Real Madrid destroyed Gianluigi Buffon’s dreams of lifting the Champions League trophy that has somehow eluded him over his illustrious career. Even more upsettingly though, the final symbolised the end of the football season. So if like us you are counting down the days till you can lace up those boots again, here are things that all footballers must do or avoid over the summer.
Everything footballers should do this summer
DO stay fit!
Don’t see this as a time to relax and rest for a couple of months. By all means take a holiday. Have a couple of days sipping pimms, eating sausages and doing as little exercise as possible. But make sure that you do not let your fitness suffer severely. See this break as a time to push ahead of those other players who are busy tanning and getting fat.
DO get some new boots (if needed)!
It may sound rather obvious, but if you are serious about your football, you should be getting boots regularly for a couple of reasons. Firstly, most brands are not made to last and will deteriorate and consequently not be able to impact your game the way they could. Secondly, the boots industry evolves very quickly. In not getting the latest boots with the latest technologies, you risk falling behind your opposition. If you want to stay on top of your game then take every advantage possible. Check out our football boots reviews to find the best football boot for you!
DO check out any little injuries that you may have picked up during the season.
You have a couple of months where you don’t have to worry about missing games. So if something drastic like surgery is needed then you’ve got a little time to tune yourself up before getting back on the pitch. Even if it is something minor, now is the time to work on it as you can afford to put in time for your recovery and won’t have the burden of having to play football to hinder progression back to full fitness.
Everything footballers shouldn’t do this summer
DON’T neglect your football
Just go out every so often and do a few kick ups. Find a friend and go do some long range passing. It doesn’t matter what, but just get a feel for football and keep yourself fresh. Muscle memory is a real thing and once you get back into pre-season you’ll feel the benefit.
DON’T miss any pre-season training sessions (or any other chances to train for that matter)
It will consist of nauseating sprints which are about as much fun as listening to Michael Owen commentate on paint drying, but they are needed. Even if your mate just calls you to ask to make up the numbers for a kickabout, get out there and get your lungs pumping.
DON’T take up badminton.
Okay it is a good sport, so by all means play it over the summer, but don’t neglect football. It’s like going to uni; you’re going to make new friends who you drink and party with. But don’t forget your old mates from home who you got annoyed with while playing FIFA 12 because they abused Walcott’s pace and always beat you 5-0 even though we agreed to not use overpowered teams. Remember how good football can be.
