Recently we discussed the importance of deceleration in relation to high performance training and injury prevention. We learned about eccentric strength and the role it plays in reducing momentum. We also made reference to dynamic balance and the importance it plays in maintaining control while performing skillful athletic movements.

Training for acceleration is vital in helping a player to become faster, but improvement in acceleration may not transfer into improved performance on the field. If the athlete is unable to decelerate from those faster speeds in a timely and controlled manner, it can lead to ineffectiveness on the field or, worse, an injury.

There is little argument that peak performance in soccer requires a high level of fitness. Soccer fitness includes a variety of components from cardiovascular fitness, strength, power and agility. How to best improve these components is a question that is debated among coaches and trainers. On the Science of Soccer Online, we have discussed the value of strength training (weight lifting),

There is little argument that peak performance in soccer requires a high level of fitness. Soccer fitness includes a variety of components from cardiovascular fitness, strength, power and agility. How to best improve these components is a question that is debated among coaches and trainers. On the Science of Soccer Online, we have discussed the value of strength training (weight lifting),

When talking to players and coaches about their training they all tell me the same thing, "I want to work on speed so I can be quicker on the field". Their focus is on speed training but with no real understanding on what type of speed training they should do. Most of their training involves sprinting distances in a straight line.

A short word from the editor Hope you enjoy our latest column at SerieAWeekly on fitness and training. Each week you'll find a new piece from experts in their field on proper athletic health and conditioning, something all us couch potatoes could profit from. _______________________________________________ guest writer Derek Salvador (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) Soccer.

short word from the editor Hope you enjoy our latest column at SerieAWeekly on fitness and training. Each week you'll find a new piece from experts in their field on proper athletic health and conditioning, something all us couch potatoes could profit from. _______________________________________________ guest writer Derek Salvador (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) Soccer is.