An Overview of Professional Soccer Techniques, Tactics and Training Drills

Article by Mark Heffernan

Professional soccer is one of the most watched sports in the world, no matter what name it goes by. The high level of skill and fitness professional players exhibit on the field makes the sport look easy. However, even the professionals believe that “practice makes perfect”, and practice techniques, tactics and run through training drills on an almost daily basis. Below is an overview of the techniques, tactics and training drills that go into being a professional soccer player.

Training Drills

As with any sport, part of being a professional soccer player includes continual training drills. There are as many training drills are there are moves, but most can be broken down into defensive and offensive components.

Professional defensive training drills include how to jockey opponents, giving the player’s side a chance to regain the ball, performing block or sliding tackles and heading. To improve these skills, players practice keeping a good defensive line, recovery running, defending set pieces and crosses, and the necessary decision making skills on when to press, cover or drop, to name a few.

Offensive training drills include set plays, which help keep the professional players fit and as well as improving and keeping control of the ball. The drills can vary from tight space dribbling to 3vs3 and crosses with a finish at the goal.

As a coach or player, it’s always best to start with basic drills during a session, then lead up to the more complicated 3vs3 or 8vs8 plays. With this method of slowly increasing the energy and focus level, the players have a chance to warm their muscles up and “relearn” the movements needed before getting into serious drill.

Techniques

Every professional player and coach has a specific technique on how to carry out a play or move, and the techniques grow as the player progresses in the mastery of the sport. However, even professional players return to the basics.

Although a basic soccer technique, kicking the ball is often overlooked. Many beginners start by using their toe, which causes inaccuracy, as well as presenting the possibility of injury to the foot. Practicing the proper way of using the instep sets the movement in muscle memory, so that, when the professional players are on the field, they don’t have to worry about the movements. The proper way to pass or shoot is embedded in muscle memory and becomes automatic.

When you practice professional soccer techniques, make sure you don’t skip over the basics. While advanced techniques are important, learning the basic footwork is what got you to the advanced level in the first place. Don’t leave them out of the drills you set up.

Tactics

Professional soccer tactics are all about how the sport is played. Where do the players need to be for defending corners? What are the roles of the players in attacking corners? How do you build a defensive wall?

When going through tactics, you’ll be looking at many formations: 3-5-2 formations, 4-4-2 formation and the 4-5-1 formation, favored by professional clubs, among others. Practicing tactics provides the same benefits as the training and technique drills. It sets the moves in the player’s mind, so they don’t have to think about it in the middle of play.

Techniques, tactics and training drills all go into making a professional soccer player. With dedication and diligence, along with the proper training, you will find yourself advancing to a higher level than you ever thought possible.

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La Fitness Locations

Article by Jagdish Sagar

Finding La Fitness Locations become very easy with help of la-fitnesslocations.com. I will explain all steps from which you may easily find your fitness or weight loss center. At the top of the page or below of this line you may find all country lists which has la fitness locations. Select your fitness location and you will redirect on next page on next page all state of the particular countries are listed. Here I have listed out some of most searched state. So maybe it will helpful to search fitness locations directly without go anywhere.Here I will list out some best serached locations.After reach on state or country page we have listed out all la fitness locations which are around to 20 miles of area from your desired city.

All navigation is very easy so you can easily find la fitness locations. We have categorized whole things into different steps.

Step 1: Select your desired country which is list out in top menu and also above this article too.

Step 2: After select desired country we will list out all it classes

Find a Personal Trainer

If you would really like to get in shape, or maybe you are in pretty good shape and you just want a little extra help with learning more about living a healthier lifestyle and maintaining it, you should find a personal trainer. A good personal trainer can help you get healthy and stay that way. At the Fit For Life Personal Training Studio, you will surely find a great one.

Fit For Life has many great programs including various group exercise classes as well as their personal training program. They even have a nutritional program to help you learn to eat a healthy, nutritious diet. It teaches you how you can still enjoy eating your favorite foods without worrying about compromising your fitness goals.  

