How Do You Use Cross-Training In Youth Soccer?
Cross-training – engaging in two or more sports or exercise activities – can provide variety, fitness and injury prevention to youth soccer players. Choose an activity that duplicates soccer skills. Basketball and roller or ice hockey are examples of sports that have elements of soccer in them. Pick an activity that supplements soccer skills. Running and resistance work (such as weight training) are examples. Try cycling. Cycling is low-impact, works the front of the thighs and the lower back, and is easy to work into a schedule by biking to school or other activities. Remember dance and gymnastics. These provide muscular strength and develop great balance, flexibility and agility. Try martial arts. They put a heavy emphasis on mental discipline and good flexibility, both great tools to develop soccer. Understand good choices. Anything that includes bursts of activity and rapid lateral movement is good for soccer.
