Play Indoor
This is a great way to keep yourself in shape and sharpen your foot skills. Some coaches fear playing soccer year-round could lead to burnout. They are correct. But if you give yourself some time off—it varies from several weeks to a month from player to player—and play a couple of weekend tournaments here and there, you will keep yourself in shape both physically and mentally.

Stay on the Run!
Legs are the ultimate tool for a soccer player, so you need to keep them in the best of shape. Any type of running is good in the off-season. One of the best ways to keep in shape is to jog 45 minutes every day. You can break it up into two 20-minute sessions. Using a treadmill, stair master, or stationary bicycle will help as well. These routines will keep your heart rate at a healthy rate.

Play other sports
When you're not playing soccer, many sports are perfect to keep your body in shape and toned, and your heart—the most important muscle in your body—pumping at a high rate. Basketball uses many of the same muscles as soccer. Racquetball, squash and tennis are also good because they have sudden and lateral movements, just like soccer.

Work those stomach muscles
You don't often see soccer players with a big belly? That's because running keeps their abdominal (stomach) muscles in good shape. Any type of sit-up or stomach crunches on a daily basis will do the trick and keep those stomach muscles tight. Throw in some push-ups as well because you want your entire body to be fit.

Get off the couch!
Unless you're living in a warm weather climate such as California or Florida, there is a good chance you will be forced to stay indoors for long periods of time due to the cold and snow. It's easy to become a couch potato—watching TV, surfing the Internet or playing video games. While those certainly are fun things to do, you should do it in moderation.

Watch soccer on TV
If you are going to watch TV, make it a learning experience (and a way to keep your hunger for the game) by watching soccer games. There are plenty of matches to choose from—MLS Europe, South America and the U.S.'s national teams.

Eat Right!
Many people (even soccer players) traditionally put on weight during the winter because they eat heavier foods over the holidays. You don't want to enter the season overweight because you will be sluggish and slow. It will take a while to take off those extra pounds. So watch what you eat.

If the weather breaks...
Take advantage and go outside and kick the ball around with brothers, sisters, friends, or even with mom and dad. There is nothing like breathing fresh air and playing your favorite sport.

Teachers and parents:
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