Training in the Off Season

One of the worst mistakes an athlete can make, is to take extended periods of time off from their sport. Fútbol is a sport in which skills cannot be picked up rapidly, unlike body building. If you stop working out for a couple months, then start up again, you will see improved results within as early as a week, because it takes only strength, not skill. However, in sports such as Fútbol, if one stops playing then attempts to play again, that persons touch on the ball will not come back rapidly, it will take at least a month to retain the skills they had since they last played. I am located in Central New York, so during the winter, I hear quite often that players can't play because there's snow, and no place to play. I love training in the snow personally because the ball is much harder to handle, and the ground is extremely difficult to dribble on, however if you go from snow to an indoor turf facility, your touch will be dramatically better. Today in Homer New York, was fairly sunny so our turf field was melted off partially which allowed for a great spot to practice on during my lunch period. For those of you looking to preform simple drills in the snow, try kicking the ball straight into the air about 30 Feet, then trap it as it comes down without letting the ball go all over. Doing this in the snow makes it more difficult becuase the ground is very slippery and hard. The footing and body position need to be concentrated on during this because it is the most important part of trapping the ball. After becoming proficient, begin flicking the ball into the air, and volleying the ball as it descends to the ground. Playing in abstract conditions allows a player to gain an edge over his opponent  and sets him apart from the average player, to the above average all-star player.