Weigtlifting and Speed

[Turk from Pigs Eye]

It sounds like there is a disagreement about how Freddie Adu should train. In US Nats camp they encourage him to lift weights to handle the physical aspect of the game. Peter Nowack, coach of DCU and former European star, doesn't want him to lift as much because he believes it will slow him down. I'm wondering what the players think. Does lifting hurt your speed? I tend to come down on the USA side. It might be possible for the lifting to slow you down some but it's bound to raise your game overall.

[the8]

Me myself, lifting weights doesn't just improve my speed it improves my overall physical abilities. My speed has gon up ever since I've started doing leg presses and other workouts three years ago. I can also muscle people off the ball better than ever. To me I love lifting weights because it makes me feel like I have a slight upper advantage. Look at Ronaldinho, he muscles players off the ball and when it comes to winning 50/50 balls he does. Even though he has quick feet, trying to get the ball away from him is a true task. I would tell Adu to lift weights but not as much. He shouldn't lift a lot and then go out onto the pitch and expect to perform just like before. It does take a some time to adjust to, but I would lift weight regardless if I was Adu. He's now in the MLS, the big leagues and there are players just about twice his size and muscle mass. Freddy should lift weights but not a lot.

[redalert101]

if you want to build muscle mass but maintain ur speed its also important to lose body fat. this way ur weight wont increase too much but the weight u have will actually be useful. look at roberto carlos. his body fat is only like 4% thats crazy.

[Becks7]

if you increase your upper and lower body proportionally then you will benefit from my upper body strong without sacrificing speed. Europeans aren't too big into lifting, but i really enjoy it , and it complements my keeping game

[Sky_]

He definitely needs a light weightlifting routine if he doesn't want to turn out like DaMarcus Beasley, who's 110 lbs or something. Not too much to stunt his growth spurt though.

[astabooty]

the8, iirc leg presses in no way affect your speed. squats, leg curls, and calf exercises on the other hand to big time.
weight lifting is good. it will improve speed. just make sure to not put on too much muscle.

[C. Ronaldo7]

If you are younger like I am, do plyometrics as it is easier on joints and other stuff and it has really helped me.

[soccer4life_7]

hey i gona turn 14 this summer i wana know if i should lift weights i m like 5-8 and 129lbs and i play center back ( flat 4) i am pretty fast now but i dont want my speed to get affected ..what do i do ...what type of weights should i do ....any programs..i need help :s

[japes10]

He definitely needs a light weightlifting routine if he doesn't want to turn out like DaMarcus Beasley, who's 110 lbs or something. Not too much to stunt his growth spurt though.


he is only 110 but he still muscles players of the ball so you dont have to have a lot of muscle and be big to push players off the ball.

[Jaspero]

I think leg-presses are passive exercises
I Improve my speed by ruynning up a 30 or 40 degree hill about ten times up and down, you'll workout your whole body muscles in a 'natural' way. it will take longe for a good effect but your phisycal condition will improve much faster