If you want to be a great soccer player, no matter what your age or training level, there are three things you should focus on and these – 1) developing speed 2) training so that you are always at your optimum physical development and 3) doing exercises that do not involve using the ball while you are on the field at practice.

First of all, working on your speed is crucial but not just for moving forward and dashing for the ball. You should also practice moving fast laterally. You should also focus on reflexive movements such as being able to very quickly change direction when you are running. This includes an ability to move backwards and in quick counter-clockwise and clockwise circles. Remember that in a fast-paced soccer game that you must be able to keep up your speed for an entire ninety minutes.

Secondly, it is crucial to maintain your optimum physical development. Keep in shape by participating in physical performance oriented sports like circuit training, rowing, track and field and swimming. This is all part of being holistic about your training and developing the “total athlete” rather than a sub-optimal athlete. Many players have overdeveloped skills in one area and underdeveloped ones in another that can actually reflect in the physique and strength of the player. It is important to work out with some circuit training and do some traditional long-distance running to build your stamina. Short-cuts such as working out with bungee cords and other gimmicks do not suffice. Full circuit training that includes running and weight-lifting, along with some long-jumping and high-jumping is ideal. All track and field exercises are wonderful for a soccer player’s physical development.

It is also not a good idea to think that every soccer practice must be about the ball. Although the ball is important to prepare with it is equally important to realize that never practicing without a ball in your hand must not become a habit. Many players are also reluctant to practice without a ball because it is much more fun to pummel a ball around than it is to do pull-ups or just run around the track to keep fit.

The reason you need to vary your workout routine and shake it up with various activities is because it is the strongest, well-rounded athlete that has developed many different muscles that will ultimately become the winning soccer player.