Strength Training for Soccer

Tailoring strength and conditioning programs for soccer requires a deep understanding of the demands of the game. Preparing players to accelerate, decelerate, change direction, and turn and jump can be a challenge.

Developed with the expertise of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Strength Training for Soccer explains the value of resistance training for soccer players. The book--backed by practical experience, evidence-based training methodologies, and research--provides a general overarching biomechanical analysis of soccer and specific analysis of the physical demands of each position: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Using these analyses, you can design an effective training program that translates to performance on the field. The book also offers the following:

• 10 detailed protocols to test soccer players’ strength, power, speed, agility, and high-intensity aerobic endurance capacity
• 6 total body resistance exercises with 4 variations
• 11 lower body exercises with 23 variations
• 18 upper body exercises with 44 variations
• 22 anatomical core exercises with 32 variations
• 27 sample programs for off-season, preseason, in-season, and postseason resistance training

Each resistance training exercise consists of a series of photos and a detailed list of primary muscles trained, beginning position and movement phases, breathing guidelines, modifications and variations, and coaching tips. You’ll also learn proper exercise technique and gain a deeper understanding of what muscles are involved in each exercise so you can develop a complete and targeted resistance training program.

Backed by the NSCA and the knowledge and experience of individuals who have years of experience as strength and conditioning professionals for soccer, Strength Training for Soccer is the authoritative resource for creating soccer-specific resistance training programs to help your athletes optimize their strength and successfully transfer that strength and power to the soccer field.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education course and exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes all the course materials and exam.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is the world’s leading organization in the field of sport conditioning. Drawing on the resources and expertise of the most recognized professionals in strength training and conditioning, sport science, performance research, education, and sports medicine, the NSCA is the world’s trusted source of knowledge and training guidelines for coaches and athletes. The NSCA provides the crucial link between the lab and the field.

Daniel Guzman, CSCS, is the head performance coach for Los Angeles Football Club. He previously worked as the head performance coach for the U.S. men’s national soccer team and as the head strength and conditioning coach for the LA Galaxy. Guzman holds a master’s of science degree in leadership from John Brown University and holds certifications from the NSCA and EXOS.

Megan Young, CSCS, is the first team high-performance director for the Chicago Red Stars. Previously, Young worked for the Auburn University athletics department, where she was part of the strength and conditioning staff for 11 years. After working with the student-athletes in the baseball and football programs, Young became directly responsible for year-long programming and implementation of all strength and conditioning related activities for the women’s soccer and basketball programs. She currently holds certifications from the NSCA, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa), USA Weightlifting (USAW), and USA Track and Field (USAWTF).