Tuesday, September 10, 2013

A New Year Begins

Well, squirrels here we are back at school and ready for a new year.  So far things seem to be going much better than in previous years.  Soccer won their three matches and volleyball is much improved; victory is close.  As always we have some injuries early in the season.  Ladies, most injuries occur during the first three weeks of practice.  Why do you think that is the case?  What happens during those first three weeks?

I have a good idea and I have been sharing this with the fighting squirrels for seven years now.  Conditioning must be accomplished in the off season and preseason.  An athlete can not expect to do little or no training for three months and get into condition in the two weeks before the first competition.  Many of the injuries we see early in the year are because our athletes were not prepared.  This is a cautionary note to basketball, softball and tennis.  Your seasons are still months away.  Take the time to get ready for your sport.

Too many of you believe that by running at a slow, steady pace for two or three miles 3 times a week is all the conditioning you require for your sport.  This type of running is fine for the average college student who just wants to watch their weight and get a little exercise.  For an athlete, that is not training.  In the three sports that will coming into season over the next few months, much more work is required for proper conditioning.

 You must sprint, jump and lift weights.  To prepare for your sport you must perform sports specific training.  Sports specific training requires you to perform exercises that are as similar to your sport as possible.  The last time I checked, a basketball player does not go out on the floor and run around at a steady pace for 20 or 30 minutes.  Basketball players run, jog, walk, jump, fight for rebounds, box out.  They run forward, backward, sideways.  Softball requires quick bursts of energy, the same for tennis.  Softball and tennis also have similar arm movements which put stress on the shoulder.  All of these different stresses need to be addressed prior to the first practice.  There is an old saying, "Championships are won in the off season."

To become great you must separate yourself from your fellow students.  You are athletes and you must train like athletes.  Many of you know what you need to do.  So, as the saying goes, "Just do it."  If you need help see me.  The weight room is open from 6 AM - 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 6 AM to 5 PM on Friday and 12 noon to 5 PM on Saturday.  Do not tell me you don't have time; I am sure you spend more than an hour a day on your smart-phone.  Come to the gym, work hard, relieve some stress and get in condition for your sport.  With proper conditioning you will feel less sore during those first practices and can reduce your risk of injury.  Being out of shape is not a permanent condition.  You must strive to elevate yourself above the rest.  March on Squirrels.