Endurance Drill

Briefing

Most people know that soccer involves running, but what they do not know is the amount of running athletes do in one game. According to various studies, a player averages approximately 6.2 miles or 10,000 meters. That sounds like a lot, and it is, but players never realize they run that much. It is not a continuous run. Players go from a sprint, to a jog, to a walk, and possibly to a standstill. Most coaches' training workouts include running. While it is nice to be able to run fast, it is not useful if you do not have endurance. Endurance,  or stamina, is the ability or strength to continue or last, especially when facing  fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions. 

"Bring your running shoes to practice." Players dread hearing this from the coach, but it will help them to build endurance. The following is a drill my coach incorporated into a workout to receive maximum potential for players... 

 

Four Corner Sections

Set up cones at the four corners of a soccer field.
Start the players at one corner.  
Have them sprint the end line from corner to corner.
Then have them  jog the other three sections.
When they get back to the starting corner, you can have them continue or, for extra endurance, add in ten burpies or any ab workout.
If not, continue with the drill.
Have them sprint the end line and the sideline.
Then continue a light jog around the field to the starting corner.
Repeat until they have sprinted around the entire field.

This drill is hard, but it allows the player to build up endurance and play at maximum potential. If the players are more skilled, you can up the sections. Break the field up into six sections. End line, sideline to midfield (x2), end line, sideline to midfield (x2). It will be more difficult, but it is well worth it.

Remember, Soccer is a game of Endurance!