How Often Do Soccer Players Train? Complete Guide (2025)

If you’re wondering – how often do soccer players train – this is for you.

Soccer is a game where players are always competing to be the best. Training is a big part of that, no matter if you’re a pro, a college player, or a young kid just starting out.

How often do soccer players train? What they do in their training sessions?

This can all affect how well they play. This article explores the training routines of soccer players at different levels. We’ll also share some tips on how players can plan their own training sessions to improve their skills faster.

how often do soccer players train
how often do soccer players train

How Often Do Soccer Players Train


In this article, you can read through all 6 sections or skip ahead to the topics that are most important to you. Make sure to watch the video tutorials included and stick around until the end for a special free gift that is guaranteed to make you a better soccer player.

  1. How often do professional soccer players train
  2. How often do college soccer players train
  3. How often do youth soccer players train
  4. How often do soccer players lift weights
  5. How to schedule your soccer training
  6. How to become a better soccer player, improve faster & achieve more!

I hope this article helps you understand how often do soccer players train. Let’s go!

how often should a soccer player train
how often should a soccer player train

How Often Do Professional Soccer Players Train?


The training regimen for professional soccer players can vary based on factors such as the team’s schedule, the player’s position, and individual fitness levels.

However, on average, professional soccer players typically train six days a week.

How often do professional soccer players train?

  1. Team Practices: Typically, professional soccer teams have structured training sessions at least five times a week, with some variations based on the team’s schedule and the proximity to upcoming matches.
  2. Individual Skills Training: Players often engage in individual skills training sessions multiple times per week, ranging from 2 to 5 sessions depending on the player’s position, individual needs, and the team’s overall training plan.
  3. Fitness Training: Fitness sessions can vary, but players usually participate in fitness training 3 to 4 times per week. This includes cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and agility exercises.
  4. Video Analysis: Video analysis sessions may occur once or twice a week. These sessions are often used to review previous matches, analyze opponents, and identify areas for improvement.
  5. Rest and Recovery: Rest and recovery are essential components of a player’s routine. Players typically have at least one or two rest days per week. Other recovery methods, such as massage therapy and ice baths, may be incorporated as needed.

how often do professional soccer players train
how often do professional soccer players train

How Often Do College Soccer Players Train?


The training frequency for college soccer players can vary based on the team’s schedule, the level of competition, and the coaching philosophy of the program.

However, similar to professional players, college soccer players generally have a demanding training regimen (at least 5 sessions per week).

How often do college soccer players train?

  1. Team Practices: 4 – 6 times per week.
  2. Individual Skills Training: 2 – 4 times per week.
  3. Fitness Training: 3 – 5 times per week
  4. Video Analysis: 1 time per week – or as needed.
  5. Rest and Recovery: 1 – 2 days per week.

It’s important to note that the training load and schedule can vary widely among college soccer programs.

NCAA rules also place limits on the amount of time that college athletes can spend on organized team activities, so coaches must adhere to these regulations when planning training sessions and practice schedules.

How often do college soccer players train
How often do college soccer players train

How Often Do Youth Soccer Players Train?


The training frequency for youth soccer players varies depending on their age, the level of play, and the specific structure of the youth soccer program.

Here’s a general guideline, but keep in mind that these numbers can vary:

How often do youth soccer players train?

  1. Team Practices: 2 to 4 times per week.
  2. Individual Skills Training: 1 to 3 times per week.
  3. Small-Sided Games: Once or twice a week.
  4. Matches: 1 to 2 times per week during the season.
  5. Rest and Recovery: 1 to 2 rest days per week.

It’s important to note that youth soccer training should prioritize skill development, fun, and fostering a love for the sport. As players progress through different age groups, the focus may shift from unstructured play to more structured training sessions that align with their developmental needs.

How often do youth soccer players train
How often do youth soccer players train

How Often Do Soccer Players Lift Weights?


The frequency of weightlifting sessions for soccer players can vary based on individual needs, team training programs, and the player’s position. Generally, soccer players incorporate strength training into their overall fitness regimen.

Here’s a general on how often soccer players lift weights:

  1. Off-Season: During the off-season, when there are fewer matches and the focus is on physical conditioning, soccer players may engage in weightlifting sessions 2 to 3 times per week.
  2. Pre-Season: As the season approaches, the frequency may be maintained or slightly reduced, depending on the team’s training plan. Players often continue with 2 to 3 weightlifting sessions per week during the pre-season.
  3. In-Season: Once the regular season begins, the frequency of weightlifting sessions may decrease to 1 to 2 times per week. This is to avoid excessive fatigue and ensure players are adequately recovered for matches.

