I thought I was pretty fit until I took a soccer fitness test, and found I need to work on my endurance and stamina.

Working on speed and agility has made me stronger and improved my explosiveness on the pitch. But as soon as I miss a couple of days of training, I can feel the difference in my fitness levels.

It’s really wierd.

I thought it might just be in my mind, but I read somewhere that fitness levels start to fall after missing a few days of training. And with the heat we’ve been getting, it’s tough to keep to my training schedule.

So when it does get too hot I head to the pool and make sure I get a good workout. Swimming is really good for pre-season soccer training because it helps strengthen the knees and works me hard.

I also play basketball, squash, badminton and table tennis because these sports are fun and they help with my pre-season soccer fitness.