Soccer players are always searching for the “secret” that will take their game to the next level. But with so much advice online, on the sidelines, and in locker rooms, it can be hard to separate what’s helpful from what’s just hearsay.
At Techne Futbol, we believe players deserve training rooted in reality, not outdated traditions or Instagram trends. Let’s bust some of the most common soccer training myths, explain why they’re wrong, and show you what actually works.
Myth #1: Soccer is All About Endless Running
If you have ever been told to just “run more laps” to get fit for soccer, you are not alone. For decades, coaches believed distance running was the best way to prepare for a match.
The truth: Soccer is a game of bursts with short sprints, sharp changes of direction, and moments of high intensity, followed by recovery periods. A 90-minute match is not a steady-state run; it is an interval workout in disguise.
What works instead:
- Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT), for example, 20-second sprints followed by 40 seconds of rest, repeated for 10–15 minutes.
- Blend conditioning into technical drills so you are practicing your touch and your fitness at the same time.
Try the Summer Speed session in the app ›
Myth #2: Lifting Weights Will Make You Bulky and Slow
Some players avoid the gym entirely, thinking strength work will make them too muscular or stiff.
The truth: When done right, strength training makes you faster, more explosive, and more injury-resistant. The key is programming for power and agility, not bodybuilder aesthetics.
What works instead:
- Focus on compound movements like squats, lunges, and deadlifts to build lower-body strength.
- Use plyometrics (jump training) for explosiveness.
- Train your core for balance and stability since it is the bridge between your legs and your ball control.
Build power with the Summer Strength session in the app ›
Myth #3: It’s Skills OR Fitness, You Can’t Do Both
Some players spend hours on ball mastery and avoid conditioning altogether. Others grind through running sessions but rarely touch the ball outside of practice.
The truth: Elite performance comes from combining technical skill with the physical ability to perform it under fatigue.
What works instead:
- Use drills that combine technical execution with physical demand, for example, ball mastery circuits or passing under pressure.
- Track your effort so you know when your technique starts breaking down, then work to push that threshold higher.
Explore Techne’s weekly training sessions ›
Myth #4: More Training is Always Better
The “no days off” culture can make players think they should always be going 100%. But pushing too hard can lead to burnout, fatigue, and injury.
The truth: Recovery is not being lazy, it is when your body actually adapts and gets stronger.
What works instead:
- Schedule active recovery sessions like light technical work, mobility, or low-intensity play.
- Prioritize sleep, hydration, and nutrition as much as your next workout.
- Listen to your body; small aches can turn into big problems if ignored.
Myth #5: Diet Doesn’t Really Matter as Long as You Get Calories
Some players think grabbing whatever is in the fridge is good enough, as long as they are eating enough.
The truth: Quality fuel equals quality performance. A balanced diet helps you train harder, recover faster, and sustain energy over 90 minutes.
What works instead:
- Focus on whole foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Get carbs before training for energy, protein after for recovery.
- Stay hydrated before, during, and after matches or workouts.
Myth #6: Mental Training is Only for the Pros
Mindset training is often overlooked at the youth and amateur level. Players think mental skills are only for elite athletes.
The truth: Soccer is as much mental as it is physical. Confidence, focus, and emotional control can make the difference between a win and a loss.
What works instead:
- Practice visualization by mentally rehearsing plays and decisions before they happen.
- Use positive self-talk to replace doubt with belief.
- Set small, process-based goals for each session to build consistent progress
Train your mind with Techne’s mental sessions ›
Training based on facts helps you improve faster, avoid injuries, and perform under pressure with confidence. At Techne Futbol, we combine skills, fitness, and mindset into one program so you can apply these truths every day. Use our interval-based conditioning drills, add strength and mobility work, and tap into our mental training resources to see real results.
Bottom line: train smarter, not just harder, and watch your game reach the next level.
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