April 17th, 2022 by Mike Getman
While most people think of the summer as a time for Vacation, college soccer players know that summer is a key time leading up to the fall season. The college preseason is only 2 weeks long. Much of preseason is spent preparing the team tactically for matches. What formation, starting lineup and style of play must all be organized during this two week window.
This doesn’t leave much time for fitness training. Coaches expect their players to arrive on campus fully fit and ready to begin rigorous training. For incoming Freshmen, the difference in fitness expectations can be intimidating.
Coaches typically send players a summer workout program. This program begins with distance running in May and part of June. By the middle of June the running is mixed with shuttle runs and other change of direction activities. The month of July is spent with high intensity shuttles and other activities that force the body to handle the rigors of a soccer game.
By spreading the work over several months we can reduce the number of injuries and gradually prepare the body for the demands of the college game.
The transition to college soccer can be difficult. We are asking 18 year old Freshmen to compete with 23-25 year old Seniors. Add in the school-work, living in a new environment and other changes that come with College, and the fall can be a stressful time. If Freshmen are fit when they arrive, they will have a better chance of doing well, not being injured, and enjoying their college experience.