Faiza Ahmed
Shady Mohammed (L) and Ramzi Saleh of Al-Ahly celebrate after defeating El-Ismaily in a play-off football match for the Egyptian Premier League title in Alexandria, May 24. (Reuters)
CAIRO — The Egyptian Premier League will launch its season in style, with a match between Egypt’s two most popular and polarising teams, Zamalek and Al-Ahly – an exciting prospect for their Egyptian fans. Both teams had a successful start, with Al-Ahly defeating Ghazl El-Mehalla 2-0 on Aug. 6, while Zamalek defeated ENPPI 3-1 the following night. Zamalek have struggled in recent years, suffering two consecutive losses in the Confederations Cup and seeing their tenacious rival Al-Ahly take the league championship for the last five years. Zamalek fans, however, are confident that this year will be different.
Al-Ahly welcomed the arrival of a new Liberian striker, Francis Doe, who did not disappoint during his first game, scoring both of the team’s goals.
New Al-Ahly technical manager Hossam El-Badry altered the team's strategy this season, using a 2-4-4 formation. Many sports commentators said that this could take the team out of contention; El-Badry experimented with such a formation in pre-season matches with poor results. The easy victory over El-Mehalla, however, has allayed the fears of both commentators and fans alike.
Zamalek spent much of the pre-season in rigorous training for this season’s matches in Switzerland and Romania, playing several practise matches and working in harmony with top European teams. Ahmed Hossam, who joined the team this year from the English Middlesbrough Club, was a new gain for Zamalek. Although he did not play in the opening match, team officials expect excellent performance from him for the rest of the season.
Without a doubt, the most anticipated matches in Egypt this year will be are those that pit Zamalek against Al-Ahly, as both teams acquired several elite players from the region and Europe.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Argentina Vs Brazil 6th September 2009
from: oleolefootball.com
The South American “super derby” takes place this coming Sunday when Argentina host Brazil in Rosario and will be looking to put one over their bitter rivals. Argentina are currently going through a shaky period under new boss Diego Maradona and they currently occupy the last automatic qualifying spot for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa. With four teams qualifying automatically, and the fifth team going into a playoff against the fourth placed team in the CONCACAF final round, Brazil lead the way with 27 points, followed by Chile on 26, Paraguay on 24 and then Argentina on 22 points. To gauge how close it all is though, it would be prudent to point out that Ecuador are currently fifth with 20 points and Uruguay sixth with 18. With Columbia and Venezuela just behind on 17 points, it’s easy to realise just how big the game on Sunday is for the Argentineans. If they don’t win, and Ecuador and Uruguay win their games, things could get really interesting in the three games that remain after that.
For their part, Brazil appear to be cruising once again for a World Cup final spot. They lead the way on 27 points and have recorded seven wins, six draws and just one defeat in their fourteen games thus far. If they beat Argentina, and Ecuador fail to win, means that Brazil would have guaranteed their place in South Africa with three games to spare.
You can watch the Argentina vs. Brazil game by tuning into oleolefootball.com this coming Sunday, and enjoying South American football live to your computer screen. Argentina and Brazil lock horns this Sunday as they battle it out for World Cup 2010 berths
Brazil travel to Argentina on Sunday knowing that a win could book them their spot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Argentina host Brazil in a vital for them World Cup qualifying game, with all the pressure firmly on Diego Maradona’s shoulders.
The South American “super derby” takes place this coming Sunday when Argentina host Brazil in Rosario and will be looking to put one over their bitter rivals. Argentina are currently going through a shaky period under new boss Diego Maradona and they currently occupy the last automatic qualifying spot for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa. With four teams qualifying automatically, and the fifth team going into a playoff against the fourth placed team in the CONCACAF final round, Brazil lead the way with 27 points, followed by Chile on 26, Paraguay on 24 and then Argentina on 22 points. To gauge how close it all is though, it would be prudent to point out that Ecuador are currently fifth with 20 points and Uruguay sixth with 18. With Columbia and Venezuela just behind on 17 points, it’s easy to realise just how big the game on Sunday is for the Argentineans. If they don’t win, and Ecuador and Uruguay win their games, things could get really interesting in the three games that remain after that.