If you just don’t want to go to the stinky gym anymore or if you are just getting started on your path to fitness, go to Fit For Life and find a personal trainer.

Another great way to get in shape and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time is the boot camp that is offered by Fit For Life Personal Training Studios.

These boot camps are conducted in some of the most beautifully scenic parks in Pennsylvania. It is wonderful to be able to get a good workout outside among the beauty of nature. There’s nothing else like it to help you feel energized and motivated. Being outside in the gorgeous weather just adds that extra something to your workout.

During these boot camps, which are held two times per week over a period of four weeks, the exercises will be performed in short intervals. They will also be constantly varied so as to keep your body from becoming used to one kind of workout. This is the best way to shrink those fat cells and add lean muscle to your body.

The boot camps take place in four different locations. Some of the exercises that are done at these boot camps are tossing a medicine ball, maybe a short run or a hike, and lunges are also. You will perform one exercise for a few minutes and then switch up and do something else. This way you will definitely not get bored.

Another special program that is offered by Fit For Life is grocery store tours. You can meet with Stacey at the local grocery store and she will show you the best way to shop for foods that are healthy for you to eat. You will also learn the top 100 foods that you should eat in order to have the most optimal health. Learning how to read and understand the nutritional labels of foods is very important. You will also be able to learn more about this in your grocery store tour with Stacey.

If all of this sounds good to you, then you should get in touch with the health and fitness experts at Fit For Life Personal Training Studio and find a personal trainer to help you on your way to better health, more energy, and ultimately a better life.

 

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Part II: Does Cross Fit lessen athletic performance: lean muscle growth, fat loss

