{!firstname}, Strength vs Agility vs Fitness...
and the winner is...
Answer in part two.

I consider myself to be quite fortunate to be surrounded
by high level soccer coaches certified coaches. How
many players do you know have the opportunity to be trained
by UEFA A and B licensed coaches?

So what does this have to do with strength, agility and fitness?

To be honest many coaches confuse agility with fitness
and don't even realize the importance of strength.

For example, in the past I have seen many coaches use 
agility drills to condition their soccer athletes. Unfortunately 
there are a few concerns with this. 

Agility is a combination of strength, balance and coordination.
Asking a young athlete to go through an agility drill as fast as
possible with out teaching the proper technique is an injury
waiting to happen.

Agility is a skill as is dribbling the soccer ball. A soccer player
needs to be taught the basics of how to properly stop and change
direction. This includes proper foot placement and opening up the
hip to go a different direction. This is covered more in depth in
Soccer Injury Prevention.

At the younger ages soccer player's bodies are under going 
consistent change. It is vital that proper mechanics for stopping and
changing direction are emphasized. As the player gets older they will
be able to do more and more demanding drills or exercises.

For this reason I want you to keep in mind the four progressions a
young soccer athlete goes through when acquiring a new skill. I
remember being taught this back in University many years ago:)

A. Unconscious Incompetence
- player doesn't understand what is required and demonstrates
poor technique 

B. Conscious Incompetence 
-player understands what is required and demonstrates poorly

C. Conscious Competence
-player understands what is required and demonstrates
what is expected

D. Unconscious competence
-player performs specific technique automatically with out
any thought

It is imperative that any agility type of work done is focused on
skill development first.
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I have come across a unique speed and agility book put out 
by my friend and colleague Rob Karboviak.

Fast Feet Trainer is a unique book that teaches you how to create
your own agility drills with PVC piping.
Please click here to see if  Fast Feet Trainer is for you.

In part 2 I will discuss strength and how it fits in with agility and fitness.


                               *** Product Update***

Youth Soccer Power Unleashed now how has an audio component to
it and is updated with a properly integrated plyometric program.