Author: Peter Schreiner
Presenter: Dirk Rauin
Duration: 60 min.

Contents:

1. coordination for advanced 
2. reaction and speed of action
3. complex coordination training.

Modern soccer is characterized by its high tempo. To play soccer successfully, players must react faster than ever when they receive the ball, as well as making frequent sudden changes of direction, sprints into free space and instant switches from defense to attack.

The demands on soccer players are so great that special and systematic training of their running coordination, especially their running technique and rhythm, appears essential.

What are the special aspects of the conditioning of running coordination for soccer players?

The running performance demanded of a soccer player differs considerably from that of an athlete. Sprints, turns, changes of direction, runs with the ball and challenges for the ball both before and after a sprint require the player to adjust his stride length and frequency to widely varied game situations. This makes a variable, flexible and selective application of running techniques during the game necessary. For selective conditioning of running coordination, it is necessary to set priorities within training sessions. Fast footwork, involving lightning fast coordination of nerves and foot muscles, is at the heart of many drills.

Small, rapid steps ensure that the player can control the ball securely and move in any direction he chooses. The object is to remain in contact with the ground.

He can then retain control of his body and accelerate quickly in any given direction. In addition, good footwork is essential to a good shooting technique.