Article by Mark Wine CSCS ; NASM PT, CES, PES

Cross fit has numerous stories of body weight reduction. Is this reduction fat loss? Generally speaking sports require a certain body fat percentage, or lean mass versus fat mass. Fat reduction becomes essential in order to be successful. Sports like mixed martial arts (MMA), football, hockey, soccer, swimming, tennis, and so on… Because you need a significant amount of lean muscle, with lower body fat levels, should these athletes participate in cross fit? Sports like baseball, golf, or a football lineman can pack on a little extra weight, a little more fat, should they stay away from cross fit? Cross Fit moves at a high intensity pace for a long period of time. Experts in the field of fitness say that ‘in order to burn more fat you want less rest between exercise sets. Experts in the field claim ‘performing complex total body movements, instead of isolating one specific muscle, is preferred.’ This is true. Cross Fit performs complex movements with minimal rest periods, so this must mean Cross Fit is works? If only it were that simple. Cross Fit participants often lighten the load below 70% of their 1RM (one rep max). The best way to gain lean muscle mass is by increasing the weight, so your body doesn’t become adapted to the specific imposed demands placed upon it. Calorie expenditure increases, the resting metabolic rate (RMR) increases, and extended post exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) is extended. RMR is your metabolic rate when you are no active, you are at complete rest. EPOC is the oxygen consumption post exercise, which aids in increasing your calorie expenditure. Lighter weight, or constantly performing the same exercises with the same weight, falls short in achieving these four results. However, can only using light weight increase fat loss? Does this mean you can’t expect gains in performance due to body weight reduction through Cross Fit? Intermediate to advanced athletes cannot expect optimal results from Cross Fit. If you are a beginner exercising or beginning Cross Fit for the first time then you can expect body weight reduction; fat loss; lean muscle growth; and your athleticism may improve. At the same time, if you engage in any new proper exercise program you can expect these results. The best best way to gain lean muscle and achieve optimal fat loss is through resistance training, with weight that makes you struggle. You want to pick up weight that makes you struggle to achieve the desired repetitions, usually around 6-12, with under 60-90 seconds of rest. Cross Fit is extremely limited in this regard because they do not use weight that fits to that repetition count; therefore, Cross Fit does not lead to maximal athletic performance. Lean mass (muscle) is produced by resistance training, so let us look further into Resistance Training. Resistance training can be anything from body weight training, suspension training, plyometric training, and/or weight lifting. Simply put, being physically active will build some lean muscle. However, not all methods of resistance training are equal. For example, only performing pushups as your whole workout method will stimulate muscle growth for a short while, if you have never trained before. However, once your body has adapted to this motion and weight, more resistance must be added on. We do this by using dumbbells, barbells, changing the pushup to suspension training pushups and other variations. This is one reason Cross Fit has weaknesses. Cross Fit’s rep speed, volume of reps, the energy depletion within your muscles (ATP / CP reduction), all result in an external stimulus weight reduction. Therefore, lean muscle mass will not be stimulated for optimal growth. Without this growth, strength and power gains are limited. Without strength & power gains, in fact, sometimes even a strength & power reduction, athletes can expect to become slower, weaker, more injury prone, and less athletically talented. As an athlete, the constant stimulation of new lean muscle growth is necessary; if nothing more, maintaining muscle is essential if you are in season. During Part I of Cross Fit: Does it really achieve the results it claims?, the correlation between strength and power was made. Power development is important to becoming a better athlete. The more lean mass, the higher power output. The higher the power output, the more explosive you are. The more explosive you are, the faster / quicker you are. Cross Fit performs the same structured workout routines, as well as the same exercises, on a continual basis. There are some variations here and there. Eventually the body becomes adapted and any results diminish. One exercise that Cross Fit performs over and over again is jumping pull ups, which stimulates nearly zero back muscle growth. Ask a Cross Fit participant to perform a Military pull up, which requires actual back strength. The majority cannot. A real life example; a female athlete, whom worked out at Functional Muscle Fitness LLC, received a Division I scholarship from a Pac-12 University. She developed her core and strength / power while training properly. She is involved with a sport that requires high amounts of muscular endurance and power. When she arrived at her university she was asked to perform a pull up test with the rest of her team. She performed 13 Military style Pull Ups. The other girls performed 20-30 Cross Fit pull ups. When the new Strength and Conditioning Coach asked the other girls to perform a correct pull up, a non Cross Fit pull up, the majority could not perform one. The athlete from Functional Muscle Fitness LLC is one of their top performers. This is just one of many examples of Cross Fit’s weaknesses. Sports that require a significant amount of muscular endurance to perform include MMA, soccer, swimming, tennis, hockey, and any other sport involving fast paced movements. Normally these movements are engaged for longer than 30 second of high intensity bouts, with minimal rest time. These sports could benefit from performing a workout similar to that of Cross Fit. However, like any other sport, these sports also require high power outputs. Therefore, training the Cross Fit way will result in a decrease in athletic performance, unless coupled with a proper Strength and Conditioning program. So how do you incorporate training for muscular endurance, without jeopardizing power gains? Functional Muscle Fitness LLC suggests a 2:2 day split for those sports, maybe even a 3:1 split; Two-Three days would be strength & power training, with one-two days for muscular endurance. Sports that require less mass and less muscular surface area can optimize strength & power growth through supersets. Supersets are coupling two or three exercises together; example, perform dmbl bench, followed by push up jumps. This will ensure more fat loss, with less mass gain. You can train for both muscular endurance and power gains this way. Besides, why not leave the specific sport endurance to playing the sport??? Is it not optimal to learn how to play the sport by playing the sport?

