Pioneers Varsity Soccer: Fitness/Conditioning

I have spent the last few years striving for better and more efficient ways to condition and prepare soccer players prior to a practice or match.  I spoke with athletic trainers, strength/conditioning professionals, doctors, coaches, and athletes.  The consensus is that the tried-and-true method of static stretching before exercising has questions to its effectiveness.  What has been found is that the strength of the muscles stretched in this way actually suffers, for up to 60 minutes.  There is also no research I have found to support the idea that static stretching before exercise prevents injuries on the pitch. 

After the workout, static stretching seems to help reduce soreness and speed recovery, however.

Our schedule, in light of this, will be as follows:

1.  Dynamic stretch as a warm-up

2. Practice or match

3.  Cool down with a static stretch component

Here is a good link to a great site in regards to all things soccer, including conditioning:  www.elitesoccerconditioning.com/index.htm