Pay attention to these training tips and you’ll bring your worn-out opponents to their knees, says Under Armour strength and conditioning coach Michael Watts:
"With there being such a range of fitness levels at grassroots level, you can really elevate your team above the rest by training the right way.
If you can run harder for longer than your opponents – no matter how good they are technically – you’ll give yourself a chance, especially when the game enters the final 30-20 minutes.
I call this exercise the Box Drill. It will develop your aerobic endurance – which means your body will have a greater capacity for supplying oxygen to your muscles during 90 minutes. The better it can do this, the fitter you are.
This drill asks players to walk and run – as you would in a game. It’s not designed as a technical drill, but using the footballs will develop dribbling skills and also challenge you to stay in control of the ball when you’re getting tired.
It’s also great for conditioning leg muscles and reducing the risk of hamstring, calf or quad injuries.
I use this drill to either condition players returning from injury or when topping up fitness levels after the training session."
RAMP UP YOUR RUNNING
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