Energy expenditure and number of calories burned playing soccer

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PLAYING SOCCER

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, whether it’s in the playground for the youngest, on the Copacabana beach where it has become a Brazilian institution, or in local clubs. Soccer is everywhere, although it is less popular in the United States, where the American version is preferred.

This sport, like other team sports played with a ball, allows you to expend a lot of energy, since when you train, you spend 8 times more than your basal metabolic rate (resting metabolic rate).

Some benefits of playing soccer:

• Improved physical fitness: Soccer is a sport that involves every muscle in the body, improving cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, speed, agility and coordination. Players are constantly on the move, sprinting, changing direction and jumping, all of which contribute to overall fitness.
• Developing motor skills: Soccer requires motor skills such as foot, hand and eye coordination, as well as the ability to control the ball, dribble, pass and shoot. Regular soccer practice helps improve these skills and fine-tune motor coordination.
• Muscular strengthening: The repetitive movements involved in soccer call on the muscles of the legs, thighs, buttocks, abdomen and upper body. As a result, players develop overall muscular strength, which contributes to better posture, stability and injury prevention.
• Improved stamina: Soccer matches require good stamina, as they usually last 90 minutes or more. Players must be able to maintain a constant effort throughout the match, sprinting, running and recovering quickly. Regular soccer practice improves cardiovascular and respiratory endurance.
• Learning discipline and team spirit: Soccer is a team sport that requires discipline and team spirit. Players must respect the rules of the game, work cooperatively with their teammates, communicate effectively and make quick decisions on the pitch. These skills are transferable to other aspects of daily and professional life.
• Development of cognitive skills: Soccer requires rapid analysis of the situation on the pitch, tactical decision-making, anticipation of the movements of opponents and team-mates, and real-time problem-solving. Playing soccer therefore improves cognitive abilities such as concentration, anticipation and decision-making.
• Mental health promotion: Soccer can contribute to good mental health by promoting socialization, reducing stress, improving self-esteem and fostering a sense of belonging to a group. It also helps develop stress management, failure management and resilience skills.
• Fun and entertainment: Soccer is first and foremost an entertaining sport that gives players pleasure. It’s a great way to relax, have fun and spend quality time with teammates and friends. Whether playing on a competitive team, taking part in friendly matches or simply training, soccer offers a rewarding and stimulating experience.

In conclusion, soccer is much more than just a sport. It fosters physical, technical and mental development, while offering opportunities for socialization and entertainment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, soccer is an exciting activity that allows you to stay active, have fun and experience unforgettable moments on the pitch.