As the high school sports season kicks into high gear, athletes will be practicing to perform at their highest level. In the heat of the season with practices, games, schoolwork, and resting, strength training is often passed over or thought of as an “off season necessity”. Strength Coach Mike Boyle has stated, “The biggest mistake high school athletes make is neglecting strength training during the season. Strength is a key component of speed and power, and if you don’t maintain it, your performance will decline.” Read ahead to see why in season resistance training can be a catalyst for a more successful season!
Maintaining Strength and Performance
In season strength training helps to maintain strength and power levels as the taxing sports season draws on. As a season goes, it is very easy to feel tired, worn out, or that performance is harder to maintain or top. Although athletes are still working hard, they are not maintaining the level of strength and power that they built up for the duration of their training programs without supplemental strength and power training.
Injury Prevention and Enhanced Recovery
High school sports can be demanding, and the risk of injury is always present. Resistance training strengthens muscles, ligaments, and tendons, providing better support for joints and reducing the likelihood of injuries. The in season program at Move Functional Fitness has components of power, strength, and stability. This will allow athletes to maintain their ability while preserving the strongest ability any team can have: availability.
One component missing is conditioning. Between games, practice (which likely contains some form of conditioning) and the need to rest and recover, omitting conditioning avoids overtraining and burnout over a season.
Confidence
The benefits of resistance training extend beyond the physical. The confidence gained from knowing they are maintaining their physical strength can translate into improved performance on the field or court. Athletes who feel strong and prepared are more likely to stay focused and perform under pressure. Feel good, play good, right?
Practical Tips for In-Season Training
- Consistency Over Intensity: Focus on maintaining strength with moderate weights and consistent training sessions rather than pushing for new personal records.
- Incorporate Functional Movements: Exercises that mimic the movements of the sport help in directly improving performance.
- Balance Workload: Ensure that resistance training complements, rather than competes with, practice and competition schedules to avoid overtraining.
- Recovery is Key: Include adequate rest and recovery strategies such as stretching, hydration, and proper nutrition.
Ready to elevate your game? Join our gym’s specialized in-season training program designed to help high school athletes stay strong and injury-free all season long. Let’s achieve greatness together!
