It’s winter time! Well I don’t know if you can call it that here in Florida, but for Orlando youth soccer players that means the fall season is coming to an end. The practices are done and the games have been played.
So what are parents and players going to do with all this extra time on their hands?
It is definitely time for some much needed rest, but it is also a unique opportunity to get an edge over your competition. While they are sitting around playing fortnite and losing all the conditioning and sharpness gained throughout the season, you could be improving your game. It’s the little things that end up making a big difference. This is one of the few times a year for a soccer player where they can really push targeted improvements in performance.
In this post I will cover some of my top recommendations for winter training in the Orlando area.
Sports Performance Training
This is by far my top choice. Admittedly I am a little biased since this is my chosen career, but I also think it is an often overlooked aspect of training. A well structured training program will do wonders for your game. Improving qualities like speed and agility will open up the field and allow you to be in more positions to make plays. Improving athletic ability doesn’t do everything, you still need to be able to play the sport, but what it does do is improve a players ability to display the skill of their sport.
There are some great companies in the Orlando area who offer this type of training. Here at EPOK we are fortunate enough to handle the strength and conditioning program for Verum Academy and in doing so have developed a highly effective approach to training for soccer. Another great option is the guys over at Spectrum Sports Performance, they work with some of the clubs around town and train a lot of soccer athletes.
Sport Camps
Camps can be a great way to quickly make improvements. They provide adjustments and tips that you can directly apply to your game. Sport camps can also be a nice opportunity to get feedback from a new coach. Oftentimes at a camp you are dealing with a new staff of coaches. This can be huge for player development. Exposing youth soccer players to as many perspectives as possible will allow them to have a deep knowledge of the game.
Pick a camp based on a specific quality you want to improve. For example, here at EPOK we offer a 6 week speed camp dedicated entirely to getting you faster. Or attend a position specific camp. They sometimes run camps for goalies, offensive players, defensive players, etc. Check out Verum Academy or Orlando City Youth Club for some upcoming camps.
Technical Coaching
The winter time can be a great opportunity to work on any technical weaknesses. These should consistently be addressed throughout the year, but a break in competition can allow you to make bigger improvements. The Orlando youth soccer community has an abundance of qualified coaches to choose from. Make sure you find a coach who addresses your specific need. The training during this time of year is more for learning and improving, then reenforcing qualities you are competent in.
Value this time and make the most of it. During a busy in season schedule it can be hard to fit in supplemental training. With a sport like soccer there are very few breaks in competition. So, make sure to take a calculated approach to whatever it is you decide to do. But most importantly…
Enjoy some time off from a competitive schedule and RELAX