“Innovators of performance enhancing Soccer Drills Software”

Soccer conditioning is the 1st automated system to generate a list of suitable soccer training drills based on defined search criteria. It applies modern science to traditional soccer training drills, resulting in optimal concurrent fitness and tactical training. If you haven't done so already you can read the theory behind the product here.

When you start the application you are presented with the search and select interface. This is where you choose your training parameters for a training session. You have to choose:

• 1 or 2 values for the number of players
• The training intensity level.
• Any tactical elements you would like to involve.

Next you let the application search its data base of over 150 training drills to select appropriate drills based upon your search criteria. Matched drills are displayed in a table and the full details are displayed when selected. For each training drill there is a supporting picture of the required pitch layout as well as detailed instructions on how to best carry out drills. Also, through years of analysis of work rate (obtained through heart monitors) and the application of modern scientific findings, Soccer Conditioning™ shows progressive training structures that will produce optimal fitness gains. Multiple training drills can be added to a Session plan, which can be printed for an immediate and quick reference on the training pitch. Soccer conditioning™ also offers a Diary section where the Session details used can be recorded onto an inbuilt calendar for a quick and easy reminder of previous sessions.

• Contains over 150 soccer training drills with pictures and instructions
• Selects training drills specific for your team requirements
• Show optimal training structures to improve soccer endurance
• Training sessions can be printed out for handy reference on the training ground
• Diary Facility to record your actual sessions and plan sessions in advance

Frees up more training time by combining fitness and technical training

The physical requirements of football are numerous. Training needs to develop endurance, speed, agility, flexibility, strength, power, and above all, football skill. These many requirements mean training time is precious. Therefore, methods that make optimum used of time available are essential. The use of skill based games to develop fitness leads to the optimisation of training time, greater skill development in training, targeting of training to competition and a reduction in injuries.

Soccer conditioning aims to apply modern physiological findings to traditional football training methods. By examining the intensity of various training drills, defined parameters can be applied to produce optimal fitness gains. This will decrease the necessity for separate and specific fitness training with football teams, freeing up more training time for the numerous requirements in football.

Training variety and planning for uncertainties

While almost all coaches have excellent knowledge of drills that work different tactical elements, and roughly how hard the drills work the players, Soccer Conditioning simply provides a quick reference to multiples of appropriate drills (e.g. 4,8,16). This makes life easier and may aid in variety in training. Using a variety of drills maintains interest of players, provides greater neurological/skill development, and helps in the avoidance of overuse injuries.

One of the greatest bones of contention for players is choosing drills appropriate for the number of players available. All too often numbers are suddenly changed due to injury, illness or a call up to a higher team level. Soccer Conditioning allows you to quickly find appropriate drills for the numbers available. Also, Soccer Conditioning allows for the selection of two possible number scenarios for when the possibility of higher number exists or the inclusion of reserve/academy squads may occur.

Other Benefits

• Movation of players is improved when football and competition is involved. This translates to greater intensities for longer periods of time than can usually be attained with traditional running
• Simultaneous tactical and skills skills training can take place. Most if the drills involve considerable time directly involved in play, with lots of time in possession, and passing. Athletes are required to think under pressure and complete skills under fatigue
• Many of the drills develop team work and communication
• Withers et al. (1982) have shown that a player makes an average of 50 turns a game. Reilly (1996) has shown that moving sideways or backwards, and dribbling with the ball increases energy costs as opposed to normal running. Factors such as intermittent work, changing direction, multidirectional movements and performing skills with the ball, will be regularly encountered during soccer games, thus training the muscles to become more efficient during such activities and thereby improving soccer specific work economy
• The intermittent high speeds involved in some soccer drills will develop speed to a greater extent than runs using a constant pace
• If the coaches monitor the session it provides an opportunity for more individualised and specialised fitness training
• Research on Rugby League players reported that skill-based conditioning games had lower injury rates during training (10.7%) then did traditional conditioning (37.5%). Therefore, the risk of injuries may be reduced using game conditioning.

Start the application walkthrough

Soccer Conditioning is a Java application and the minimum requirement is the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.3.x to be installed on the target Windows computer. Soccer Conditioning is shipped with the JRE 1.4.2 (A product of Sun Microsystems, Inc). For more information about Java visit http://java.com. If you don't know whether you have Java installed you can find this out by typing:

java -version

at the DOS command line. You can start the DOS command line by doing either:

START->Programs->Command Prompt
START->Programs->Accessories->Command Prompt

You could also start one by doing:

START->Run - type in (without quotes) 'command' (Windows 95/98)
START->Run - type in (without quotes) 'cmd' (Windows NT/2000/XP)

IF you DON'T get a response like this:

java version "1.4.2_04"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.4.2_04-b05)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.4.2_04-b05, mixed mode)

..then Java is not installed and you need to install the JRE.

A feature limited version of Soccer Conditioning is available for download. For more details go to Trial download