August 2023 Archive – Soccer vs NFL Training
Welcome to the August 2023 archive of Aberdeen Soccer Archive. This month we tackled a hot question: Can a soccer player train like an NFL player, or is it not worth it? Below you’ll find a clear look at the answer, plus why each sport has its own training recipe.
Can a Soccer Player Train Like an NFL Player?
First off, yes – a soccer player can follow the same weight‑lifting, cardio, and speed drills that NFL athletes use. The gym equipment isn’t exclusive, and the basic principles of strength and conditioning apply across sports. But copying an NFL routine lock, stock, and barrel isn’t a smart move for a footballer.
Soccer is a game of constant motion. Players cover 10‑12 kilometres in a match, switching between jogging, sprinting, and quick changes of direction. Their muscles need endurance, agility, and the ability to recover fast between bursts. NFL training, on the other hand, focuses on short, explosive actions – a single sprint, a tackle, a lift. That means heavier loads, longer rest periods, and a lot of isolated power work.
If a soccer player piles on heavy deadlifts and bench presses three times a week, they risk gaining bulk that slows them down. They might also spend too much time recovering, which cuts into the on‑field practice they need to stay sharp. So while the tools are the same, the recipe changes.
Why Separate Training Plans Matter
Think of it like cooking. An NFL player needs a steak‑heavy meal to fuel power, while a soccer player thrives on a lighter, balanced plate that keeps energy levels steady for 90 minutes. That’s why most elite soccer clubs blend strength work with high‑intensity interval training (HIIT), plyometrics, and plenty of ball work.
Key differences include:
- Volume vs. intensity: Soccer favors higher volume at lower intensity to build stamina.
- Movement patterns: Soccer requires quick pivots and lateral shuffles, NFL drills focus on linear power.
- Recovery time: Soccer players train almost every day; NFL players often have longer recovery windows between sessions.
When you tune a program to match the sport’s demands, you get better performance and fewer injuries. That’s the real takeaway from our August post – copying another sport’s routine can backfire unless you adjust it to fit the game you play.
So, should a soccer player train like an NFL player? The short answer: they can borrow ideas, but they need to reshape them. A balanced mix of strength, speed, and endurance work, built around football‑specific movements, will always win over a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
Stay tuned for more archive posts, deep dives, and football history right here on Aberdeen Soccer Archive. Got a question about training or a favorite match? Drop us a comment and keep the conversation going.
