Sports & Fitness Tips for Soccer Players
If you love soccer, you know the game demands stamina, quick feet, and sharp decision‑making. But lately a lot of fans ask: should a soccer player train like an NFL player? The short answer is "not really," and here’s why.
Why NFL Workouts Don’t Fit Soccer
First, look at the core demands of each sport. NFL drills focus on short bursts of maximal power – think tackling, sprinting 10‑yard dashes, and lifting heavy weights. Soccer, on the other hand, is a 90‑minute marathon of moderate‑intensity running, rapid direction changes, and technical skill. If a soccer player swaps cardio sessions for bench presses, they’ll lose the endurance needed to keep moving for the full match.
Second, muscle balance matters. NFL training builds massive upper‑body strength, which can actually hinder a soccer player’s agility. Too much bulk makes it harder to turn quickly or keep a low centre of gravity. That’s why most elite soccer squads keep the focus on lower‑body power, core stability, and aerobic conditioning.
Better Ways to Blend Strength and Endurance
That doesn’t mean you should ignore strength work altogether. A well‑rounded program adds functional lifts that improve sprint speed and jump height without adding excessive mass. Think single‑leg squats, lunges, and medicine‑ball throws – exercises that mimic the movements you perform on the pitch.
Pair those with interval runs: 30 seconds all‑out, 90 seconds easy jog, repeat 8‑10 times. This method mirrors the stop‑start nature of a soccer game and still builds a solid aerobic base. Add a couple of plyometric drills each week – box jumps or lateral hops – to train the explosive power you see in NFL athletes, but keep it sport‑specific.
Recovery is another piece of the puzzle. NFL players often have a day off after a heavy lifting session, while soccer schedules demand training almost every day. Use foam rolling, dynamic stretches, and proper sleep to avoid fatigue stacking up.
Finally, remember the mental side. Soccer requires constant vision, quick thinking, and teamwork. Over‑emphasizing raw strength can shift focus away from tactical work. Keep video analysis, small‑sided games, and skill drills in the weekly plan.
In short, mix in strength and power drills that support your soccer style, but don’t replace the endurance work that keeps you moving for 90 minutes. Stick to functional lifts, interval cardio, and plenty of skill sessions, and you’ll stay fit without turning into a body‑builder.
Got more questions about training, nutrition, or injury prevention? Check out our archive for deeper dives into match stats, player histories, and the latest fitness tips tailored for Aberdeen’s soccer community.
