Q & A

IMPORTANT UPDATE – Williams Sport Training LLC has opened a new facility dedicated to improving today's soccer players.  Williams Sport Training has a new 3300 square foot facility with all the tools needed to get players to the next level.  Please see the Contact and Facility pages on the website for more information.   Pictures will be added shortly.

The Impact of Strength Training
on Mental Strength

This month's article focuses on the impact that strength training has not only on a player's overall physical well being, but their mental strength as well.  When athletes first come to train, I explain how important strength training is in the terms of injury prevention and performance.  In addition, I emphasize how strength training will improve their self-image and confidence on the field.  Most, if not all, of my clients say that they need to be stronger on the field in the area of 50 – 50 balls and other physical game situations.  Strength training will improve your ability in both areas but will also assist you in the way you think about going into those challenges.  How many times have you as a player, parent or coach seen a player shy away from the ball after being knocked on their butt by a bigger opponent?  The psychological impact that comes with losing a ball can take its toll and may make the difference in a close game.  Strength training will make a player more confident and better able to handle difficult, otherwise intimidating game scenarios.  I have seen players whose biggest weakness was losing 50 – 50s, suddenly become their biggest strength.  Lifting weights, especially heavy ones, will help your game psyche.  I tell my clients that when you know that you are stronger then your opponent on the field and you have put in the work, you will go after a ball and you will win it.  I am talking from experience when I say this and the results speak for themselves.  I have two female college players who box squat 300 lbs and deadlift 325 lbs.  Now is anyone going to tell me that they will lose a 50-50 ball?  Both players are very talented players and are as strong as any women I have ever seen play (you know who you are!).  My philosophy is that soccer players can juggle a ball 50 thousand times, but as you get to higher level soccer it is not just about skill anymore, only the strong survive!

 

Q & A

Mark,
I have a question regarding placing static stretching within workouts and if you believe in that type of stretching?

Mitch

A Mitch, To answer your question - the answer is yes.  However, I only use static stretching after a work out, game or practice. The reason to use static stretching would be to prevent soreness in the muscles trained and to keep range of motion in joints.  I use dynamic stretching prior to workouts, game and practice because dynamic stretching increases the activity within the nervous system and raises the core temperature within the body. This type of stretching will be more effective for the athletes then static stretching.  Thanks for your question.

I hope this helps.

Mark

Question and Answer Section:

You can ask Mark any question dealing with Strength and Conditioning for Soccer players and he will address two or three questions each month.

Mark now has his strength training manual Williams Soccer Strength Method available on his website!