For their part, Brazil appear to be cruising once again for a World Cup final spot. They lead the way on 27 points and have recorded seven wins, six draws and just one defeat in their fourteen games thus far. If they beat Argentina, and Ecuador fail to win, means that Brazil would have guaranteed their place in South Africa with three games to spare.
You can watch the Argentina vs. Brazil game by tuning into oleolefootball.com this coming Sunday, and enjoying South American football live to your computer screen. Argentina and Brazil lock horns this Sunday as they battle it out for World Cup 2010 berths
Brazil travel to Argentina on Sunday knowing that a win could book them their spot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Argentina host Brazil in a vital for them World Cup qualifying game, with all the pressure firmly on Diego Maradona’s shoulders.
The Champions League
from: oleolefootball.com
The Champions League is arguably the most valued cup competition in world football today; quite often thrilling battles, tremendous amounts of skill and a few shocks along the way are seen as Europe's elite (and not so elite) try to show what they are capable of against the cream of the crop. The Champions League allows the top teams from the best leagues in the world (the Premiership, La Liga and Serie A) to face off against each other home and away, whilst also allowing those from lesser leagues to put themselves in the spotlight
Last season the Champions League was won by Serie A side AC Milan; they were lucky to be allowed into it after having points deducted due to the match fixing scandal. AC Milan went on to eventually lift the trophy at the end of the campaign despite struggling in the league, mainly due to the exploits of Brazilian talisman Kaka and their solid defense. Milan got revenge over a Liverpool side in the final, winning 2-0 against the team that had beaten them on penalties. Barcelona, winners the year before failed to impress, while Arsenal stuttered through the tournament before eventually being knocked out by PSV Eindhoven.
This year, there are quite a few sides capable of winning it. Although Liverpool have started poorly (drawing against Porto and then losing to Marseille at Anfield) they should still manage to qualify, as any team with Steven Gerrard in it should do. Out of the English sides, Arsenal have started well, beating Sevilla 3-0 and then Steaua Bucharesti away 2-0; Chelsea followed up a draw against Rosenborg with a promising victory over Valencia away from home. As for Manchester United, the Red Devils beat Sporting Lisbon in the first round with ex-Sporting player Cristiano Ronaldo scoring and then sneaked a win against Roma after Wayne Rooney's goal.
It is not just the English sides that are expected to do well; both Spain and Italy have those capable of winning it. Barcelona comfortably sit top of their group with two wins in two games, while Real Madrid, Sevilla and Valencia are all second with the possibility of them taking first place. As for the Italian clubs, Inter Milan suffered a surprise loss to Fenerbahce but should still go through. Roma will advance should they manage to hold off Sporting Lisbon's challenge, and last year's winners AC Milan should progress to the knockout stages despite their loss to Celtic. Lazio are placed third in the 'Group of Death', and will try their hardest to qualify.
Due to Bayern Munich's collapse in last year's Bundesliga they are a notable absence from the Champions League this year, however the likes of Schalke, VFB Stuttgart, Fenerbahce and CSKA Moscow are all capable of getting shock results on their day. One thing is for sure though; this year's Champions League battle is definitely one you do not want to miss, and you can watch all the live football action
The Champions League is arguably the most valued cup competition in world football today; quite often thrilling battles, tremendous amounts of skill and a few shocks along the way are seen as Europe's elite (and not so elite) try to show what they are capable of against the cream of the crop. The Champions League allows the top teams from the best leagues in the world (the Premiership, La Liga and Serie A) to face off against each other home and away, whilst also allowing those from lesser leagues to put themselves in the spotlight
Last season the Champions League was won by Serie A side AC Milan; they were lucky to be allowed into it after having points deducted due to the match fixing scandal. AC Milan went on to eventually lift the trophy at the end of the campaign despite struggling in the league, mainly due to the exploits of Brazilian talisman Kaka and their solid defense. Milan got revenge over a Liverpool side in the final, winning 2-0 against the team that had beaten them on penalties. Barcelona, winners the year before failed to impress, while Arsenal stuttered through the tournament before eventually being knocked out by PSV Eindhoven.
