When we think of soccer speed, we most often think of running speed. However, soccer speed can actually refer to many things.
Here is how US Soccer defines 4 types speed that soccer players need to possess and develop:
- Pure Speed – The ability to overcome the distance between two points in the shortest amount of time.
- Technical Speed – the ability to control and manipulate the ball with the body, legs or feet at speed.
- Speed of Action – processing information from the game and choosing an appropriate response quickly to the situation.
- Mental Speed – ability of the player to be aware of all factors, conditions and options inside and outside of the game (opponents, teammates, crowd, etc.)
