Soccer Mom Seeking Advice

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Whisper7_

0
My son loves the local soccer events. He has a passion for the sport but he has problems with his ankles. He is 13 years old, is tall and slender, and he easily twists or strains his ankles. At least I think he does.

This may also be a self esteem issue because the other boys in the group already have a history of soccer and they are more aggressive than he is at this time. He is the "newbie." I am not ignoring the injuries as a possible act to hide other emotional issues if there is low self esteem at this time.

IF however, there is a problem with his ankles easily hurting, are there exercises somebody could recommend to strengthen them for soccer?

I would also gladly accept suggestions for any other exercises to help in soccer.:)
 
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Hey,

Well I coach a team of 12 and 13 year olds and honestly the best thing he can do for his ankles is wear shinguards with ankle discs. Sondico make some good pairs. Basically playing soccer will strengthen his ankles. Just give it some time.
 
Wear shin pads which have ankle protection

Or, tell him to raise his elbows going into a challenge (trick of an old pro!) they wont come back for more.
 
Oh and get him a wobble board. They are pretty cheap and do a great job for the ankle. Hey chrissmith how bout he goes up with some elbows in the headers thats bound to scare them off!
 
Thank you

Thank you all for the advice.

NBS 4life> Thank you for the suggestion of the wobble board. Presently he does use the shinguards but I have not heard of the ankle protection. I will talk to his trainers about where to find them. We live in a Canadian province that lacks many of the modern products so I may not be able to find the items here. I do have a brother in one of our major cities. He might be able to find them for me.
 
NBS 4life said:
Oh and get him a wobble board. They are pretty cheap and do a great job for the ankle. Hey chrissmith how bout he goes up with some elbows in the headers thats bound to scare them off!
Click to expand...

The best way to ward off a player is to leap for a header and drop your elbow into their shoulder/neck area on the way down, as he lands, as long as you land after him, its gunna hurt!

Ankle protector shinpads are becoming law by the way from FIFA for all players after this world cup.

They cost about £2 more (not sure of exchange rate with CAN$ sorry!) but its worth it - it just looks like a sock (without the toes) on the shinpad - with little rubber protectors for inside and outside of the ankle.
 
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Didn't make the team, but...

Hi. My son found out tonight that he didn't make the competitive team. HOWEVER, they do have a local soccer league, run by the same organization for local play and training. They gave him a very positive talk about his skill level and he shows much potential for future chance. This is only hte second year he has played the sport while those he has tried out with have been in the system for 7 years. I was very proud of him and the coaches were very positive and he is eager to keep trying.

We will acquire the ankle support, purchase a wobble board and practice the exercises suggested by the coaches. In the meantime....I am trying to find a website that might give the basics of soccer theory. It is as much for me as the parent as it is for my son, the player.

In the meantime....FIFA WORLD CUP TIME!!!!! Woo Hoo!!:)
 
Basics of soccer theory - try

Lawrence (the man who runs it) is highly knowledgable and it has lots of little practices that your son could do to fine tune his game :)
 
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