and sore before training, you risk injury and also hinder the results from your training.
Work hard, train smart.
-The Stud.
2022-10-21 05:03:51 +0000 UTC
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Get your shots in!
Shooting is honestly my favorite part of the sport. Learning the ins and outs of shot taking will take a while, for there are many different ways you can go about it.
The safest and easiest shot to start with is the power pass- simply lock your ankle, hit the ball with the middle of your foot, and hit slightly under the middle of the ball, this will give some nice power and lift on the ball, and doesn’t require much power.
To perform the shot above, follow the same steps above, but hit more on the right or left side to create the spin.
Happy shooting!
2022-10-19 18:49:34 +0000 UTC
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Don’t forget to hydrate!
Hydration is vital as a soccer player. The fact that 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration is a joke. Your body composition consists of 60% of water, it’s a terrible thing to starve yourself of the very thing you’re made up of.
The benefits to being hydrated are:
Regulates body temperature, keeps joints lubricated, prevents infections, delivers nutrients to cells, and keeps organs functioning properly.
Treat your body like a temple and keep it hydrated, It’ll thank you later.
2022-10-16 02:02:27 +0000 UTC
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Soccer is not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. The reason I love the game so much is because once I start, it’s very hard for me to stop. Soccer is almost like a safe-heaven for your mind. Whether you’re juggling, dribbling or even shooting, it’s a very peaceful process. I highly recommend getting some music on and challenging yourself to a game of keep up. It’s a great way to obtain some physical exercise, as well as familiarize yourself with the sport.
My record is 278 😌 Try and beat me!
2022-10-12 00:55:09 +0000 UTC
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Ball work.
How you move the ball showcases the passion in your gameplay. If you can’t be quick to stop and change direction after a slide tackle, most defenders won’t have a problem with you. However, if you can maneuver around obstacles thrown at you, you’ll instantly have a better time playing against others. Not being able to maneuver in time can also result in unnecessary contact.
Ways to improve on dribbling yourself:
1. Toe touches on ball.
2. Cone drills w/ ball.
3. Juggling (keeps you on your toes).
2022-10-10 05:57:41 +0000 UTC
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You gotta stay on your toes! Not only do you need to be flexible in touching them, but you haveeee to stay on them if you want to be at a game pace. The difference between practice and game time is the speed of play, that comes from being on your toes which makes you prepared to explode at a moments notice.
It’s something I’ve heard every one of my past coaches reiterate. If you look like you’re ready for the ball, it’s cause you probably are.
2022-10-07 04:40:54 +0000 UTC
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Be unpredictable! 😉
You may notice players getting faked out in almost every sport, well the same applies to soccer!
Being unpredictable can help you so much, for it allows you to escape sticky situations where most players will either kick the ball out of play, or make a bad pass. If you can slow yourself down, and make the defender unaware of your next play, the options open as your defender second guesses his decision.
2022-10-07 04:39:37 +0000 UTC
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Not a lot of people highlight the importance of it, mainly because they themselves aren’t aware of it, but soccer is an extremely physical sport.
Whether it’s going up for a header, slide tackling, trying to steal the ball, or just running for a through ball. Physical contact occurs at least 100 times a game, usually the more important the game, the higher the rate of physical activity there is.
Therefore, you have to get in the gym. Being able to shoulder someone off you is a big part of the game. It’s one of the few ways people can use their physicality to work the play in their favor. Be fast, be strong, and you my friend will shine.
2022-10-07 04:35:14 +0000 UTC
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Don’t forget your daily touches!
Soccer is a game of consistency, at the end of the day, the ball is gonna hit your foot, and you need to be comfortable when it gets there. The best way I found to truly improve your abilities on the ball are toe touches on the ball, basic juggling and dribbling drills, and striking the ball so you can basically end up like Ronaldo.
2022-10-07 04:30:40 +0000 UTC
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This stretch is a specific injury prevention exercise that solves a lot of problems before they happen. With the combination of running, kicking, twisting and turning abruptly, your lower back and hips undergo immense stress throughout a match or training session. If you’re tight at all in your lower back or hips at the start of a match, it won’t be long before you’re out.
Many calf, hamstring or glute injuries actually begin in the hips and depending on what parts of your body lack the most muscle/ development, is where you’re going to experience pain first. Pulling out those hips will offer more wear on the muscle before a cramp or tear occurs.
2022-10-07 04:28:44 +0000 UTC
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You have to stretch!!
I can’t tell you how many new players would arrive for their tryout and cramp up after a few small sided games.
Having loose hamstrings and glutes is very important if you expect to be a 90 minute player. These are the most dominant muscles a soccer player uses, them being sore or worked out prior to a field session is never good news.
If you plan on working out. Avoid heavy muscle deterioration prior to a session on the pitch, preferably two days if possible. I made this mistake a lot and it was costly. Cramping early in matches is never fun. . .
2022-10-07 04:24:32 +0000 UTC
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This was roughly how I looked all throughout my years playing collegiate soccer, and it’s important to note why:
Having a stable core, is vital for soccer. Having the ability to turn at a moments notice with a ball at your foot requires speed, timing, form and practice. The more agile, springy, and flexible you are, the better off you’ll be going against a defender. Having that spring in your step comes from a strong core. Being quicker than your opponent gives you more options in your game and allows you to play how you want, not how you have to.
Maintenance for this was dieting properly and having our 6 trainings a week. Not including personal gym workouts which was 6 days a week as well.
2022-10-07 04:20:53 +0000 UTC
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When the feeling is wrong, send it long.
As a goalkeeper, a lot of the time, you’re faced with receiving the ball with only a few moments to clear it. Clearing away the ball is a vital part of the defenders game, so it’s important to know the basics:
1: Be only 1 step away from the ball at all times.
2: Plant your left foot an inch next to the left side of the ball.
3: Use momentum, and the bone on top of your foot where your shoe laces would be to connect with the ball. Aim for the middle of the ball but an inch lower to create upward trajectory.
Performing these 3 steps with repetition will heavily improve your clearing abilities.
Get kickin!
2022-10-07 03:50:14 +0000 UTC
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Hey guys! What’s up I’m the soccer stud. I’m a graduated collegiate athlete here to teach what it takes to be a collegiate level soccer player. I was 1 of 3 captains my senior year and played as a goal keeper since high school. I will highlight on how to improve your overall physical capabilities on the pitch, and instruct how to preserve it.
If you’re interested in seeing what the soccer stud is all about, feel free to subscribe and let’s get started, we have a lot to cover 😉
2022-10-06 23:26:51 +0000 UTC
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