Harnessing the benefits of training on sand

Beach soccer is a form of the game played on sand with four outfield players and a goalkeeper.

 

This beautiful game is played by many all over the world on some of the finest beaches on the planet.

 

The key to the sport is the ability to control the ball on an ever-changing surface combining athleticism, strength, endurance, and flexibility while enjoying the inspiring energy of beach soccer.

 

Why beach soccer?

Sand training aids injury prevention and recovery, strength and conditioning and endurance building for many athletes.

 

Players like Lionel Messi, Neymar and Sergio Ramos have all utilized sand training as part of their athletic regime.

 

Sand training provides a number of benefits for soccer players, including:

 

• Increasing strength and building muscle: Anyone who has tried doing something in sand knows it requires double the effort. This creates an environment to build an important strength foundation.
• Developing joint flexibility: Longevity for our bodies is to keep them limber and flexible. The sand provides a surface to gently repeat motions to improve our body’s elasticity.
• Endurance expansion: Any kind of movement in the sand will increase heart rate and blood flow in turn will naturally aid to building endurance of muscle capacity.
• Elevation of technical ball mastery: Barefoot is key in a player’s ability to learn how to utilize all parts of the feet as well as the body with an additional challenging surface.

 

Where and how to start

You do not need to be at the beach to reap the benefits sand training can offer to the soccer player. Many land-locked areas have sand volleyball courts or athletic tracks which often have areas of sand. 

 

Many of the basic principles of soccer training can be adapted on the sand: a standard cone juggling weave, ladder work, banded functional training, juggling, jogging, sprinting and resistance training. 

 

All of these exercises done in the sand provide all the notable benefits previously mentioned while adding a fun challenge. 

 

Most younger players will not even notice they are working at a high rate because of the fun of training barefoot and in the sand.

 

Most important is creating an atmosphere of motivation, inspiration and fun with music and good vibes. 

If you have ever been to a beach soccer event you will know that you will always find a good competitive environment, smiles and positive vibes.