PREFACE

Soccer is a high-intensity, multi-dimensional sport that is physically, mentally and technically demanding.
In addition to the many skill requirements, elite soccer players cover approximately 10 to 12 km per game

• 2 of them at maximum speed. These activities are not simply back and forth movements. In fact, time
  motion analysis studies show that outfield players in the English Premier League, one of the most exciting
  and watched soccer leagues in the world, perform a variety of locomotive actions including backpedaling,
  lateral shuffles, curved runs, skipping, sliding and jumping. These requirements mean that soccer players
  need excellent i) muscular endurance, ii) explosive power, iii) speed and iv) agility; in addition to being
  able to manipulate the ball and maneuver within the environment.

In comparison to elite (college, professional, etc.) teams that have at least 4 training days per week, and
sometimes twice-a-day sessions, most North American youth clubs as well as competitive teams at the
amateur level practice twice – and sometimes only ONCE – per week. Frequently, the coaches of these
teams complain that there is insufficient time for fitness training. Conversely, coaches, especially at the
youth level, often dedicate too much time to conditioning and not enough time to the technical and
tactical development of their players. Although it is necessary for a soccer-training program to
incorporate a fitness component, it is important that this is not done at the expense of other aspects of
player development. Establishing a sound technical base is essential, especially for younger players, and
this must not be neglected.

In Volumes 1 and 2 of Total Soccer Conditioning: A Ball-Oriented Approach, we introduce a
comprehensive coaching methodology for soccer fitness that integrates physical conditioning with the
technical and tactical components of the sport. In Volume 1 of this book series, we identify the various
components of fitness and present a variety of training exercises that can be used to develop each of these
components.

Chapter 1 begins with an introduction to the physical components and basic physiological aspects of
soccer, and provides simple yet valid tests to assess each component in your players.

Having good balance and range of motion enhances stability and coordination, and is essential for
building a solid fitness base and in the prevention of injuries. Chapters 2 tells us when to incorporate
static and dynamic stretching into the training routine to enhance whole-body flexibility, while Chapter 3
describes how to challenge the balance threshold and presents exercises to enhance 3-dimensional
balance.

Dribbling to beat an opponent or trying to lose a marker are situations that frequently occur during a game
and highlights the importance of superior speed and agility for soccer players. Chapters 4 presents
exercises guaranteed to increase maximum speed and acceleration whereas Chapter 5 discusses ball-
oriented exercises that will improve the various elements of agility such as stop-and-go capability,
reaction time, and coordination.