A soccer player will cover an average of 10 km of ground over the course of a 90 minute game. The endurance required to maintain soccer specific movements over this distance and duration is technically referred to as aerobic fitness. Midfielders, especially in the modern game where they are often asked to be involved in attack and defense, require the most aerobic fitness. It is not a coincidence that I was a defender, the least aerobically demanding of the positions.

There are many benefits to having a high level of aerobic fitness. There is the obvious effect on performance. Most goals are scored late in a half when physically and mentally players are starting to fatigue. Not coincidentally, this is also the time when the majority of injuries occur in a game. Aerobically fit players will maintain their energy levels and mental alertness to respond to the games demands at this crucial time. They will also recover quicker between intense physical demands of the game such as sprinting and defending as well as between training sessions and games. Resistance to minor infections and healing of minor injuries may also be enhanced by an efficient aerobic system. These benefits, and others, justify the often-unpleasant experience of training this system.

The old school days of running laps around the field in one direction until you either drop or get dizzy are thankfully behind us. There are different methods of aerobic training and it is a science to know which type, how much and at what intensity are optimal during preseason, in-season, and off-season. . The key is to get the most bang for your buck or results for your efforts and stay healthy along the way. Stay tuned for how this is done in next weeks segment.