This year, there are quite a few sides capable of winning it. Although Liverpool have started poorly (drawing against Porto and then losing to Marseille at Anfield) they should still manage to qualify, as any team with Steven Gerrard in it should do. Out of the English sides, Arsenal have started well, beating Sevilla 3-0 and then Steaua Bucharesti away 2-0; Chelsea followed up a draw against Rosenborg with a promising victory over Valencia away from home. As for Manchester United, the Red Devils beat Sporting Lisbon in the first round with ex-Sporting player Cristiano Ronaldo scoring and then sneaked a win against Roma after Wayne Rooney's goal.
It is not just the English sides that are expected to do well; both Spain and Italy have those capable of winning it. Barcelona comfortably sit top of their group with two wins in two games, while Real Madrid, Sevilla and Valencia are all second with the possibility of them taking first place. As for the Italian clubs, Inter Milan suffered a surprise loss to Fenerbahce but should still go through. Roma will advance should they manage to hold off Sporting Lisbon's challenge, and last year's winners AC Milan should progress to the knockout stages despite their loss to Celtic. Lazio are placed third in the 'Group of Death', and will try their hardest to qualify.
Due to Bayern Munich's collapse in last year's Bundesliga they are a notable absence from the Champions League this year, however the likes of Schalke, VFB Stuttgart, Fenerbahce and CSKA Moscow are all capable of getting shock results on their day. One thing is for sure though; this year's Champions League battle is definitely one you do not want to miss, and you can watch all the live football action
Biography – Ronaldinho
By Mubeen Musthakeem
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, better known as Ronaldinho, was born on the 21st of March 1980 in Porto Alegre in Brazil. His mother was a saleswoman who later went on to become a nurse. His father worked at a dockyard and played football for a local club. His dad suffered a fatal heart attack when Ronaldinho was only eight and after his older brother Roberto joined Gremio, the family moved to a much wealthy part of the town. Ronaldinho was a very skilled at his tender ages and he was interested in beach football but later turned to professional football. He first came into the media when he had scored all 23 goals in the 23-0 win against a local club at the age of 13. He represented his country in the 1997 U-17 World Cup and became a rising star.
Ronaldinho started his professional football career with Gremio and he moved to the French club Paris Saint-Germain in 2001. He did not have a very successful time at France and in 2003 he joined Barcelona. He won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and also in 2005. Ronaldinho had an excellent time at Barcelona and won plenty of other awards. The Brazilian acquired some injuries and the 2007-08 season did not go well for him and it was time for him to turn his head to another club. He got a really good offer from Manchester City but he turned it down to join the Italian giants AC Milan in 2008. He finished the season with 32 appearances at 10 goals for the club.
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, better known as Ronaldinho, was born on the 21st of March 1980 in Porto Alegre in Brazil. His mother was a saleswoman who later went on to become a nurse. His father worked at a dockyard and played football for a local club. His dad suffered a fatal heart attack when Ronaldinho was only eight and after his older brother Roberto joined Gremio, the family moved to a much wealthy part of the town. Ronaldinho was a very skilled at his tender ages and he was interested in beach football but later turned to professional football. He first came into the media when he had scored all 23 goals in the 23-0 win against a local club at the age of 13. He represented his country in the 1997 U-17 World Cup and became a rising star.
Ronaldinho started his professional football career with Gremio and he moved to the French club Paris Saint-Germain in 2001. He did not have a very successful time at France and in 2003 he joined Barcelona. He won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and also in 2005. Ronaldinho had an excellent time at Barcelona and won plenty of other awards. The Brazilian acquired some injuries and the 2007-08 season did not go well for him and it was time for him to turn his head to another club. He got a really good offer from Manchester City but he turned it down to join the Italian giants AC Milan in 2008. He finished the season with 32 appearances at 10 goals for the club.
