Soccer is a game that requires extensive conditioning. This is because soccer players are constantly running during games and they also have to do different types of running like sprinting, medium speed running, and slower running like jogging. Furthermore, soccer games are long, two 40-45 minute halves. So, players must be excellent shape or else they will not be able to run strongly for the whole game. If not, a player may be tired during the games’ end, which is the most important part of the game. Even worse, if the player is out-of-shape, the coach may take the player out of the game. One of the most important ways to keep your legs in shape is through a good exercise regime. However, what is the best type of exercise for a successful soccer player?
Based upon what I have learned about exercise and in analyzing the type of conditioning program that would be most appropriate for a soccer player, I would conclude that the type of conditioning a soccer player needs is primarily aerobic with some anaerobic exercises. This is because of the all of the running that a soccer player must do. Soccer players must have excellent endurance and therefore need a very high VO2 max. The game of soccer is also played near the lactate threshold, which means approximately 80-90% of the maximum heart rate. Thus, to effectively do all of this running, a soccer player must have extremely good cardiovascular fitness. This type of fitness is best developed by aerobic exercise, which is exercise lasting over 30 minutes. One of the most important forms of aerobic exercise is running, which is exactly what a soccer player has to be good at in order to be an effective player.
Aerobic exercises are designed to improve the cardiovascular system and the efficiency of the heart. As we discussed, aerobic means with air, so these exercises involve those that help the body supply muscles with oxygen during work. Part of the goal of