Static vs Dynamic Stretching in Soccer
When players come to know that they have to do some exercise before a match they think that it is pointless. Many think that doing some exercise for like 15 to 20 minutes before the game will make them tired even before they start playing.
All of these and relevant thoughts are wrong because it is not only beneficial, but it is necessary to do some exercise before starting a soccer game.
A major part of that exercise can be stretching which prepares your muscles for the game that you are going to play. When it comes to stretching there are two different types: Static vs Dynamic Stretching in Soccer.
The uses and benefits for both of these are pretty different and here we will be discussing when and why you should go for any of them.
What is Dynamic Stretching?
This is the type of stretching that is more about the movement of your body. Here you are reaching different parts of your body as well as extending.
Extension exercises are what most sports require along with Soccer because these exercises strengthen our muscles along with loosening them up for the upcoming stress.
This is the stress that we will be putting our bodies through when playing high-pressure sports like soccer. Some examples of dynamic stretches include ladder exercise, jumping, and jogging.
What is Static Stretching?
Static stretching is completely on the other side. While Dynamic stretches involve a lot of physical movement, this type stretching does not include that.
However, when you are doing static stretches you need to get in a position and then maintain that position for a specific time before relaxing your body.
Some common examples of static stretches include touching your toe as well as raising your hands for a specific time as the highest point. The lack of movement in Static stretches also resembles yoga.
Is stretching important
Stretching may seem like a simple exercise but in fact, stretching and soccer training drills are highly beneficial for our bodies.
One thing that you may note about stretching is that it puts our body through what is not regular for the body. In this way, the flexibility of our body increases because stretching loosens the muscles.
At the same time, muscle strength increases with stretching and college soccer drills. Speaking of strengthening muscles, an interesting fact about soccer practice plans that include stretching is that they prevent injuries.
Following the 15-20 minute soccer stretching and making it a part of your 3-hour soccer practice routine will make sure that the chances of muscle injury and cramps are less.
So, it is true that stretching is important, and it is even important before playing a soccer game.
Static vs Dynamic Stretching in Soccer – Which one should you do
While you know that stretching is important when playing soccer, it is also important to know what type of stretching is important. The reason is that these two types of stretching for soccer coaching are different.
While one can be beneficial in one case, it can be disadvantageous in the other case. So, here is all about Static vs Dynamic Stretching in Soccer including which to do and when to do it.
When to do Dynamic Stretches
Whenever your soccer game is going to start, and you are looking for which one from Static vs Dynamic Soccer warm-up drills should you go with then the answer is that you must only go for dynamic stretches.
As it puts you through a range of exercises that will prepare the muscles for different movements as well as pressure, it will be highly beneficial during the game.
With this stretching, your muscles will loosen up and become more flexible which will result in less strain on muscles when you do stress movements during the game.
When to do Static Stretches
While you can do dynamic stretches of the Static vs Dynamic Soccer training right before the game, when should you do static stretches? It is a question that most people ask.
This type of stretching is also important for the better functioning of your body because it enhances flexibility in muscles as well. This is the stretching that is better to do after you have worked hard at least for an hour.
So, after the soccer games, you can use this type of stretching as a cool-down exercise. One highly important thing here is that you must not do static stretches at least 1 day before your game.
How should you make stretching a part of your soccer routine?
Doing some warmup and cooldown exercises before and after the soccer games is very important. In simple words, both of these exercises can help a lot in making your body ready for the high-pressure game as well as relaxing for after-game time.
Dynamic stretching
So, right before your game is going to start you must do some dynamic stretches for at least 10-15 minutes and 20 minutes maximum. This will make your muscles ready for the match.
Gameplay warmup
When you are done with dynamic stretches you can go for the gameplay warmup. It includes the following things:
- Short and long passes
- Tackling and dribbling with the ball
- Shooting practice
Doing this for at least 5-10 minutes will be extremely beneficial for you during the game.
Static stretching
After your match has ended and your body is cooling down you can do static stretches for some time. Going for at least 3-8 minutes can be better in our experience. However, it depends more on how hard you have been with your body.
Final Thoughts:
While exercise is generally considered an amazing thing for our body, doing the wrong one at the wrong time can hurt the body. So, what you need to make sure is that you are selecting the right type of exercise. This was all about Static vs Dynamic Stretching in Soccer. Now we hope that you know all the details of what to do and when to do it. Additionally, you know about when to avoid doing what type of stretching.
