The one consistent question asked by every injured player through the doors at the clinic is “How long until I’m back playing?”  The answer is often based on several considerations, the most important obviously being the severity and nature of the injury.  There usually follows an attempt at “bartering” by the athlete, trying to squeeze a few days or weeks earlier than first prognosticated.  I then explain this isn’t some beach in Mexico and we’re talking about more than just some hand made trinket.

Speed kills.  It is an attribute with which every player wishes he/she was blessed.  However, the old adage that you cannot teach speed is only partly true.  Certainly exceptional speed is a genetic gift, but most players can improve speed with some specific direction.  

Suppleness is a quality that we identify with the fluid and effortless movement of a Brazilian soccer player.  Muscles and joints that allow freedom of movement require less effort to move.  This results in a player using less energy and results in an increase in speed and power.  However, suppleness or flexibility training still remains one of the most neglected aspects of physical preparation and conditioning in soccer. It is usually a short, unfocused activity done before a game or practice while discussing the events of the night before.