Pre-season preparations

Hopefully everyone is enjoying the beautiful BC summer weather. For those that play fall/winter sports then your pre-season has either just got underway or is soon to start. The typical off-season for winter sports (summer months) will have been different for everyone. The higher level (elite) athletes will likely have continued training and competing in club competitions or have been involved in provincial/national training camps/tournaments. Whereas less competitive athletes likely had an extended period away from their chosen sport spending time cross training (swimming, biking, hiking…) and more importantly have experienced decreased activity levels, and consequently resulting in decreased fitness levels.

 

Whatever your off-season activities there are certain guidelines that I recommend you follow before starting another pre-season/season. Firstly a physical fitness assessment should be completed. If you have trained and competed all summer then it may be determined more beneficial for you to take two to four weeks of active rest. This will allow the body and mind time to recover. Conversely if you have been somewhat inactive during the summer months then it is highly likely that the body has experienced significant “de-training” resulting in decreased fitness levels. Experienced athletes will be able to accurately assess their fitness levels, however, novice athletes my have to seek professional advice.

 

After the assessment yourself, the coach, and/or fitness advisor can determine the most appropriate training/competition schedule to ensure that the body and mind have received enough rest and recovery and that the pre-season (early season) schedule enables the body to regain (or improve) previous fitness levels whilst minimizing injury. The “SAID” principle should be implemented in your training program (Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands). In short the body and mind should be progressively overloaded during the pre-season or early season to ensure that they positively adapt to the loads that have been placed on them.

 

Completing a physical/mental fitness evaluation and designing an appropriate training program will now enable you to maximize your potential for the upcoming season. Simply strapping on the equipment and hitting the training ground without sufficient preparation is a recipe for disaster.

Craig Dalrymple

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