In-Season Training For Athletes
Many athletes tend to avoid in-season training and in result lose muscle, strength, and the overall progress they made during the off-season.
These athletes have to play catch-up every year using valuable time and energy to bring back the progress they made before the season began.
However, those who continue to train will maintain or even make more progress throughout the season. That is why some athletes show up the following year much bigger and stronger.
Unfortunately, many players, parents, and even coaches worry about in-season training. They believe that extra workouts in addition to their sport will tire athletes out and that they won’t end up playing their best come game time.
Yes, all the practices and games can make them feel stressed and tired. However, in-season workouts should NOT look like off-season workouts anyway.
This is where “minimum effective dose” comes into the programming. This is when we use JUST enough volume, intensity, frequency, and strategic exercise selection to make gains
NOTHING MORE.
Doing this will help athletes maintain or even build strength and size while minimizing fatigue. It should also HELP athletes perform better during games because depending on how the workout is programmed, it can stimulate their nervous system or promote recovery.
As coaches we also take into consideration the energy levels that our athletes come into the session with. If we see that they have low energy and are feeling beat up, we tailor the workout to make sure it is promoting recovery rather than adding too much stress.
If they come in feeling energized and ready to go, we take advantage of that and make sure they get the stimulus they need to get bigger, stronger, and faster.
We are also aware of the stresses that practices and games have on them so we make sure their workout schedule is aligned with that as well.
If you or your child is involved in a spring sport, make sure in-season training is in the plan this year and see the benefits it provides!