Many of you, especially in the northeast, are well into your fall high school season and dealing with a 5-6-day soccer schedule. Match this with ambitious high school coaches who are doing their best to manage the workload but might not always know how (or that it is critical), and it is important for you to know how to help yourself. You are likely well aware of this now, as parts of your body have started talking to you, so here are a few tips for the 6-Day Soccer Schedule: - You must strength train to keep ahead of injury and keep performance high, but you don't need exhausting 60-minute lifts right now. Stick to 20-minute sessions twice a week focusing on single-leg strength and core stability to prevent overuse injuries. Go light, focus on range of motion, and make sure you pay attention to your form. I also like focusing on what your body is telling you. IE Hamstrings are tight? Some weighted Romanian Deadlifts are excellent. - Don't skip the cool-down: Try not to just hop in the car right after the final whistle. A quick dynamic stretch and foam roll session goes a long way in keeping your legs fresh. These cool-downs are always at the end of a collegiate match. Considering your ambitions for the next level, start these habits now. - Balance the load: After a heavy match day, strictly focus on active recovery. Taking it away from soccer is a great idea: light cycling, mobility work, or yoga (I love Gaiam on YouTube) instead of piling on more heavy training or soccer-repetitive movement. - Fuel up aggressively: Carbohydrates are the primary and most efficient fuel source for soccer players. Eat a carb-heavy meal hours before playing, and hydrate constantly to keep cramps away. I like to say, "Drink beyond water. Things you need to digest like electrolyte drinks, Gatorade, or 1/2 orange juice, half water, and a pinch of salt." As long as they are healthy choices, these will serve you better for what you need to fuel a successful season.