How long should the soccer off-season be?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least 3 months per year away from organized, competitive soccer. Individual skill training, other sports, and casual play should continue during this time.

Will my child lose their skills if they take time off?

Technical skills built through repetition are remarkably persistent. A player who maintains light daily ball contact during the off-season experiences almost no skill loss. Some temporary rustiness after a break returns quickly.

Should off-season training be as intense as in-season training?

No. The off-season should be lower intensity and lower volume, especially in the first month. The focus shifts from performance to development. Intensity gradually increases in the pre-season phase.

Is it OK for my child to play indoor soccer during the off-season?

Yes. Indoor soccer or futsal provides high touch counts and develops quick decision-making. A month or two of indoor play is fine, but the player should still have a genuine rest period.

What should a player focus on if they only have 4 weeks of off-season?

Prioritize ball mastery and weak foot work. These two areas provide the highest return on time invested and the most visible improvement when the next season starts.

A soccer ball resting on quiet green grass during the off-season with soft afternoon light

April 2, 2026

Off-Season Soccer Training: What to Do When the Season Ends

The off-season is an underutilized opportunity for player development. Most youth soccer players stop training entirely between seasons, which wastes valuable time and often leads to deconditioning. A structured off-season program maintains fitness, builds new skills, and gives players time to recover from the stress of competition. The best off-season approach depends on the player's age, competition level, and goals.

Off-season training serves multiple purposes. It prevents the fitness losses that occur after 4-6 weeks without training. It allows players to work on weaknesses without the pressure of competition. It reduces injury risk by maintaining conditioning and mobility. And it keeps players engaged with soccer during months when organized leagues are not running.

Off-season training principles for youth players

Ages 6-10: Play and explore

Young children should focus on fun, unstructured play. No sport-specific training is necessary. The goal is to build a love for movement and the ball. Encourage playing soccer casually with friends, family, or at the park. Running around, kicking, and experimenting with the ball is enough.

Ages 11-13: Skill development and conditioning

This age group benefits from structured but not intense off-season training. 2-3 sessions per week is appropriate. Include a mix of technical work (dribbling, passing, receiving), tactical understanding (positioning, movement), and conditioning (building aerobic capacity, agility work).

Avoid: Highly specialized training focused only on one position. Avoid high-intensity interval training that mimics match intensity. Players at this age need variety, not specialization.