How to Not Over Train

Today we are learning how not to over train. I get asked all the time “how much should I train”. Or I’m told, “I’m training 7 days a week is that enough?” This is an important topic… over training. 

If you aren’t having fun playing, you might be over training.

If you feel tired all the time but you are working hard daily, you might be over training. 

If come game time you feel slow before the kick off, you might be over training. 

A lot of players don’t understand over training is an issue. By training too much you can expose yourself to injury risk. Plus you will mentally and physically burn out. 

What I mean is if you train everyday of the week, 7 days every week, eventually you are going to burn out. Training won’t be as much fun and it will start to feel like a job. Even pros don’t train everyday.

Key Points to NOT Overtraining

Key Point #1 - Create a weekly schedule that includes at least 1 day off a week. 

If your “it” is to make it to the next level and you are hungry to improve then I’d suggest training a maximum of 5-6 days a week, 1-3 hours a day. 

Let’s say you have practice on Tuesday and Thursday and a game on Saturday this week. I’d create a schedule to train hard on your own Monday and Wednesday. Show up early for Training Tuesday to do your own work before team practice; like 30 minutes prior, do the same for Thursday. Friday take completely off. Or maybe do a light jog, stretch and juggle a bit. Keep it LIGHT! 

You want to be fresh on game day, not tired. 

Have your game Saturday and then take Sunday completely off. If you have games Saturday and Sunday take Monday completely off. 

This is just an example for those of you that want to train hard. NOT every youth player needs to have this full of a training schedule. Only train because you want to, not because you have to. 

Key Point #2 - Rest is important! Start thinking of rest like part of your job. Tell yourself after a hard session it’s my job to rest up now so I’m fresh and ready to go for tomorrow. 

Key Point #3 - Take care of your body. Do ice baths and get your legs up regularly to help remove soreness.

Key Point #4 - Mix up your schedule and keep training fun. If you do the same schedule every week and the same training every week you will start to get bored. So will your body. This will make you feel burnt out. Keep mixing it up a bit to keep your mind and body excited for the challenge and changes. 

Some things that could be going wrong. If you feel tired come game day then you are over training. Keep your sessions light the day before a game if you do them or just take a rest day. 

Bonus Tip

Don’t forget even pros don’t train all day everyday. Everyday, everyday. They take a rest day too. 

This Video Covers: 
How to Not Over Train, How mud to train for soccer, soccer training schedule, How to Coach Soccer, Soccer Coaches, How to Play Soccer, Soccer Coach, Coaching Soccer, Free Soccer Tips