Real Strength Training
Are you interested in real strength training for Soccer players? Warning: This approach is not for the average soccer player that does circuit training and high reps because they can feel the burn. This method has worked for some of the best players in the United States and the world and has brought their game to another level. What is the core of this program? Training Heavy. That’s right folks! Why do most soccer players do light weights when they move on the field just like all other sports, including American Football? Soccer players need to be explosive over a five to ten yard area just like Football players, I know we don’t tackle and hit like them, but the athletic movements on the field are more similar then you think. Running, sprinting, physically fending off an opponent, are skills required of athletes in both games. When the last time you saw a football player run from one machine to another as fast as possible in order to keep their heart rate up? Never! So why do soccer players do it? I’ll tell you why – because you have been taught that all your life and it’s time to grow up. The secret is to be productive when you strength train and concentrate on lifts that will build your relative body strength (overall strength for your particular bodyweight). This is accomplished by lifting near maximal weights for low repetitions (1-5 reps) for 3 to 4 sets. You need to train by using complex movements like squats and deadlifts for legs and bench press for upper body. Listed below are the core lifts that you should be implementing in your strength-training program today.
- Box Squats – Concentrates on static overcome by dynamic movement to build explosive strength!
- Deadlifts – Any variation (trap bar, dumbbell, straight bar) – works all the muscles in the posterior chain (Gluteus Maximus, Hamstrings, and Spinal Erectors).
- Bench Press – Any variation (straight bar and/or dumbbell) – probably one of the best and safest lifts to develop upper body strength.
Mark is coming out within the next few months with his strength training manual Williams Soccer Strength Method also available on his website as well.