Soccer is about creativity. It's about using your imagination and trying different things to improve your game. It doesn't require hundreds of cones or flashy skills; it does require an individual who is focused, determined and has a love for the game like no other. We want to keep things fresh and exciting so we don't fall victim to doing the same things over and over. 

1. Write your workouts down

Being organized will help the flow of your training sessions. You want to have everything written out so you know exactly what you're going to do. You don't want to waste time by having to think of what drills you're going to do next. So if you're going to do 5 drills in the training session, write those out so you have them accessible. Knowing the set up of the drill and how many reps or duration of the drill before you start is key. 

2. Have your drills have progression

When you decide to pick a drill for your work out, have 3 - 5 phases or variations of the drill. That way you can save time because you don't have to change the set up for the drill because you have 4 other versions of the drill. An example of this would be if you were doing shooting. The first phase can be right foot, the second phase could be left, the third phase could be right with your laces, fourth could be left with the laces, and the last phase could be doing a skill move before your shot. Do you see how you've now gotten to virtually do 6 different drills in one? Like I said earlier, be creative and have fun with it. 

3. Don't do the same drills back to back days

To keep it fresh and exciting, don't do the same drills back to back days. Before you know it, you'll get tired of them and won't push as hard in the drills. Take a day or two in between drills and have a variety of drills you can do daily. 

4. Focus on 1 particular skill 

Say you're writing down your drills for the week and you're having a difficult time deciding what drills to do. Break up the days into a specific skill you'd like to focus on. Monday could be short passing and touch, Tuesday is long passing and headers, Wednesday is trapping the ball out of the air, Thursday is one-time finish shots and Friday you get in a Fitness Friday workout :) Whatever it is, remember to write it down!

5. Don't train too long

Quality or quantity. You don't have to be out at the field for 3 hours. You can get in a lot of work in less time as long as you're putting emphasis on doing the drills with pace and quality. When you're training, 100 percent focus, this is what will take you to the next level. Those who are mentally strong will give themselves a fighting chance, and we at Perfect Soccer want that for you!