As our season is reaching the finals series most other competitions are just beginning. Grass roots and other amateur competitions are into their pre season and I hope you are enjoying your football.
As our season is reaching the finals series most other competitions are just beginning. Grass roots and other amateur competitions are into their pre season and I hope you are enjoying your football.
I have been asked in recent times how can a player improve speed. I am sure every player wants to improve speed and although speed has a major genetic component all players at all levels can always improve. There are a number of key factors that you can work on.
Firstly, it is imperative that your running technique is sound. However, a football player-s speed is specific to football, thus, different to that of a track athlete. Common errors in technique include, ineffective arm action, poor foot and body position.
It is also important that you complete sessions that are primarily focussed on speed. When training for speed too often coaches give recovery periods that are too short, thus the session becomes very one paced and are more endurance than speed sessions. Furthermore, include the ball as much as possible when training for speed so that it is specific to our game.
Football conditioning is often misunderstood and speed is just one component. Whatever aspect of conditioning you are trying to improve it must be specific to football. In most instances the ball should be used and much can be improved in game related play. When training time is limited it is best that conditioning is improved in game play so that technique can also be improved at the same time.
Our recent performances have been very positive but we have not been able to get the desired results. Now, with 3 games to go there is no room for mistakes and we must win against Melbourne Victory this weekend. Our team is positive but this positiveness must be transferred into victories.
We need your support this weekend against Melbourne Victory as it is a must win game for us. I know our team will put on a great display and get the much-needed 3 points.
Dr Craig Duncan
(twitter) @drcraigduncan
(email) craigd@sydneyfc.com
(web) www.drcraigduncan.com
