4 Tips to Stay Soccer Sharp this Offseason

Are you looking for ways to stay at the top of your game this winter?  Are you interested in what other successful players have done?  Here are 4 tips to stay soccer sharp this offseason.

#1:  Take a break

Most players have been going non-stop since July or August, so I would recommend taking a couple weeks off completely from soccer.  A little break can be huge for players to recharge both physically and mentally.  Stay fit by doing other activities like biking, running, basketball, tennis, etc.

#2:  Develop a self training program

Self Training: Sydney Beach (U11G Blue)
has raised her juggling record from 30 to
over 400 since the summer!

The top players I've seen over the years (Charles Renken, Brian Grazier, Luke Kreamalmeyer, Chris Norbet, Jamie Posnanski) all had one thing in common; they were very disciplined when it came to self training.  They usually had set times to work out (just like teams) and stuck to it.  They would go down to the local fields with a bag of soccer balls and go through their own individual routine.  Most workouts consisted of fast footwork, juggling, shooting, and fitness (usually short sprint work).  Their goal was to be sharper than everybody else when the season resumed.

Put together a routine so you have a plan when you get to the fields, set your days/times for the week, and stick to it.  Set goals to keep yourself motivated (new juggling records, improving your "weak" foot, mastering some new moves, improving fitness times, etc.).  You will be amazed how much your confidence on the ball will improve in just a month or two.  Somewhere out there somebody is working their socks off to be the next Messi.  Who's to say it can't be a kid from Southern Illinois?

#3:  Watch your favorite team on TV

Players can really benefit and be inspired by watching high level soccer on TV.  There are some great matchups around the holidays.  Boxing Day (the day after Christmas and one of the BEST soccer days of the year) is especially exciting as all 20 teams in the English Premiership are in action.  The 30 minute weekly highlight shows can also be a lot of fun to watch and are jam-packed with goals.  Here are some upcoming games to check out.  Many local restaurants carry the channels;

U17 USA vs U17 Brazil: December 4th on Fox Soccer Channel
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: December 10th on Gol TV
Manchester City vs Arsenal: December 18th on Fox Soccer Channel

#4:  Play the Game

There is a reason soccer is the most popular sport in the world.  It's easy to get a game going, you can play almost anywhere and it's FUN.  Get on the phone, or email, or Facebook and get a 4v4 game going in the backyard.  Make it exciting by playing a best of 3 series, or play games to 5 then switch teams.  There are many benefits from playing in an unstructured "street soccer" environment where somebody is not telling you what to do from the sidelines.  I like Jose Mourinho's quote-

"A great pianist doesn't run around the piano or do push-ups with the tips of his fingers.  To be great he plays the piano."

The bottom line is you get better by playing the game.  Be a leader and get a game going in your part of town this offseason (after taking a short break of course).

Got more tips?  Leave your questions and comments in the box below.