My soccer coach strongly emphasizes the importance of being conditioned and having strength so we can perform at the best of our abilities. During the summer, he dedicated 4 days a week to practicing and one of those days out of the week was dedicated to strength and conditioning.
A typical strength an conditioning practice included; running sprints called tempo runs that contain many intervals of 100 yards and more, quad and hamstring exercises that made them strong, and core work. When it came time to play tournaments in August back to back weekends, we were all in shape and ready to play. We thankfully did not acquire any injuries from any of our players during these games and played very well against highly competitive teams.
I found an article that states ten benefits of Strength and Conditioning.
The first just so happens to state injury prevention is the first benefit. It is beneficially because you are working the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints so they are strong for when you really need to use them.
The second is that it improves performance especially in sports. It improves endurance, stamina, speed, and agility.
The third is that it can be a benefit for a lifetime of doing physical activity. You can workout as you get older and you will not be in pain.
The fourth is that it enhances your general health along with nutrient rich eating habits.
The fifth is that it makes bones healthier and can prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. The stronger your bones are, the less likely you are to get injured.
The sixth benefit is better posture. The conditioning you put your muscles through both lifts and holds your body upright.
The seventh is that it raises your metabolism so that you have more energy to accomplish things.
The eighth is for when you do get injured it takes less time to rehabilitate since your muscles are already strong.
The ninth benefit improves balance which is good in sports because in soccer it requires you to be balanced and quick on your feet.
The final benefit is it prevents obesity due to burning the calories that cause fat and building muscle instead.
I think this article did a great job in pointing out the benefits and i found out some that i didn’t know such as it helping in preventing osteoporosis.
Sources:
https://www.westchesterhealth.com/blog/10-important-benefits-of-strengthening-and-conditioning/
Pic: Soccer player Alex Morgan weight training for USWNT.
Prevention for Athletes 