Soccer agility training is an important component of soccer training. Soccer agility training is however often neglected in amateur soccer training which tends to place more emphasis on other aspects of soccer training such as fitness and speed training.

In soccer, agility is very important. More often than not, agility can determine the outcome in similarly conditioned soccer players. And in these modern days where very little can separate the soccer players apart, any advantage can be a great benefit. Agility can mean the difference in many situations. An example would be in the case of a defender who is defending against an attacker. An agile defender will be able to counter the turns and feints that the attacker presents and put in an adept tackle. A bumbling clumsy defender would either be fooled and get turned easily or commit a foul when he tries to tackle. In the case of the attacker, agility can mean the difference in getting past the defender or being tackled successfully. It can also mean the ability to evade bad challenges and avoid an injury which can be very frustrating.

Soccer agility training normally comes hand in hand with speed training and is often called ‘speed and agility’ training. In soccer agility training, equipments or aids such as cones or poles are normally used at measured distances and intervals. The soccer player will then be required to move and touch the cones and speed within a specified time.

Speed hurdles are also used to improve sprinting form and technique and increase quickness of feet. They normally come in two heights of 6 inches or 12 inches.

Speed ladders are another important training aid in soccer agility training. Various movements can be incorporated at various speeds to improve soccer agility. Emphasis should be placed on form and proper execution of movements rather than speed and once proper technique achieved, effort can be placed to improve the speed in movements.

Soccer agility training is one of the least tiring soccer training and it should be done when the soccer player is fresh and alert to reap maximum benefits.

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