Physical Fitness for Soccer

Physical Fitness for Soccer Even though my position is a goalkeeper I still need to carry out the

same activities as an outfield player because a goalkeeper still has a

role to play. He must have strong muscles for goal kicks and

strong-arm muscles to enable him to throw the ball.

· Muscular Endurance - To keep the muscles contracting for the full

length of the match without them becoming tired or weak.

· Muscular Strength - the force your muscles exert when they contract.

This is an important part of football as it is a contact sport and it

is also very physical, players need to be able to guard the ball and

hold other players off when they are challenging for the ball. Also

muscular strength is useful a throwing the ball, good muscular

strength in the abdominal muscles is required to throw the ball higher

and further to reach a player that is a long distance away from the

goal area.

· Speed - the ability to perform a movement in a short period of time.

This is essential in football, for example to be able to run out of

the goal after the opponent has made a through ball or pass to a who

is through on goal.

· Agility - the ability to change direction quickly and control

movements of the whole body, This is needed to be able to change

direction quickly while diving to avoid letting the ball pass the line

and to spread your body out to block incoming shots or to collect a

loose ball.

· Cardiovascular Endurance - the ability of the heart, lungs and