How Often Do Soccer Players Train?

It’s no surprise that the more you train in soccer the better you will be. Without practice, your game will only stagnate. It’s literally this simple.

So, this begs the question, how often do soccer players train? The answer…it depends. But, we’ll explain.

It depends on various factors, such as your level of play, age, fitness level, and goals.

Professional soccer players typically train six days a week, with one day off for recovery. They spend several hours each day practicing their skills, conditioning, and tactical strategies.

 

However, this level of training is not suitable for younger players whose bodies are still maturing and have other commitments such as school.

Instead, youth soccer players can aim for at least three training sessions per week. This includes a combination of technical training, speed, and other team drills to improve their overall game.

In this article, let’s dig more into the training regime of the pros and youth players.

Professional Soccer Training

As a professional soccer player, you need to train consistently to maintain your fitness level and improve your skills.

The amount of training you do depends on the season and your team’s schedule.

In this section, we will discuss the different types of training sessions that professional soccer players undergo.

Pre-Season Training

Pre-season training is the period before the start of the season, where players focus on improving their fitness levels and building their endurance.

During this period, players undergo intense physical training, including strength and conditioning exercises, agility drills, and endurance training. The goal is to prepare players for the demands of the season ahead.

In-Season Training

During the season, training sessions are less intense, but players still need to maintain their fitness levels and improve their skills.

In-season training sessions focus on team tactics, ball control, and shooting drills. Players also work on their speed, agility, and endurance to ensure they are fit for match days.

Off-Season Training

This is where soccer players of all ages can separate themselves.

Off-season training is the period after the season ends, when players typically take a break from intense training sessions.

Players still need to maintain their fitness levels and work on their skills during this period.

Off-season training sessions are less intense than pre-season training, but players still need to work on their strength and conditioning.

For those that want to accelerate their game, increasing technical training and their overall fitness can make a huge difference. While others may prioritize rest and having fun, you can take advantage of this time by working as hard as you can before the pre-season.

Youth Soccer Training

Frequency and Duration

As a youth soccer player, you should aim to train at least three times a week.

Training sessions should last between one and two hours, depending on your age and level of experience.

It’s important to remember that quality is more important than quantity. Make sure you are fully focused and engaged during each session.

Remember, games don’t get you better, practices do.

Training Sessions

Your training sessions should consist of a variety of drills and exercises that focus on improving your technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical fitness. Here are some examples:

• Technical drills: dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control
• Tactical drills: small-sided games, attacking and defending scenarios, and set pieces
• Physical fitness: endurance runs, sprints, plyometrics, and strength training

Off-Season Training

During the off-season, it’s important to maintain your fitness and skills. This will help you avoid injuries and be better prepared for the next season. Here are some things you can do:

• Play pickup games with friends
• Attend soccer camps or clinics
• Work on your individual skills, such as juggling or shooting
• Cross-train with other sports or activities, such as bike riding, pickleball, or running

Remember to take breaks and rest your body as needed. Overtraining can lead to burnout and injuries.

Overall, youth soccer training should be focused on developing your skills, fitness, and love for the game. By training consistently and with purpose, you can improve your performance and reach your goals.

Prioritize Rest as a Soccer Player

Rest is a crucial part of any soccer player’s training routine. While it may seem counterintuitive, taking time off from training can actually improve your performance on the field. Here are a few reasons why rest is so important:

• Prevents Injury: Overtraining can lead to fatigue, which increases the risk of injury. Taking time off allows your body to recover and reduces the likelihood of getting hurt.
• Allows for Proper Recovery: When you exercise, your muscles break down. Resting gives your body time to repair and rebuild those muscles, which can lead to increased strength and endurance.
• Improves Mental Health: Soccer players often have busy schedules, and taking time off can help reduce stress and improve mental health. This can lead to better focus and performance on the field.
• Prevents Burnout: Training too much can lead to burnout and a loss of motivation. Taking time off can help you recharge and come back to training with renewed enthusiasm.

It’s important to note that rest doesn’t mean doing nothing. Active recovery, such as light stretching or swimming, can be beneficial during rest periods.

Additionally, it’s important to listen to your body and take rest days as needed. Remember, rest is just as important as training when it comes to improving your performance on the field.

Factors Affecting Training Frequency

When it comes to how often soccer players train, there are several factors that come into play.

Age

Age is a major factor when it comes to how often soccer players train. Younger players tend to have more energy and can handle more intense (but less frequent) training sessions.

As players get older, they may need to reduce the frequency and intensity of their training sessions to avoid injury and burnout.

Position

The position a player plays also affects their training frequency.

For example, goalkeepers may have a different training schedule than forwards or midfielders.

Goalkeepers may focus more on agility and reaction time, while forwards may focus on speed and endurance.

Specialized training can be very beneficial as you get older. But, it’s important to not bucket yourself in a position too early on.

Injury

If a player is recovering from an injury, they may need to reduce their training frequency and intensity to avoid further injury.

On the other hand, players who are injury-free may be able to train more often and at a higher intensity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the frequency of soccer training can vary depending on various factors, such as the level of competition and the player’s position. However, it is generally agreed that regular training is essential for soccer players to maintain their physical and mental fitness and improve their skills.

So, to recap, here is the typical training session of each type of player:

• Youth players: Train at least three times per week for 1 to two hours per session
• Professional players: Train at least six times per week for two or three hours per session

These training sessions should include a combination of strength and conditioning exercises, tactical drills, and technical training.

Remember that training alone is not enough to become a successful soccer player. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet, get enough rest, and stay mentally focused.

With dedication and hard work, you can improve your skills and achieve your goals on the field. The luck becomes up to you!