Ask Coach Jay

Why Offseason Training Matters: A Soccer Director’s Perspective

As a soccer coach, one of the most common conversations I have with parents right after the spring season wraps up is about players’ summer plans. The question usually goes something like this: "What should we do during the summer break? Do you know of any camps you can recommend?” Offseason training is a great way for players to get a head start on their competition, build confidence through consistency, and to avoid a “rusty” start to the fall season. 

However, my recommendation is to first make sure to build in a break from competitive soccer at some point during the summer. Whether it’s playing other sports, going on a vacation, or just relaxing at home, it’s important to make sure kids have a physical and mental break from competitive soccer. Studies have shown that playing multiple sports is beneficial for athletic development and reducing overuse injuries  (link).

In short, rest and variety are important, but so is development—and summer is a great opportunity for growth. The most common types of summer training are camps, small group training, and private lessons. Before deciding which one to select for your kids, think about what you want to get out of the off season training. Be sure to talk to your coach about their recommendations for specific skills your son or daughter need to improve. Their coach knows them really well and should be able to give you plenty of feedback. It’s also important to talk to your child and find out what their offseason training goals are. 

If their goal is to have fun and continue playing, then a camp is a great option to achieve that goal. If your child is lacking confidence and needs additional training to improve their technique, private lessons are a great tool to achieve those goals. My only caution about private lessons is that they are not typically suitable for children U12 and younger except in rare circumstances. 

Ultimately, small group training sessions (8 players or less per coach) are the best option for players looking to grow. They can get individualized attention to correct and improve technique, opportunities for lots of touches, small sided games and activities, and plenty of 1v1 and 2v2 competition against similar skilled players. These types of sessions are ideal for skill development and growth during the offseason. 

Here at Kicklab we specialize in offering a variety of training sessions to help players develop. Our coach to player ratios are small, 6:1 or less, ensuring lots of individual attention. In addition, our sessions are specially designed to take advantage of our tech pods to ensure hundreds of touches for every player, regardless of their skill level. Finally, each session incorporates fitness and endurance, so players are working on more than one skill at a time. 

While structured training can go a long way, it’s just as important to keep the spark alive. At the end of the day, the goal is to find a balance—one that helps your child grow as a player and continue to love the sport. Development matters, but so do joy, confidence, and a lifelong passion for the game.

Wishing you and your family a fun, restful, and rewarding offseason!

Coach Jay