New seasons are starting up for fall athletes, but some may ask: how do these athletes prepare themselves and stay in shape during summer break? Here is what challenges fall athletes face when starting up school and sports.
How athletes prepare for fall competition
Soccer, volleyball and football are all now in season, but what kind of training is required for these athletes in the offseason? Athletes train in different ways and this is to help them stay in shape and help prevent common injuries for their next season.
Freshman goalkeeper Jordan Frantz says she joins club teams to stay active, conditions 3 times a week and lifts 5 times a week.
"I often like to run on the field because it is more game realistic," Frantz said.
Balancing training and schedules
During summer break, the offseason can make it challenging for athletes to maintain a consistent routine. So how do they manage to balance a social schedule with their training schedule?
“Time management has been a skill I’ve become really good at; I like to keep calendars and to-do lists so I know what I have going on,” Frantz said.
During the school year, athletes juggle their sport while managing their mental and physical health - a balance that can be extremely challenging.
NCAA notes that this can be a huge adjustment for college athletes:
"One of the biggest adjustments to college life is learning how to manage your time between academics, athletics, employment, social life and perhaps most importantly, sleep," the article explains.
The Importance of staying in shape during off-season
Focusing on your practice and training is especially important for athletes. Staying consistent in a routine builds and sustains speed while also preparing your mind and body for the upcoming season.
Cameron Moore, an author for Continuous Motion Physical Therapy, discussed the important balance that must be struck.
“Achieving peak performance in sports requires more than just skill; it demands a comprehensive approach to training. Sports performance training is designed to enhance physical strength, mental resilience, and overall athletic capabilities, making it an essential tool for athletes striving for excellence," Moore said.
"One of the hardest things for an athlete to do is fall out of shape and trying to get back into shape," Frantz added.
As the season kicks off, the preparation done for athletes is very clear and evident. For fall athletes, staying in shape, managing schedules and maintaining both mental and physical health are all a part of the grind. The transition from offseason to in-season competition highlight just how much dedication is required for the typical college athlete.
