Off-season versus pre-season

Athletes that have annually periodized their competition and training schedules should have dedicated time away from there chosen sport during the year. This is typically after their most important competition. This period of time, known as the off-season, is used to allow their bodies to mentally, physically, and emotionally regenerate.

 

As early as 10 years ago the off-season was treated by athletes as a time to completely relax and enjoy other things in life e.g. vacations, other sedentary hobbies etc… The athletes would then report to the pre-season camp regenerated but having lost their competition levels of fitness. Due to the dramatic loss of fitness levels it would take 6-8 weeks of pre-season training to regain their fitness levels, and typically they were beginning their season in a detrained state when comparing to the end of previous season.

 

Today, athletes use the off-season as a chance to improve their weaknesses. The off-season is still used as a time to regenerate but the athletes use this valuable time to enhance other areas that may get neglected during the regular season. For example a baseball player may spend the off-season in the gym improving strength/power, or a hockey player may train for increased core strength & agility (foot-work).

 

Therefore the off-season of “today” serves two purposes; it allows athletes to get away from the competitive environment which decreases the physical, psychological and emotional stress on the body. Injuries can heal and the athletes are able regain the “hunger” for competition. Secondly athletes are able to maintain their fitness levels with cross training and improve on their physical and/or mental weaknesses with specific and dedicated training in those “weak” areas. In conclusion athletes use the off-season as a pre-season for the next pre-season!

Craig Dalrymple

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