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Body Conditioning
30 min
Soccer Exercise

Body Conditioning

  • Age U6 - U13, U14 - U19, Men's / Women's
  • Training Set Main point
  • Number of Players 1 - 5 players, 6 - 9 players, 10-15 players

Setup

- Cones
- Hurdles 
- Balls 

Procedure

  • The full-size pitch is utilized with the stations set up around the perimeter.
  • Players will spend 20 seconds actively working at each station.
  • After completing the exercises at one station, players have 10 seconds to recover while moving to the next station. This recovery run not only serves as a brief rest period but also keeps the heart rate elevated.
  • It takes approximately 3 minutes to complete one full circuit of all five stations.
  • The entire circuit is repeated for a total of 5 sets, making this a demanding workout that tests and improves stamina and functional football fitness.

Detailed Station Descriptions:

  1. Station 1 - Press-Ups:
    • This station focuses on upper body strength, particularly targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps.
    • Players perform as many press-ups as they can within the 20-second timeframe, maintaining good form throughout.
    • This exercise not only builds muscle but also aids in stability and core strength, which are crucial for shielding the ball and physical duels on the pitch.
  2. Station 2 - Lunges:
    • Lunges are a compound exercise that targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core.
    • Players alternate legs, stepping forward into a lunge, ensuring that the front knee does not go beyond the toes, and the back knee lowers towards the ground.
    • This station helps in improving balance, coordination, and unilateral (single-leg) strength, essential for powerful running and changes of direction.
  3. Station 3 - Quick Feet:
    • Here, players perform fast footwork drills, such as side-to-side or front-to-back steps over the hurdles
    • The goal is to move the feet as quickly as possible to improve coordination and agility.
    • This station simulates the rapid, intricate footwork needed during a match to navigate tight spaces and avoid tackles.
  4. Station 4 - Reaction Runs:
    • Reaction runs incorporate quick changes of direction in response to a visual or auditory signal.
    • This station can include running to cones, changing direction on command, or reacting to the movements of a partner.
    • The focus is on developing explosive speed, reactivity, and the ability to accelerate or decelerate quickly, reflecting the dynamic nature of football.
  5. Station 5 - Sprint Runs:
    • The final station is dedicated to full-intensity sprint runs over a short distance.
    • Players explode into a sprint, working on their maximum speed and power.
    • This exercise improves straight-line speed and mimics the short, sharp bursts of running required during a game

Tip

This exercise is a high-intensity, full-pitch circuit designed to improve players' overall fitness, strength, and agility, using five different stations that focus on various aspects of physical conditioning. Each station emphasizes a different type of exercise to challenge the players' endurance, speed, and muscular strength.

Additional Notes:

  • Players should be encouraged to perform each exercise with maximum effort and maintain a high intensity to get the most out of the training session.
  • Proper form should be maintained at all stations to prevent injury and ensure the exercises are as effective as possible.
  • Coaches should monitor players closely, providing encouragement and ensuring the transition between stations is swift to keep the intensity high.

Exercise idea from: Andy Parker

Training attributes

Condition

Condition
Football-specific endurance Basic Endurance GAT Strengthening

Training Organization

Age
U6 - U13 U14 - U19 Men's / Women's
Duration
30 min
Training Set
Main point
Number of Players
1 - 5 players 6 - 9 players 10-15 players 16-22+ players
Form of Training
Individual training Group training Team training
Exercise level
Intermediate
Training Location
Indoor Pitch
Training timing
Season preparation