Should You Stop Training During the Holidays?
Whether you’re a young aspiring athlete or an adult working on your fitness and performance, holidays can feel like the perfect time to take a break. And while a little rest is important, completely stopping your training is one of the biggest setbacks you can face in your development.
Below, we explore why it’s crucial to stay active during holidays — and how you can keep your fitness and skill sharp with simple, effective routines.
The Danger of Losing Momentum
Training is all about consistency. Whether you're enrolled in an Afterschool Soccer Program, involved in 1v1 coaching, or playing in a competitive league, the gains you make come from repetition and routine. When you stop training altogether during school holidays or family trips, you risk losing:
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Match fitness
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Ball control and technical sharpness
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Speed, endurance and mobility
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Confidence on and off the ball
Even a 2–3 week break can undo weeks of progress — especially for younger players who are still developing coordination and muscle memory.
Rest is Good — But Too Much Rest Isn’t
We’re not saying to train every day like it’s the World Cup. Recovery matters. Your body and mind benefit from less structured days — but the key is to stay active without burning out. A short 20–30 minute routine every other day can help maintain rhythm without interfering with rest.
Think of it this way: Training during the holidays isn’t about pushing to the limit — it’s about not slipping backwards.
Easy Ways to Stay Active While on Holiday
You don’t need a pitch or a coach next to you to stay sharp. Here are simple things players can do almost anywhere:
● Ball Mastery Drills (10–15 mins)
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Toe taps, foundations, inside-outside touches
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Figure 8 dribbles around cones (or shoes!)
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Juggling – try 50 touches per leg daily
● Wall Work (10 mins)
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50 passes per foot
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Control and pass combo: one-touch then two-touch
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Use both left and right foot to improve balance
● Fitness Maintenance (15–20 mins)
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5-minute jog or skip rope to warm up
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Push-ups, sit-ups, bodyweight squats (3 rounds)
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Short sprint sets (3 x 20m) or shuttle runs if space allows
These sessions can be done in a backyard, a park, or even indoors if the space allows. Doing just a little makes a huge difference.
For Adults: Don’t Let Progress Slip
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a senior men’s league player, or simply someone who’s working on your personal health goals — holidays can be a dangerous time for regression.
Even just 2–3 short sessions a week can help maintain cardiovascular fitness, mobility, and muscle tone. And if you're playing indoor soccer or doing small group coaching, it’s essential to keep your touch and movement sharp.
Create a Simple Holiday Plan
Before you leave for a break or start relaxing at home:
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Write down 3–4 short sessions you can rotate through
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Schedule them into your week like any other activity
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Get a family member or friend to join you for fun and accountability
This structure can help kids and adults alike stay focused — and come back to term or competition sharper than ever.
Final Thoughts
Taking a holiday doesn't mean taking a break from your goals. Staying active during your break is not about high-intensity, high-pressure training. It's about keeping the body moving, keeping the ball at your feet, and staying sharp mentally and physically.
Whether you're enrolled in afterschool soccer, private 1v1 coaching, or advanced development programs, your consistency during breaks is what will set you apart when you're back on the pitch.
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