SAQ Training

Discussion in 'Youth & HS Soccer' started by jvgnj, Oct 3, 2016.

  1. jvgnj

    jvgnj Member

    Apr 22, 2015
    Curious to hear about people's experiences with SAQ training for their kids, whether it was incorporated into regular practices or done as a standalone in season or off season. A couple clubs by me have formed relationships with SAQ coaches who work with the kids even at the youngest ages. Nothing crazy, just the occasional assessment and some drills to work on proper running mechanics. Just wondering how widespread this is and whether it's been helpful.
     
  2. lncolnpk

    lncolnpk Member+

    Mar 5, 2012
    Club:
    Chicago Fire
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    My oldest had major mechanical issues. We sent her to a SAQ specialist and they basically loosened up her core and got her to run correctly. It made a huge difference in a short time. We later moved her over from this place to a ex NFL Wr who does the same thing but cheaper.


    Now my youngest u12 just started. She needed that first step explosion but yet to gain that.

    I found that individual personal training had more affect than team training we were offered.
     
  3. StrikerMom

    StrikerMom Member

    Sep 25, 2014
    Can you afford both? We chose one-on-one personal training to help with unexplained knee pain for my 14 yo. Physios said nothing was wrong - PT noticed an imbalance. Knee pain disappeared after 1 session. After 6 months, she's a bit faster, has a strong core and has never gotten injured, but I have noticed that the girls on our team who continue to do extra skills training (even though their regular practice 3x/week is of a high quality) seem to be a tad bit sharper in one-on-one situations.

    If your child is U12/13 - I suggest technical skills training instead of SAQ. They will never regret it. Soccer is so much more fun when you can beat a defender and attack/pass/receive/shoot well. If money/time is not an issue then do both.

    However, if your child has bad running or jumping/landing technique or a major imbalance - I'd work on that first!
     
  4. jvgnj

    jvgnj Member

    Apr 22, 2015
    Thanks for your input. My son is younger but the rationale his coaches have for doing some of this work is the same as for starting kids with technical skills training early. It's easier to build muscle memory on correct technique and form at a young age than to correct it later on. Sounds like putting in the time to work on mechanics has been good for your kids, particularly from an injury prevention standpoint. Interestingly enough, if I did something outside of his team I'd go to two former NFL defensive backs who have started offering this service, similar to lincolnpk. They occasionally come to our flag football practices and the kids love them. Must be a growth industry for retired pros.
     
  5. StrikerMom

    StrikerMom Member

    Sep 25, 2014
    As long as the coaches are qualified/accredited to work with young children he would benefit. Gymnastics would also be good if he's really young.
     

Share This Page