4 4 2 Diamond Formation
By Sundip Tailor
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti will go with his tried and tested diamond formation. It's a peculiar strategy since it offers little width and puts significant demands on certain players. We discuss it here in some depth.
The advanced player behind the front two should expect little room to maneuver as he will be marked closely by the holding midfielder from the opposition. Consequently, any attacking midfielder will not do. Those whose game is based on movement, particularly from deep, would find it difficult to impose themselves from this position.
Instead, a more intricate player is required, one who can thread passes after 1 or 2 touches. Pace and ball skills are of added bonus since this would induce free kicks in dangerous positions. In Chelsea's case, it may therefore be more effective to employ a player like Deco as opposed to Lampard in this role.
Note, playing one behind two front men is different from playing 1 behind a single striker. The later situation offers more opportunities for movement than the prior.
Width is important as otherwise approach play becomes narrow and predictable. This is not something to be overlooked as highly skilled teams can suffer from this. Arsenal, for one, have intentionally concentrated their play down the center, which has caused opposition teams to pack the midfield. Liverpool too, over the last 18 months have shown excessive dependency on the Gerrard-Torres link up.
One way to offset this is to send the middle two in the diamond into wide areas when the team has possession. This can be problematic as these players are unlikely to be effective down the flanks and more importantly leave large spaces in the event of a counter attack.
Ideally, you compensate for a lack of width via your full backs. This sounds easier than it is. Your first concern as a manager doing this is whether your full backs are physically up to the task. Can Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa sustain trips up and down the pitch for 50 games in a season? Your second concern is the end product of these players, if their crossing or final ball is poor than what exactly is the point?
Most academies will educate young players to force opposition play down the sides as any resulting cross should be dealt with by the defense. The compelling argument for playing the diamond is that this process happens naturally.
By Sundip Tailor
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti will go with his tried and tested diamond formation. It's a peculiar strategy since it offers little width and puts significant demands on certain players. We discuss it here in some depth.
The advanced player behind the front two should expect little room to maneuver as he will be marked closely by the holding midfielder from the opposition. Consequently, any attacking midfielder will not do. Those whose game is based on movement, particularly from deep, would find it difficult to impose themselves from this position.
Instead, a more intricate player is required, one who can thread passes after 1 or 2 touches. Pace and ball skills are of added bonus since this would induce free kicks in dangerous positions. In Chelsea's case, it may therefore be more effective to employ a player like Deco as opposed to Lampard in this role.
Note, playing one behind two front men is different from playing 1 behind a single striker. The later situation offers more opportunities for movement than the prior.
Width is important as otherwise approach play becomes narrow and predictable. This is not something to be overlooked as highly skilled teams can suffer from this. Arsenal, for one, have intentionally concentrated their play down the center, which has caused opposition teams to pack the midfield. Liverpool too, over the last 18 months have shown excessive dependency on the Gerrard-Torres link up.
One way to offset this is to send the middle two in the diamond into wide areas when the team has possession. This can be problematic as these players are unlikely to be effective down the flanks and more importantly leave large spaces in the event of a counter attack.
Ideally, you compensate for a lack of width via your full backs. This sounds easier than it is. Your first concern as a manager doing this is whether your full backs are physically up to the task. Can Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa sustain trips up and down the pitch for 50 games in a season? Your second concern is the end product of these players, if their crossing or final ball is poor than what exactly is the point?
Most academies will educate young players to force opposition play down the sides as any resulting cross should be dealt with by the defense. The compelling argument for playing the diamond is that this process happens naturally.
By Sundip Tailor
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Who Will Win the Premier League?
