Making the Most of Your Winter Break
For most of our Kings Hammer teams and players, November marks the end of the first part of our soccer calendar, and December brings the start of a significant break for players and parents alike. The absence of travel, practice, and game-day stress, combined with more time spent with family, can often bring a much-needed break and provides an ideal time for players to recover and recharge.
It also presents unique challenges and opportunities for young athletes to maintain or build fitness, enhance their ball skills, improve game intelligence or understanding, and prepare for the spring season.
Rest and Recuperate
Just like during the summer break, families need to recognize the value of some rest during this period. This is especially important for athletes who have incurred injuries over the course of the fall season. Rest does not have to mean laying around on the couch for long periods, but perhaps finding less stressful activities (mentally and physically.)
Maintain fitness
Fitness and soccer gains made throughout the fall gain begin to drop in as few as two weeks. It is important that athletes of all ages stay active prior to returning to formal practices and play in February. A balanced winter plan that includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility work can help players improve their endurance, speed, and athleticism. Youtube yoga and stretching are also great aids for athletes of any age.
Including other sports, whether formal or recreational, that emphasize movements that are not specific to soccer can help overall athletic development while still providing a break from the physical and mental stress of soccer. Raquet sports, indoors or out, can be great for developing hand-eye coordination, agility, and quick feet. Racquetball, pickleball, tennis, and handball are all great. Basketball offers social, physical, and mental stimulation that can be valuable for young athletes.
While encouraging players to engage in other activities is appropriate, they can also explore FUN ways to stay in the game. I would encourage players to look at some of the game and camp options Kings Hammer has available this winter.
Technique Development
Winter break, without the pressures of game day, can be a great time to focus on specific areas that need improvement, such as fine-tuning striking techniques, working on a dribbling move, or gaining more comfort and control when receiving the ball. Players may be able to use their Player Report Card to establish specific goals for development or identify areas on their own. Here are suggested activities to try.
- Kings Hammer TECHNE
- Mini Goal H.O.R.S.E.
- Wall Ball
- Juggling progressions
Game Intelligence
Without the immediate pressure of competition, the off-season allows players time for a deeper exploration of the tactical side of soccer. Studying game footage, of their own team or watching games on tv can help them learn about different formations and understand various playing styles and strategies. Encourage players to watch their own decisions and actions when watching their own film to determine effectiveness or see areas for growth. While watching professional or college games players should identify a player in their typical position and evaluate their actions and decisions. They can also watch units play; back line, midfield, forward and see how these players interact. Be sure to explore both in possession and out of possession moments. This improved tactical awareness can significantly enhance a player’s game intelligence, making them more effective on the field.
Enjoy the Game and Your Break
Finally, don’t forget to just enjoy this time. Read a book, watch a movie, play a video game. There are a lot of great options…which still provide a chance to immerse in the game. There are great books available for all ages of athletes, fiction, history, and development. Finding one that suits your desires should be easy. As for movies, here are some recommendations for youth of many ages: The Big Green, Kicking and Screaming, GOAL! – The Dream Begins, Bend it Like Beckham, The Game of Their Lives, and Air Bud-World Pup.
