"Talent without working hard is nothing." - Cristiano Ronaldo

Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide, and soccer players are also considered to be one of the most disciplined and physically fit athletes in the world of sports. Their strength, coordination, and maneuverability is top-notch. 

Some of you are even wondering where they got their impressive stamina and endurance. The truth is, they earned it the hard and physical way and the result of their struggles really paved the way for a successful soccer career. 

NO PAIN, NO GAIN

All the claps and shouts from their fans are like music to their ears and inspire them to do more on the field. But how did they develop their immeasurable strength? Here are some strength training exercises that soccer players do to improve their performance on the field. 

Barbell Back Squats

As you know, squats help build lower body strength and also improve hip flexibility as it hits your calves, hamstrings, quads, and glutes. Doing this exercise requires a heavy weight over your shoulders. Barbell back squats help increase full lower body mobility. 

Agility Ladder Exercises

If you want to be a great soccer player, footwork should be your main focus. Agility ladders do the trick in helping soccer players improve their footwork and coordination while handling the ball quickly and efficiently. Ladder drills not only improve your agility, but also strengthen your joints and muscles. Not to mention that this is also a great cardio workout. It's beneficial to add resistance bands to your ladder training and once you do, you will be amazed by the results. 

Goblet Squats

A full body workout, this fitness exercise helps develop lower body strength without the added stress on your spine. Moreover, this squat variation works your entire core as well as your legs and glutes. Not only will you have a stronger core and powerful glutes, this exercise also increases your mobility, especially in your hips and ankles, and it also helps prevent serious injuries during the game. 

Plyometrics

According to a study, plyometric training improves an athlete's agility. This type of exercise produces power, coordination, and speed at the same time. This is done with the use of plyo boxes that the athlete jumps on and off the boxes in different directions and movements. 

Turkish Get-Ups

Soccer players constantly change the speed and directions on a dime, so they need to have flexible hips, and this exercise does the trick. Not to mention that turkish get-ups also level up core strength and shoulder mobility so the players have the needed power, agility, and speed on the field. A goalie would really benefit from this exercise. 

THE END RESULT

While pondering about your favorite soccer player's skills and how great they are on the field, remember that the journey to excellence is not that easy. They invested a lot of time, dedication, and hard work in terms of fitness for them to be the best physical version of themselves.