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, when it’s time for your soon-to-be college freshman to compete for playing time against the upperclassmen who have already mastered the intense demands of the program, they’ll be ready to embrace the challenge.
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Chris Bart-Williams is the founder and owner of CBW Soccer Elite. After an extensive career in the English Premier League, Chris now uses his vast soccer knowledge to assist families throughout the college recruiting process and prepare players for the mental and physical challenges of collegiate soccer. You can reach Chris at chris@cbwsoccerelite.com.