Skill Development Series: How Soccer Players Can Develop Explosive Acceleration, Quickness, and Agility

By Velocity Sports Performance CEO Erin Stone Dimry

Soccer players are constantly changing direction. They have to react quickly to what they see their opponent do or to how their teammate plays the ball. The game of soccer is a series of quick plants and bursts. Soccer players must accelerate then quickly decelerate and shuffle back to defend. Being able to react and change direction quickly is a definite advantage for a soccer player. Players with excellent reaction time and a quick first step are able to step in and steal passes or beat defenders off the dribble.

The video demonstrates how soccer players can train to increase speed on to the ball and improve agility.  Step by step process shown of resisted and assisted crossovers.

At Velocity, we use resistance bands to train acceleration. Resistance bands force the athlete to work against resistance when planting and moving which improves strength and balance. Strength and balance are key factors in first step quickness and change of direction. Resistance also mimics interference from other players and the physical jostling that goes on during a soccer game.

Quick reaction time and a quick first step are a competitive advantage in soccer.

Proper mechanics also keep athletes safe.

By learning to move slowly in and out of a proper athletic position, athletes can avoid catastrophic knee and ankle injuries. Again lateral shuffle and acceleration drills help athletes focus on these proper mechanics while simultaneously improving strength and balance. 

Soccer Team Training is available. What a great idea with all this rain! Register For Your Free Team Training Session Today  http://velocitysp.com/free_trial

Erin Stone Dimry, is CEO, Carlsbad Velocity Sports Performance.