Endurance is how long someone can perform an aerobic exercise. In other words, the more endurance you have, the longer you can last in a soccer match.
Have you ever watched a professional game and seen it start to get sloppy during overtime? This is a result of player's running low on endurance which leads to sloppy game play. It is for this reasons that endurance is important to every player, the better it is, the longer you can play efficiently.
Training Endurance
The only way to improve endurance is to do some form of aerobic exercise. Running is by far the most common aerobic exercise for soccer players, and should be the primary way you train endurance.
It is good to work in other methods too because they train different muscles. Biking and swimming are good places to start.
Sprinting and performing exercised with a change in pace are vital, considering that sprinting and changing pace quickly are important aspects of soccer.
Players need to push themselves if they want to see results, and pushing yourself leads to physical and mental pain. That being said, you need to know when to stop. Pain other than soreness, lightheadedness, and vomiting are all sure signs to stop. It is recommended that you bring a training partner along with you when you first start working on endurance.
You should try to improve your distance and speed every time you perform an activity. This is the only way to improve endurance; staying at the same distance and speed will keep you at that level.
Running Technique
These directions are for jogging and long runs. If you want to learn sprinting techniques visit soccer speed.
1. Upright
When jogging keep your body mostly upright (a slight forward lean is fine). Otherwise, you will strain your back.
2. Heel-Toe
During a game, you want to stay on the balls of your feet; however, during a long jog for endurance training, you want your heels to touch the ground first then your toe.
3. Arm Drive
Your arms should move in unison with your feet. For instance your right arm should be at a 90 degree angle while your left foot is forward.
4. Breathing
Breath slowly and calmly through your nose and out your mouth. You will be surprised at how much good breathing technique can help you run further.