SOURCES1. The Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning (3rd edition).By, National Strength and Conditioning AssociationEditors: Thomas R. Baechle and Roger W. Earle©2008, 2000, 1994

2. NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training (3rd edition)By, National Academy of Sports MedicineEditors: Michael A. Clark, Scott C. Lucett and Rodney J. Corn©2008

3. Strength Training Anatomy (3rd edition)By, Frederic Delavier©2010 by Editions Vigot

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Fact – Soccer Fitness Training Basics

Many physical experts agree that soccer demands more strength of all sports. A large playing field, no rest time and a game which goes on for a long time are few such reasons. During the match, while possessing the ball, players at times cover 10 miles consisting of 24% walking, 36% jogging, 20% coursing, 11% sprinting, 7% moving backwards and 2% moving. The intense levels of the game is so high, average player’s heart rate is maximum of 90%.

Aerobic Capacity

During a match, players can cover more ground if their aerobic capacity is higher. In addition, improved endurance enhances the sprints which can be completed during the game. The significant feature of soccer fitness training to improve aerobic capacity is that it can be done anywhere and anytime.

Weight Training

Soccer players undergoing weight training plays major role in conditioning programs.

In older version, it was three sets of ten reps whereas in new fitness training, it includes balanced explosive power and muscular endurance.

Though some might benefit by improving lean mass, focusing on converting on the strength into specific power is vital. This training also helps correct muscle imbalances. A well formed plan can address the problem of overly strong quadriceps related to hamstrings as the soccer players are prone to this issue.

Soccer Fitness Training includes Diet, Nutrition and Metal Attitude

One can be a lean machine like soccer legend Pele and could be in danger due to high percentage of body fat levels. Rather than consuming junk food and soda pep, if a professional soccer player eats natural food and drinks purified water, they get an edge over other teammates and competitors.

Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods need to be thought of as perfect examples of mental toughness and discipline.

Predicting first where the soccer ball would go gives a big edge on the competitors. Giving 100% effort and a positive attitude is another tip of all great athletes of our time. One can only walk his head high if this advice is followed, irrespective of how bleak the situation looks or how brutal the game was, no matter whether if the game is won or lost. This needs to be kept in mind during soccer fitness training.

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Fitness weight training, Is it really for you ?

Article by Jim Swank

Fitness Weight Training is a form of exercise for developing the strength and size of skeletal muscles. Some gyms have made weight training their bread and butter. But today there are many more options in todays gym. Is fitness weight training really for you ?

Weight

Weight Training, or Resistance Training, is one of the most important tools in the quest for improved levels of physical fitness. It is also one of the most versatile options available to you as you strive to attain your physical fitness goals. Weight training helps to maintain muscle strength, muscular endurance, neuromuscular (nerve-muscle) coordination, and bone density (helping to avoid osteoporosis).

Fitness

Fitness Weight Training will help you maximize the results. Fitness weight training is not a complicated process as you might think, and it does not take much time. Fitness training is useful for everyone and it is particularly more useful for those people who are suffering from illnesses or joint problems.

Equipment

The advantage of aerobic activities over weight training is that they require minimal equipment and you can do them almost anywhere. No, you don’t need any weights or weight training equipment. The technique of weight training involves lifting progressively increasing amounts of weight, and uses a variety of exercises and types of equipment to target specific muscle groups.

Body

There are endless array of strength training programs and theories available in the market, much of it geared toward bodybuilders and advanced exercisers. It’s an activity that can be done in a short period, yet it makes dramatic changes in how your body looks and feels. With body shaping you’ll not only experience the muscle firming and definition of muscle toning, you will increase your muscle size. What makes weight training exciting is the rapid rate at which you can see and feel changes in your body. As soon as you start exercising, your muscles feel firmer, and the “body sculpting” process begins.

This article was written by Jim Swank.

For more information about health and fitness, go to http://www.healthandbizguru.com

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Advice For Becoming A Personal Trainer

Article by Ely Gelayda

Many people are now more interested and inclined towards health and fitness, and this trend has been growing for some years. With time, people are becoming more health and fitness conscious, that has given rise to the fitness industry. Nowadays, personal trainers are amongst the highest paid people in the business environment.

