Follow this Training Plan to Prepare for College Soccer
As a coach and college recruiting advisor, I often receive questions about how young players can best prepare for college competition. While I’ve written previously about how to tell if your child needs supplemental soccer training (hint: every player will greatly benefit from extra training), I thought it might be helpful to go one step further and offer a sample development plan that players can follow.
The following is a typical program that high school boys and girls use to prepare for the demands of college soccer.
Monday
AM: 45 minutes endurance
PM1: Strength & conditioning
PM2: Team practice
Tuesday
AM: Stretching/core
PM: Team practice
Wednesday
PM1: 1:1 Private training
PM2: Team practice
Thursday
PM1: Speed & agility
PM2: Team practice
Friday
AM: Yoga/pilates
PM: 1:1 Private training
Saturday/Sunday
Games
As you think about how to incorporate additional training into your child’s routine, keep in mind that team practice plays a vital role in his or her development – and for that reason you should take time out to let your coaches know you appreciate them.
That said, cross-training in different sports and participating in supplemental fitness and recovery activities will also enhance your child’s physical, mental and technical growth. The sooner they start implementing a development program like the one above, the better.
Then