Summer is almost here and with it comes a big opportunity for your players and your team to grow and improve. Don’t let it pass you by. Here are some tips for keeping your athletes focused and active through the dog days:
Make time for fun – Summer is a perfect time to improve strength and skills, but don’t forget it’s also a break for your student athletes and deserving of some fun. In the midst of your summer workouts and scrimmages, set aside some time for team outings. Go to a local amusement park or beach if there is one nearby. Plan a weekend camping trip. Not only will your players appreciate time out of the gym or off the field, they’ll have a great time bonding together.
Set goals – without a game schedule or competition, summertime workouts can get monotonous. Make sure you’re still setting and working toward goals – individually and as a team. Keep track of team goals on a calendar dry erase board or progress in strength building and conditioning with a strength record board. You can also meet individually with players at the start of the summer to set personal goals, and then evaluate each player’s goals at the start of the new school year.
Stay safe – summertime brings summer fun, but also risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries, especially for outdoor sports. These include everything from muscle cramps to potentially fatal heat strokes. Players can’t perform at their best if they aren’t healthy. Take extra precautions to beat the heat. Make sure players are well stretched and warmed up before jumping into strenuous drills. Take frequent breaks and have a trainer nearby in case of an emergency. Perhaps most importantly, keep hydrated with cool drinks and know the symptoms of heat related illnesses.
Summertime is a prime opportunity for your players to take their game to the next level, and we’re here to help. Contact a representative today to find out how we can give you the tools to help your team reach its goals.