What is the most important thing you can do to encourage good fitness in your players? a. have them run? b. have them do calisthenics? c. give them a home program for non-practice days? d. be fit yourself As an … Continue reading
I get this question a lot: should they stretch? YES Follow up question: when and how? Before and after. Here’s how. Before practice they should perform a dynamic warm up, moving the body parts to be used in a controlled … Continue reading
Don’t tell me, let me guess. You have jumped into that new fitness program and now you ache. Don’t just keep working harder and running faster. That may be the American way, but your body won’t like it. Stretch! …AFTER … Continue reading
Your fitness needing a little boost? Signing up for a fall 5K race is the perfect motivator. Here’s a terrific one: Allie’s Hope 5K Run on September 15 at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center in Fairfax, VA. Are you hesitating? Maybe you’ve never run … Continue reading
Are you always looking for quick, healthy ways to fuel your fast-moving athlete? Me too. Registered dietitian, Judy Caplan, has three great meal suggestions in the February issue of WashingtonFAMILY.com. Meal 1: Stir fry chicken and veggies with toasted sesame oil. … Continue reading
“Youth sports is out of control! We need to go back to the good ole days when everyone played for fun in their neighborhoods!” The old days were good, but they’re gone. Now, issues of safety, distance, parental work schedules, and … Continue reading
Your players have never begged this much to work this hard. Here’s a U14 girls team having a blast playing “resistance band tag.” They dribble, run, pass, strengthen their leg muscles and train their hearts. And they can’t wait to … Continue reading
Fit to the Final Whistle Here’s what we’ll be talking about at the VYSA Session. I. What is (physical) Fitness? o What are the demands of soccer? o Can just playing the game make them fit for the game? II. … Continue reading
Here’s a look at girls performing the wall jump. They are asked to jump off of two feet using their arms to propel them upwards, and to land quietly on both feet. Then to spring up again. Their verbal cue is … Continue reading
Here’s a quick look at the step over drill, also known as the scissor drill. Girls are asked to perform continuous step-overs for 30 seconds over and around a flat cone at their feet. For some, this is a fitness challenge. Their weakness shows … Continue reading