You’ve put in the work to have a great season, but now you’ve hit summer break and it seems like now you can just relax. However, you might also hear a small voice in your head saying to stay in shape and train to be better next season. Both voices are good, you should take time to rest and let your body recover, but you also do not want to get completely out of shape. How can you make the most of your time off-season?
Take Advantage of the Time to Rest
It is scientifically proven that human bodies need to take time to rest, especially after a grueling sports season. It is impossible to be at 100% all the time. So, take advantage of the time that you have to rest. Make sure to get plenty of sleep. Stay hydrated. Do more low-impact training exercises. Also, don’t be afraid to do other things, like go for a hike, or swim in a pool, or play flag football with some friends. Staying active in alternative activities can be a great way to spend your time out-of-season. Overall, you mostly need to make sure that you are not pushing yourself too hard.
Think Over Your Season
We all know that playing a sport is not only a physical activity but also a mental activity. When you are in off-season, it could be beneficial to watch over some of your game footage, look over your stats, and strategize some goals for your upcoming season. Time off can be a valuable opportunity for reflection, so take some time to think about your past seasons and brainstorm valuable ways to improve your performance.
Plan for Your Time Off
Making the off-season time productive requires some thought. If you go into the summer with no plan you probably will not meet the goals you hope to achieve. Planning for your time off can help you to stay accountable to yourself and meet your goals. Resting is needed, so to make the most of it try to think through what realistically that looks like for you, and then make a plan that will set you up for success going into your season.
Talk to Your Coach
Coaches have a lot of knowledge about what is best for their athletes, and they also know what skills and exercises will be most effective for the sport they coach. Beyond that, they can also be valuable mentors. If you have not already been in communication with your coach, reach out and get their input on how you can best spend your time. Developing a strong bond with your coach will be valuable in the short term and the long term.
Talk to Your Teammates
Your teammates are in the same boat as you. Reach out to them and see how they are spending their time. It might be valuable to coordinate a group training day or a group spa day. Even if you are unable to schedule a group activity, communication with your teammates will be valuable for creating a strong team. By staying connected in the off-season, your team will be more prepared to work and train together when the season comes around.
Talk to God
Finally, it is always a good idea to talk to God. Psalm 118:13-14 says, “I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” The best thing you can do for yourself is to find your strength and rest in God. Whether you are in season or out-of-season God can guide your steps and restore your soul, so find your peace in Him.
View more information about Athletics at Geneva here.
-Mattigan Burleigh '24
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Jun 26, 2023
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