By Adam Burke
The question that is on everybody's lips at the moment is who will win the coveted title of English Champions. Manchester United have won it for the past three seasons and are hoping for a record breaking fourth consecutive title. The main threat to Manchester United will come in the usual shape of the 'Big Four', Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, plus possibly this year's big spenders and United's rivals, Manchester City. Manchester City have spent nearly £100m this year securing the services of some big name players such as Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor from Arsenal and Carlos Tevez who turned down the opportunity to stay at Old Trafford.
Many pundits are tipping the blues, Chelsea to win the title this time around. Reason being unlike the other members of the 'Big Four' they not lost any players where as Arsenal have lost Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor, Liverpool have lost Xabi Alonso and Manchester United have lost Carlos Tevez and world player of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo. Although they have all gone some length to replacing them they were all key figures for their teams. Chelsea have also strengthened their squad slightly, signing Russian Zuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow for 18m and two young English players in Ross Turnbull on a free transfer and Daniel Sturridge from Manchester City.
Liverpool came so close last year and were arguably the better team over the year but were let down by so many home draws against the 'lesser sides'. It was by far the closest that Liverpool had come to winning the league since 1990 and maybe they will be able to better it this year. They have lost a key midfield player in Xabi Alonso who went to money bags Madrid and signed Alberto Aquilani from AS Roma for 20m, unfortunately he will no be featuring for the first two months of the season because of an ankle injury. They will be hoping that they could better what they achieved last year but they could be ruing the missed opportunities, however with the talasmanic Steven Gerrard and constant goal threat Fernando Torres they have a good shot at it.
Arsenal have not won a major trophy in the last four years and have finished 4th in the Premier League for three out of the last four seasons. However they had a good run in the Champions League last year eventually bowing out to the beaten finalists Manchester United at the semi-final stage. Arsenal have a young squad captained by Cesc Fabregas who is only 22 himself. They have been dogged by injuries in the past few seasons to key players such as Rosiscky, Walcott and Eduardo and Samir Nasri had broken his leg now too, they will be hoping for better luck in the injury department that's for sure . Under manager Arsense Wenger they are certain to be playing fantastic looking football but whether they will be able to go the distance with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United will have to be seen.
The reason why many people don't think Manchester United are going to win the Premier League this year is because of the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo for a record 80m to Real Madrid, Ronaldo was a pivotal figure in Manchester United's recent success and was almost unstoppable in the 2007/2008 campaign banging in a massive 42 goals over the year.
Although Sir Alex received a world record transfer sum for Ronaldo only 19m has been reinvested. Sir Alex has signed Ecudorian Luis Antonio Valencia from Wigan for approximately 16m, Valencia is a much more convential winger who passes defenders, gets to the byline and wips in a cross. The shock of the summer was possibly Manchester United signing Michael Owen on a free transfer after a horrid time at Newcastle where he was hampered by injuries but still managed 39 goals in 80 games in four seasons. There is a slight risk to it but if anyone can get Owen firing like he did in his Liverpool days then Sir Alex can and Manchester United would have done a shrude bit of business. Will they be able to retain the Premier League title for the 4th year running?
As for me, I believe that although Liverpool had a fantastic season last year United never really looked that good and they missed a real opportunity to win the title. I am going to go with Manchester United to win the Premier League for 4th year in a row with Chelsea a close second and Liverpool third. I do feel Arsenal will manage to hold on to 4th place but only just with Manchester City right on their tail.
I'm sure that we will see an extremely close title race and as ever a very entertaining season of football.
The question that is on everybody's lips at the moment is who will win the coveted title of English Champions. Manchester United have won it for the past three seasons and are hoping for a record breaking fourth consecutive title. The main threat to Manchester United will come in the usual shape of the 'Big Four', Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, plus possibly this year's big spenders and United's rivals, Manchester City. Manchester City have spent nearly £100m this year securing the services of some big name players such as Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor from Arsenal and Carlos Tevez who turned down the opportunity to stay at Old Trafford.
