Cold weather can be a hassle. When it gets cold, soccer just feels a lot different. The ball gets harder, players get tight muscles and overall the game becomes a lot slower and people play with a much different style. Short and fast passes matter a lot more than wanting to play like Neymar Jr.
One of the first things you notice when it’s cold is how much the ball and field changes in freezing temperatures and how it changes how the game is played. The ball gets harder and bouncier according to Rise FC. Simple touches feel a lot sharper and passes don’t roll the same as on warm grass or turf. Players really just have to adjust their style and already know what to do with the ball when they receive a pass.
Cold weather also affects the players themselves. When it is freezing outside your muscles seem to feel a lot tighter and this not only affects confidence but it also makes you just feel sluggish. According to SportsEdTV, low temperatures can ask more from your body than normal, and this makes the game a lot harder to play and highly increases the chance of injury. I myself have dealt with muscle injuries due to not being warmed up and instantly trying to play at 100% in game, and it definitely is risky.
So as the winter season is coming and coming fast, if you play soccer, or any other sport, it should be in the back of your mind to always warm up and not instantly jump into a game. There are way too many risks and it is always best to prepare yourself for the freezing temperatures that are to come.