Strength training is a key element of soccer conditioning, as it helps prepare your muscles for a fast-paced ninety minutes. Soccer can be physically demanding, and requires a great deal of both upper and lower body strength.

When you’re dribbling the ball, and an opponent tries to tackle you, you need to be strong enough to brush them off and keep going. There are also times when you need to be explosive so that you can outrun your opponents.

Here are a few strength conditioning exercises:

  • Squats
    Great for building muscle in your legs and glutes, squats should be an important part of your soccer training sessions. Stand with your feet a little wider than shoulder width apart. Stick your butt out slightly, keep your spine straight, and slowly lower yourself until your knees are just past a 90 degree angle. Then slowly bring yourself back into the starting position.
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