Home | ADVICE: Training | Carol's Page (Editor) - Fun Runs, Integrating Running with the Curriculum, Getting Started | Ed's Page (Coach) - Track, XC, Form, Teamwork | INFORMATION: Distance: How Far Should Kids Run? | Running Games | Distance Conversion Tool | 10 Healthy-Kid Tips | MODEL KIDS' PROGRAMS: Happy Feet, Healthy Food Kids' Club - Carol's After-School Club | Youth Programs with Links | Kiddie Mile Ribbon Program | Log-A-Mile Blue Ribbon Program | STUFF: Free Running Bookmarks | Resources: Books for Kids, Parents, and Coaches | SIGN IN: Guest Book | EVENT LISTINGS: Kids' Fun Run Calendar | MORE: School | News | Columns |Speakers/Guest Authors | Who We Are | Contact NEED SOME QUICKNESS IN SOCCER Coach Ed Dear Coach Ed, I have a 9 year-old daughter who is very athletic and plays select soccer. However, she is one of the slowest girls on her team and it bothers her. Is there any type of training or drills we can run to improve her quickness and speed? Sincerely, Mark Dear Mark, This is a question I am asked frequently. To improve quickness, try this drill. Start off running in place easy for 10 seconds, then run in place with a high leg lift, adding in arm movement for 5 seconds, then running double time for 5 seconds. Now go back to the easy running in place for 10 seconds. Rest for about 30 seconds and start all over again. Repeat 5 to 10 times 3 days a week. The drill will help with speed but there is something else to consider. The quickness of spurts and sprinting speed players exhibit in soccer are often based on sprinting abilities. Your daughter may be better as a distance runner. For example, the best 9 year old girl sprinter on my track team can beat my best 14 year old boy distance runner in a 60 meter race. That is how dramatic the difference in body types can be. The endurance abilities of a distance runner can benefit a soccer player because they can "hang in" the whole game without much fatigue. My recommendation is to encourage her on the skills she is doing well . Emphasize the fact she is able to play without getting tired. So what if some kids run faster! Control and perseverance have their own reward. Tell her that great old story about the tortoise and the hare. Good luck, Coach Ed Ed Poirier, "Coach Ed", recently was invited by the United States Olympic committee to attend a workshop and training seminar at the Olympic training center in California. rwedit@rodale.com Privacy Policy