SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Boys Varsity Soccer Overuse injuries

I now this has been an argument, and discussed many timees, not trying too start anything. Just an FYI article
http://www.sj-r.com/health/x1298588416/How-much-off-season-training-is-too-much?zc_p=0

Maybe HS practices should be scaled back to 3 days a week. Why is it necessary to have 5?

Actually, although I don't advocate it, there's nothing wrong with a heavy practice schedule IN SEASON. The point of the article is that, with the advent of year-round participation in a SINGLE sport, repetitive use injuries are likelier to occur. In the "old" days, "three-sport stars" were not THAT uncommon. Now, they're almost unheard of.

At smaller schools, there seem to be more multi-sport athletes.

Actually, I see no need for 5 day a week practices. If high level club teams can get it done in 3, that should tell you something

HS teams practice 3x a week for the most part, just like club teams do. The difference is high schools teams play twice during the week instead of weekends.

Once the game schedule starts, it's pretty much 3 practices per week, because two days per week are taken up by games. Unless you practice on weekends, that only leaves 3 to practice. We have a couple of one-game weeks and a couple of 3-game weeks, but on average there are three available practice days during a 5-day school week.

Prior to the start of matches, we go 5x per week to get ready.