Pre-season training was traditionally about improving fitness. After a break players needed to be whipped into shape before they went back to playing competitive games.
Nowadays the idea of using pre-season solely to build fitness has been left behind.
Why?
In youth soccer players simply don't become "unfit". When the season ends they don't suddenly pile on weight or stop moving so there isn't the need to undo the effects of a summer of excess.
This is great news for players who previously found themselves doing hill runs or stair sprints. Now pre-season is (or should be!) all about familiarising yourself with the ball.
Of course, there's always an element of fitness but it's by no means the be-all and end-all.
Four-week Pre-Season Plan
Not sure where to start? Try our four week pre-season plan and get your players ready for their best ever season
Here's the first in our series of pre-season training plans that will ensure your players are in the best possible shape – mentally and physically – for the upcoming season. MORE
The second training session is, in theory, where the hard work really begins. So having eased yourself and your players back into the swing of things, now is really the time to extend thinking, develop ideas and deliver a programme that will see your team flourish. MORE
Pre-season training is in full swing. You’ve recapped the basics of passing, possession and fitness, but now you want to delve down into what your players are going to produce this coming season. MORE
The last pre-season training session is all about stepping up and brushing up. You’re looking for the final pieces of the jigsaw to fit into place with your players, as they put into practice everything they’ve learnt so far. MORE
Goalkeepers may not cover the whole pitch during a game, or sprint or dash back to cover a counter-attack, but they still need to be fit. Fitness throughout the season is imperative, so putting in the hard yards during pre-season is vital. Here are 6 ways to help your goalkeeper get back into shape for... MORE
Here's the first in our series of pre-season training plans that will ensure your players are in the best possible shape – mentally and physically – for the upcoming season. MORE
Every coach wants to hit the ground running when the new season starts why not take some of the pressure off by following our 4-week pre-season plan. MORE
Everything you want from pre-season training is to be found in rondo. It makes for a simple session that works on every aspect of a player’s game: technique, tactics, physical and psychological. MORE
If you want your players to start pre-season training like Barcelona, you should try using Spanish-style rondo games to sharpen their general touch and all-round fitness levels. MORE
This fun rondo game has everything your team needs for a good pre-season workout. It offers plenty of movement for your players and sharpens their control and technique too. MORE
This was the question I asked a group of coaches of various ages. You may be interested to know that 75% of them told me they always did the first couple of weeks' training without the ball. MORE
Pre-season training may be important, but there is no reason why it can’t be enjoyable too. In fact, using games can play a vital part in both sharpening and bonding your squad. MORE
The first week back at training often means pain in terms of getting back to fitness. Depending on how your players have spent the summer it can be hard work for them. Muscles seize up, legs tire out and the next day players feel stiff and sore. Getting in shape for the big kick-off means... MORE