Get SoccerSmart this Season

Playing the game isn’t enough to develop the fitness required to play at your best and stay injury free. If you’re not already, now is the time to start preparing your body for a safe, successful and enjoyable season. It doesn’t matter how good a player you are, if you’re not fit, or you get injured, you won’t perform at your best, if at all.

That’s where SoccerSmart comes in – a 10-point action plan to prevent injuries and enhance performance – and now is the best time to get started.

SoccerSmart workshops take place all over the country and provide the latest advice in areas such as physical conditioning, nutrition and preparation for soccer. To find out where your nearest course is being held, or for more information on SoccerSmart and preparation for football, email tracy.brady@nzfootball.co.nz.

In the meantime, the information below provides a summary of what you, your coach and your team mates should be doing this season.

1. Player Profiles - test yourself regulalrly and set goals to achieve before and during the season

2. Warm-up and Cool-down - Prepare and recover optimally for both games and training

3. Football Fitness - develop your endurance, strength and flexibility to improve yourperformance and reduce your risk of injury

4. Technique - practice heading and tackling regulalrly and play fair

5. Fair Play

6. Protective Equipment - wear your shin pads in training as well as games and make sure your footwear's right for surface and the activity

7. Fuel the Engine - stay hydrated throughout the day and eat like an athlete - mainly carbohydrates, some protein, low fat

8. Solve the Puzzle - if you're asked about your injuries, provide as much information as possible

9. Check the Environment - be prepared for all weather conditions and make sure the pitch and check the pitch before you play

10. Treat Injuries Quickly - if you do get injured, use R.I.C.E.D as soon as possible (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Diagnosis) and avoid H.A.R.M.-ful factors (Heat, Alcohol, Running, Massage).