Fatigue Perhaps?

[sydneyjongleur]

Hi, I am currently in the middle of a soccer season and I am finding my legs very heavy during games.
Only a few weeks ago I felt the fittest that I had been in a long time, but the sharpness has not been there in the last couple of games and I feel like I am getting less fit and finding I am running very one paced and finding it a struggle.
I train twice during the week for 1.5 hrs on cardio stuff mostly, and have over 2 days rest before games.

Is this fatigue setting into the legs or am I not eating the correct foods perhaps. I dont feel that my diet is too bad but you never know.

Any help would be appreciated

[Heidi]

It could be a wide range of things including your diet or dehydration. Make sure you address any such problems.
What is your cardio training like? Do you do intervals or sprints? If not you should. Soccer is a stop and start game with fast bursts of speed and changes in speed and direction. Your training should represent this.
Other things to do with your training including SAQ drills. This stands for speed agility and quickness. There are many examples of such drills on the net and often include agility ladders and mini hurdles etc.
Another thing worth trying is sports massage. This can help to make your legs feel really light and will correct any muscle tightness problems before you even know you have them!
Good luck!

[sydneyjongleur]

I am pretty well hydrated and take an isotonic sports drink before and after matches, with carbs in the morning before a match.

The cardio training is half in half with endurance and some sprints. We do some of the SAQ stuff that you mentioned.

I will monitor my performance over the next few weeks to see if the situation improves. We have had a change in weather recently with pitches becoming very heavy which might also be part of the reason.

Do you not think it could be to do with tired muscles?

[Heidi]

Possibly, if you have been working your legs harder than usual. That's why sports massage may be helpful.