What are the health benefits of playing football?
Football is probably the most popular sport in the world and is played in virtually every nation on the planet. A team game, it involves 11 players on either side who are allowed to use their feet, legs, head and torso to control and pass a ball with the aim of scoring goals. The game involves running, sprinting, jogging and quick reactions.
The game is continuous with each half lasting 45 minutes and as such, is perfect for keeping fit and cardiovascular health. All ages and abilities can get involved in football, with the sport also accessible for people of different heights and sizes.
Football is a great sport for kids who are just starting out with physical activity and might not yet have high levels of endurance but still want to get involved in team games. Football is suitable for men and women, girls and boys and all can play along the same rules of the game.
Playing football is a lot of fun which might explain its global popularity. It’s also a great total workout with multiple health benefits that include:
- Improves cardiovascular health and helps to increase aerobic capacity
- Improves muscle tone and decreases body fat
- Increases strength, endurance and flexibility
- Boosts muscle and bone strength
- The sudden shifts between high and low intensity activity during a game is beneficial to health
Here are some further benefits from playing football:
- It is relatively safe as it’s considered a non-contact sport on the whole
- It helps to teach co-ordination
- Fosters a spirit of teamwork, sharing and group responsibility
- Teaches you how to act fast and make quick decisions
- A fun way to meet new people with similar interests
- It’s more fun and motivating to exercise with friends
- Encourages greater concentration, self-discipline and tenacity
- A great opportunity to combat stress and promote better feelings of self-esteem and confidence.
- Needs little equipment and can be played in a garden or public park
- Easy to learn and play for fun for both beginners and the more experienced
- A truly international sport
If you’re planning to play football, you can choose to play either recreationally or competitively. You don’t need a large number of people or a field necessarily. It can be as simple and easy as a friendly kickabout in just about any available space. An impromptu game of football can be played on streets, gardens or beaches and all you need is a ball. To keep in shape, why not incorporate some new Soccer Training Drills into your warmup? Visit https://www.sportplan.net/drills/Soccer for more information.
Players can choose to join a local club and play in a more competitive way through organised competitions and leagues. You can also play football is some indoor sports centres in competitions that use smaller team sizes.
In preparing to play football, the following is always good advice:
- Always warm before doing any form of exercise
- Keep your fitness levels up over time so you can play well and avoid fatigue or injury
- Stay well hydrated and always have plenty of fluids on hand while you play
- Depending on your physical condition and age, don’t overdo it
- Always wear the recommended protective clothing
Football is ideal for keeping fitness levels maintained and promotes strength, endurance and health. Get involved and see how good football can make you feel!