Many pundits are tipping the blues, Chelsea to win the title this time around. Reason being unlike the other members of the 'Big Four' they not lost any players where as Arsenal have lost Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor, Liverpool have lost Xabi Alonso and Manchester United have lost Carlos Tevez and world player of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo. Although they have all gone some length to replacing them they were all key figures for their teams. Chelsea have also strengthened their squad slightly, signing Russian Zuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow for 18m and two young English players in Ross Turnbull on a free transfer and Daniel Sturridge from Manchester City.
Liverpool came so close last year and were arguably the better team over the year but were let down by so many home draws against the 'lesser sides'. It was by far the closest that Liverpool had come to winning the league since 1990 and maybe they will be able to better it this year. They have lost a key midfield player in Xabi Alonso who went to money bags Madrid and signed Alberto Aquilani from AS Roma for 20m, unfortunately he will no be featuring for the first two months of the season because of an ankle injury. They will be hoping that they could better what they achieved last year but they could be ruing the missed opportunities, however with the talasmanic Steven Gerrard and constant goal threat Fernando Torres they have a good shot at it.
Arsenal have not won a major trophy in the last four years and have finished 4th in the Premier League for three out of the last four seasons. However they had a good run in the Champions League last year eventually bowing out to the beaten finalists Manchester United at the semi-final stage. Arsenal have a young squad captained by Cesc Fabregas who is only 22 himself. They have been dogged by injuries in the past few seasons to key players such as Rosiscky, Walcott and Eduardo and Samir Nasri had broken his leg now too, they will be hoping for better luck in the injury department that's for sure . Under manager Arsense Wenger they are certain to be playing fantastic looking football but whether they will be able to go the distance with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United will have to be seen.
The reason why many people don't think Manchester United are going to win the Premier League this year is because of the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo for a record 80m to Real Madrid, Ronaldo was a pivotal figure in Manchester United's recent success and was almost unstoppable in the 2007/2008 campaign banging in a massive 42 goals over the year.
Although Sir Alex received a world record transfer sum for Ronaldo only 19m has been reinvested. Sir Alex has signed Ecudorian Luis Antonio Valencia from Wigan for approximately 16m, Valencia is a much more convential winger who passes defenders, gets to the byline and wips in a cross. The shock of the summer was possibly Manchester United signing Michael Owen on a free transfer after a horrid time at Newcastle where he was hampered by injuries but still managed 39 goals in 80 games in four seasons. There is a slight risk to it but if anyone can get Owen firing like he did in his Liverpool days then Sir Alex can and Manchester United would have done a shrude bit of business. Will they be able to retain the Premier League title for the 4th year running?
As for me, I believe that although Liverpool had a fantastic season last year United never really looked that good and they missed a real opportunity to win the title. I am going to go with Manchester United to win the Premier League for 4th year in a row with Chelsea a close second and Liverpool third. I do feel Arsenal will manage to hold on to 4th place but only just with Manchester City right on their tail.
I'm sure that we will see an extremely close title race and as ever a very entertaining season of football.
Develop Soccer Power, Strength and Fitness - 5 Myths About Strength Training For Youth Soccer Player
By Mike Grafstein
With so much info on the internet, TV and magazines you must understand these 5 common myths about strength and conditioning for youth soccer fitness training.
This is a must before your child is ever going to be successful at improving their strength, power, speed and fitness on the soccer field.
Myth 1: Soccer is an endurance / "cardio" game so you need to go for a 20 to 30 minute jog for soccer fitness.
Truth: Soccer is
a power and speed game. Sending your child out for a 20 to 30 minute jog is "old school, outdated" soccer fitness training and will only teach them to be slow, weak and put them at risk for overuse injuries. Short burst interval training is the current soccer fitness training solution.
You need to find a soccer fitness program that includes interval training to maximize your childs short and long term conditioning needs.
Myth 2: Sit ups and crunches will tone my stomach and build my "core"
Truth: Abdominal exercises such as crunches, sit-ups, and abdomen machines are actually the LEAST effective method of building the core. They do more harm than good. Sit ups cause increase pressure on the "jelly" discs in the back. Over time this may lead to back problems.
