Why Soccer Can Enhance Your Training

As a former collegiate soccer player, when the weather warms up, I can't help but long for the days of lacing up my cleats and getting back on the field. While I wouldn’t recommend getting into hard tackles a few days before a race or even participating in a league while in a training block for a race (due to risk of injury), there can be additional benefits of incorporating soccer (among other non-running activities) into your schedule in the off-season. If you are going to play a team sport during a training block for running a race, practices or games should be in place of a scheduled speed day or interval day. Don’t double dip, and have a kickin’ good time!

Enhances Cardiovascular Fitness

Soccer, and other team sports, involve sustained periods of movements with high-intensity bursts, which can help to improve both aerobic and anaerobic capacity. The repeated sprints and quick recoveries mimic the demands of interval training, boosting your overall cardiovascular endurance. This translates well to running, particularly for improving race performance, hill sprints, and speed work.

Improves Agility and Speed

Soccer requires frequent, quick changes of direction, fast footwork and sharp pivoting. These dynamic, multi-planar movements can help to boost agility and quickness which can assist with navigating busy starting points of races or those who tackle trails or outdoor terrain.

Boosts Explosiveness and Power

The short, explosive, reactive sprints in a game setting recruits and helps to develop fast-twitch muscle fibers. These fast-twitch fibers contribute to a more powerful and explosive running stride. By improving motor recruitment of these muscle fibers, you are also improving your ability to accelerate and finish strong in a race or time trial, where explosive power is key.

Prevents Overuse Injuries with Varied Movement Patterns

Running predominantly works in a linear (forward-to-back) motion, but soccer involves lateral (side-to-side) and diagonal movements. These different movement patterns help prevent muscle imbalances or repetition injuries that might arise. They also help activate muscles that are not heavily engaged during running, contributing to more balanced overall strength and movement.

Have Fun with Friends!

Have fun with it! The variety and fun of playing with friends can give you a mental break from the challenges of long training blocks and can help you reconnect with friends all while making you a more well-rounded athlete.