agility training drills are an important addition to the training routine of a soccer player.A soccer player must have the ability to move quickly and produce sharp and explosive changes of direction.Agility training can be done exclusively, or incorporated as part of a fitness or technical soccer training session.Types
Soccer agility training drills must develop the ability to move quickly and change direction at high speeds, as well as perform explosive movements during a soccer game.An example of soccer agility training is shuttle runs or a follow-the-leader drill.A follow-the-leader agility drill involves one player Benefits
Soccer agility training drills develop both physical fitness and techniques that help soccer performance.Agility training will help build up speed endurance and develop fast-twitch muscle fibers.Agility training also allows the coach to teach correct footwork and techniques to perform changes of direction and other movements.For example, players must shorten their steps upon approach and learn to explode out of a change of direction.
Significance
Agility is a vital physical fitness component for any soccer player.A goalkeeper needs agility to quickly react to shots on goal, and an outfield player must be able to perform slide tackles, diving headers and explosive movements.The ability to run quickly and change direction at high speeds will give you a big advantage on the soccer field.The ability to lose markers will allow you to be open to receive pa*ses, and the ability to mark an opponent man to man will make you a valuable defender for your team.
Time Frame
Agility training is most effective when done on an ongoing basis.Soccer players will often perform a higher volume of physical fitness and agility training during the preseason.Sprints and agility drills are often timed and scores recorded for future reference during the season.During the season soccer agility training drills incorporate ball work.For example, man-to-man defensive drills include a high level of agility training.
Considerations
Soccer agility training sessions can include physically intense activity; therefore a risk of strains or muscle injury exists.For this reason, any session should be preceded by a thorough warm up and stretching routine.End each session with a cool down and stretching.A coach should use position-specific agility training.For example, goalkeepers should work on diving and bounding.Outfield players should work on acceleration and sharp changes of direction.
