The development of power of young footballers

The characteristics of footballers’ exertion of power: Football is characterised by the very fast performance of the technical and tactical elements with and without the ball, therefore all three types of exertion of power are necessary. Maximum power is the basis of fast power; fast power is necessary for the fast performance of the technical elements; while endurance ensures that fast power can be exerted by the player during the whole match. The development of power with the young must be done in a way that it does hinder the development of the technical and tactical skills, but rather enhances them.

The development of power in the various age groups

6 to 10 years:

• development of power with general exercises
• various competitions of skilfulness, other ball games played with the hands
• gymnastics
• development of power with special exercises, competition exercises
• technical and tactical elements with and without the ball
• plays from one-on-one to 5-on-5
• easy hopping exercises
• exercises with own body weight, or with a little extra load

11 to 14 years:

• development of power with general exercises
• various competitions of skilfulness, other ball games played with the hands
• gymnastics, stretching exercises
• dynamic strengthening of the legs
• development of power with special exercises
• technical and tactical elements with and without the ball
• development of power with competition exercises
• plays from one-on-one to 10-on-10