Myth 3: Weight training or lifting weights will cause growth plate damage. Lifting weights will "stunt" growth. Truth: Growth plate injuries are result of unsupervised weight training. Soccer Athletes who perform strength training or resistance training exercises with proper form, technique and progression develop stronger joints, improve stability, increase strength, power, speed, confidence and are more dominating on the soccer field.
Myth 4: Children shouldn't weight train until they are 14 or 15.
Truth: Absolutely false. Most people think of body building when they think of weight training. A young boy or girl of the age of 8 may start a properly designed soccer resistance training program with significant benefits.
Myth 5: My child will become "bulky" and "lose their flexibility and ability to move" on the soccer field.
Truth: This is absolutely false. A properly designed program for both young soccer girls and soccer boys improve body composition (body image), overall health and athletic performance on the soccer field. An effective youth soccer strength and power program has the following components built into it:
1) Exercises to prevent anterior cruciate ligament tears. i.e. Single leg squat 2) Exercises that closely resemble the actions on the soccer field. i.e. Lunges 3) Total body exercises for base strength. i.e. Squats 4) Exercises that build power. i.e. A progressive plyometric (jump) program 5) Conditioning that includes intervals and sprints 6) Exercises that include stop - start and change of direction. 7) Sound nutritional guidelines. i.e. Pre and post training and game meals.
It is vital that you look for these components in any strength and conditioning program for your son or daughter.
By Mike Grafstein
With so much info on the internet, TV and magazines you must understand these 5 common myths about strength and conditioning for youth soccer fitness training.
This is a must before your child is ever going to be successful at improving their strength, power, speed and fitness on the soccer field.
Myth 1: Soccer is an endurance / "cardio" game so you need to go for a 20 to 30 minute jog for soccer fitness.
Truth: Soccer is
a power and speed game. Sending your child out for a 20 to 30 minute jog is "old school, outdated" soccer fitness training and will only teach them to be slow, weak and put them at risk for overuse injuries. Short burst interval training is the current soccer fitness training solution.
You need to find a soccer fitness program that includes interval training to maximize your childs short and long term conditioning needs.
Myth 2: Sit ups and crunches will tone my stomach and build my "core"
Truth: Abdominal exercises such as crunches, sit-ups, and abdomen machines are actually the LEAST effective method of building the core. They do more harm than good. Sit ups cause increase pressure on the "jelly" discs in the back. Over time this may lead to back problems.
Myth 3: Weight training or lifting weights will cause growth plate damage. Lifting weights will "stunt" growth. Truth: Growth plate injuries are result of unsupervised weight training. Soccer Athletes who perform strength training or resistance training exercises with proper form, technique and progression develop stronger joints, improve stability, increase strength, power, speed, confidence and are more dominating on the soccer field.
Myth 4: Children shouldn't weight train until they are 14 or 15.
Truth: Absolutely false. Most people think of body building when they think of weight training. A young boy or girl of the age of 8 may start a properly designed soccer resistance training program with significant benefits.
Myth 5: My child will become "bulky" and "lose their flexibility and ability to move" on the soccer field.
Truth: This is absolutely false. A properly designed program for both young soccer girls and soccer boys improve body composition (body image), overall health and athletic performance on the soccer field. An effective youth soccer strength and power program has the following components built into it:
1) Exercises to prevent anterior cruciate ligament tears. i.e. Single leg squat 2) Exercises that closely resemble the actions on the soccer field. i.e. Lunges 3) Total body exercises for base strength. i.e. Squats 4) Exercises that build power. i.e. A progressive plyometric (jump) program 5) Conditioning that includes intervals and sprints 6) Exercises that include stop - start and change of direction. 7) Sound nutritional guidelines. i.e. Pre and post training and game meals.
It is vital that you look for these components in any strength and conditioning program for your son or daughter.
By Mike Grafstein
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