It’s important to note that the specific weightlifting program can vary based on the player’s position, individual needs, and the team’s training philosophy.

how often do soccer players lift weights
how often do soccer players lift weights

How To Schedule Your Soccer Training


If you’re wondering how often you should train for soccer? That depends on your specific goals, schedule, and commitment to your development. Here are some steps to get you started:

  1. Identify Your Goals:
    • Determine specific areas of your game that you want to improve, such as passing, shooting, dribbling, fitness, or positional play.
  2. Set Realistic Targets:
    • Break down your goals into smaller, achievable targets. This could include improving accuracy in passing, increasing shot power, or mastering a new dribbling move.
  3. Create a Weekly Schedule:
    • Establish a training schedule that fits your availability. Aim for consistency, whether it’s daily or several times a week.
  4. Reflect and Adjust:
    • Regularly assess your progress and adjust your training plan accordingly. Modify drills, increase difficulty, or shift focus based on your evolving needs.
  5. Stay Motivated:
    • Keep your training sessions enjoyable and challenging. Set new goals as you achieve your current ones to maintain motivation.

How Often Should A Soccer Player Train


In the soccer world, everyone, from the pros to college players and young beginners, puts in effort to get better. We’ve learned that how often they train depends on where they are in their soccer journey.

Also, lifting weights has become a big part of staying fit for soccer. Figuring out how to plan personal training sessions is key for players who want to grow their skills.

No matter the level, sticking to regular and smart training is what helps soccer players shine on the field and keep getting better at the game they love.

Hopefully you found this article about how often do soccer players train helpful.

(if so, keep reading)

how often should soccer players train
how often should soccer players train

Common Questions

Here are some common questions related to how often should soccer players train:


How often should soccer players train?

Soccer players should aim for at least 3-5 training sessions per week to maintain and improve their skills, fitness, and mental sharpness. For younger players, training frequency might vary based on age, goals, and level, with 2-3 sessions per week being typical at the youth or beginner levels. For professional athletes or those aiming to reach a high level, daily training is usually expected, focusing on specific skill areas, conditioning, and mental preparation. However, it’s essential to balance intensity to avoid burnout and injuries.


Do soccer players have training every day?

Professional soccer players generally train every day, with one or two rest days incorporated into their weekly schedules. These daily sessions can include tactical work, fitness training, skills drills, and recovery sessions like stretching or physiotherapy. Training routines also include match preparation, analysis, and specific focus on areas like technique or strength. For amateur and younger players, training might be less frequent, and recovery time is equally important to prevent overtraining.


Should I train soccer every day?

It’s tempting to train every day, especially if you want to improve quickly, but it’s not always recommended, especially for younger or less experienced players. Training too frequently without adequate recovery can lead to injury or mental burnout. The key is to focus on quality rather than quantity—several days a week, mixed with appropriate rest, is the optimal approach to avoid exhaustion and make steady progress. Listen to your body and consult with a coach to determine the appropriate frequency based on your skill level and goals.


How often should a 10-year-old train?

For a 10-year-old player, 2-3 training sessions a week, coupled with games, should be sufficient to build skills without causing physical or mental strain. At this age, training should be fun, varied, and focused on developing basic techniques, such as ball control, dribbling, and teamwork. Intensity and volume should gradually increase as players grow older and their interest in specializing deepens.


How many times a week should a soccer player train?

The frequency of training varies based on the player’s level of commitment and expertise. Amateur or youth players should aim for about 2-3 sessions per week, especially at younger ages. However, serious players aspiring for higher levels (like elite youth academies or semi-professional players) should train 4-6 times per week. Professionals, of course, typically train every day, with rest days built in to manage fatigue and recovery. Regular training with a focus on fitness, technique, and tactical understanding helps to ensure overall development.

how often soccer players train
how often do soccer players train legs

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About Coach Dylan

I used to struggle with confidence in soccer, feeling slow, weak, and unmotivated. Coaches overlooked me, and friends made fun of my skills. At one point, I even quit.

But I decided to take control of my development. Through hard work, I transformed my game, earned league titles, awards, a college scholarship, and international caps.

Now, I share my lessons and help others improve through my YouTube channel (1/2 million subscribers), soccer coaching and personal training.

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Related Posts

Here are some related posts to help you gain more knowledge and helpful advice:

How To Improve Footwork In Soccer

Soccer Tips For Midfielders

How To Score More Goals In Soccer

Wishing You Success In Soccer

Coach Dylan
Progressive Soccer

Thank you for reading this article:
How Often Do Soccer Players Train? Complete Guide (2025)

Dylan Tooby

Success should not be judged based on what you achieve but by what you help others achieve. Hopefully, this information will help you. Thank you for reading. Please, leave a comment.