Soccer Injuries

Sports Injuries are an inevitable part of the game and can easily impair a players performance and negatively impact a team. That is why it is important to understand soccer injuries and how you can reduce your chances of getting injured. This section provides the soccer player with the most up to date information on methods and exercises that can help prevent the most common injuries in soccer.


The Relationship Between Fatigue, Eccentric Hamstring Muscle Strength and Potential Injury

Researchers from the United Kingdom took 10 male professional soccer players and completed an intermittent treadmill protocol that simulated a soccer match and halftime interval.  Before the start of exercise and every subsequent 15 minutes each player was tested for their eccentric hamstring strength.  Eccentric hamstring strength is responsible for slowing down the leg and thought to prevent hamstring injury during explosive movements by counteracting the forceful quads and knee extension.

Ankle Exercises- 3 Part Series, Advanced Exercises

Progressing to advanced ankle exercises requires your ability to jump and maintain control of your body in different angles.  These moves help simulate the pounding and deceleration required by your ankle and lower body.  Having good body mechanics and balance upon landing ensures your postural stability and ability to stay upright.  Add a “hold” to a jump move to engage your lower body eccentrically for greater support.  Do 2 sets of 10-20 reps for each exercise.

Ankle Exercises- 3 Part Series, Intermediate Exercises

When you are ready to advance from isolated ankle exercises and increase your weight bearing you are ready to move to intermediate ankle exercises.  These moves involve balancing on one foot and changing angles on your body.  These moves incorporate single leg squat/lunging in different planes engaging the knee, hip, spine and core with the intent to change your postural stability and increase your strength.  Complete one set of each exercise. 

Upper body foam roller techniques for goalkeepers

Utilizing the foam roller for the upper body can be very useful for Goalkeepers because of its many therapeutic effects. It can release trigger points and relieve many sore spots in the upper body that can accumulate after heavy bouts of training and can significantly affect an athlete's performance.

Don't forget to recover after you play

Implement this recovery program into your training routine after a competitive event on the field.