If health and fitness is your thing, then there is certainly no better career path than becoming a personal trainer. After some time, you can simply open up your own business, and you will no longer have to work for anybody. This means you can work flexible hours, and enjoy the kind of freedom that people dream of.

For becoming a personal trainer who is good at his job, there are some things you need to keep in mind. First of all, it is not just enough to have a good body and skills, because that is not what will get you the most recognition in this business. What you need is a good set of qualifications and certifications that prove you know what you are doing. All top class gyms and clubs, only hire personal trainers who are well qualified, so this is something you need to work towards.

Also remember that becoming a personal trainer is not just about working out and eating right; it involves good communication skills. If you are unable to communicate with the client and show that you care, you will never be able to reach the comfort level which is required for this job. Remember that unless the client trusts you and relies on you, you will never be their top choice when it comes to personal trainers.

When you are working with clients, it is important to listen to their concerns and problems. Do not try to act like you are the boss and that you know everything. If the client has concerns, it is your job to take care of them. If the client is not happy with a certain routine, then change it instead of pushing them to do things your way. Moreover, you have to be there for your clients when they need you, and you might be required to work early or late hours as that is part of this job.

If you are professional and have a sensitive approach to your clients, you can become a successful personal trainer. And that is the best type of trainer to be.

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Ladies Can Now Follow An Effective Fitness Training Course At Their Home

Article by Wendy Jane

You must wish to remain fit, but at the same time you do not find sufficient time to visit the gym? Or you desire to cut your gym costs? There is an option which can both help you save time and decrease the cost – make your own fitness training gym at your home? This will not only save you time, additionally, it save you money with time. Here

Personal Training Fitness Certification Programs

Article by John Stamos

Introduction

In recent years, people are giving stress on staying healthy and fit and they are realizing its significance. They are adopting various measures to achieve a healthy mind, body and soul. They are willing to go to any extent for keeping themselves in shape. Some people also want to pursue this as a profession and want to become professional and skillful trainers, but they often get confused as to where they should approach for fitness certification. You can find various online schools specializing in these certification programs and can get started. These trainers get the opportunity to work in health clubs, fitness and wellness clinics.

There are number of career training schools offering various types of certification. These certifications are based on the level of fitness and training you want to practice and mainly there are four types of certification. They are:

Fitness Training – Get Super Fit

Can you become super fit overnight? The answer to this question is not yes. Some people do not follow a fitness training schedule because they have the opinion that it is a long and tiring process. This is true to some extent because there are no shortcuts to become fit and healthy. If you are worried about losing the excess weight on your stomach, hips or things, you have to join a proper fitness training program. A health consultant would create a proper program for you. This may seem tiring and exhausting. However, it proves to be very effective if an organized approach is used. Let’s have a look at some easy fitness training tips.

One of the key ways to maintain shape is circuit training. This form of training proves to be advantageous for the feet, calf muscles and hip area. These are some of the most common areas for gaining weight. What is circuit training? It requires you to run for a long distance on daily basis. This does not mean that you have to run fast. This kind of training is given to increase the stamina and reduce fat. However, you have to do circuit training on a regular scale because it takes time to produce results.

Exercising is not only about lifting weights. The movement of any body part can be termed as exercise. Stretching exercises are very important for a person who wants to maintain his body shape. Most trainers include these exercises in every fitness training session. The purpose of these movements is to reduce the stiffness in the body. It is easier for a person to move his limbs after stretching exercises. In addition to that, you should remember that it takes a considerable time to become super fit. If you have ten kilograms of extra fat on your stomach, you cannot lose it in duration of one week. Similarly, you have to exercise on continuous basis to improve your physique.

There are two ways to get high standard training. One of them is to join a proper gym and get assistance from a professional trainer. However, this option does not work for people who have strict working schedules. Thus, such people can buy a set of training DVD’s or CD’s. This is a self training option and you have to learn all the exercises by seeing. The main advantage of this option is that you can see view the training sessions as many times as you want.

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