Introduction
As a footballer, you should train your upper body regularly to be strong in tackles, prevent injuries and become faster. That's why we'll show you the 5 most important strength exercises for the upper body that cover all muscle groups. Of course, you can add many more exercises, but if you do these 5 exercises twice a week, you're already doing very well.
1. Push-ups for footballers
The classic: Push-ups train your chest, shoulder and triceps muscles. It is important that you perform the exercise cleanly and keep your back straight (tension!). We recommend doing as many repetitions as possible 3 times (as long as you do them cleanly).
2. Horizontal rowing
Find a bar that you can pull yourself up on (see video). Alternatively, you can do pull-ups. This will train your upper back muscles, rear shoulder muscles and biceps. Do 3 times as many repetitions as you can.
3. Front plank
When doing the front plank (also called forearm plank) it is important that you keep the tension constant. Start with one minute of exertion and gradually increase it. With this exercise you train your stability and your core.
4. Side plank
When doing side planks, you train the side abdominal muscles as well as part of the lower back. Start with 30 seconds of exercise per side and then gradually increase.
5. Back plank
In this exercise, you train not only your lower back but also your hamstring muscles (back thigh muscles). Nevertheless, we include it under the upper body exercises because you are training the opposite of what you are training in the front plank and therefore you won't get any muscular imbalances. Again, start with 30 seconds of exertion and gradually increase the intensity.
Conclusion
Include these exercises in your routine if you need to strengthen your upper body as a football player. If you need coaching from the professionals in this area, visit a individual football training or football private training at 360Football - or we will find the right athletic trainer for you.
