As a youth athlete, you are dedicated to improving your skills and performance on the field, court, or track. However, many young athletes fall into the trap of taking a break from training once the season starts. While it’s tempting to take a break and enjoy some downtime, it’s important to understand the importance of in-season training. Here are a few key reasons why youth athletes should continue training during the season.
Stay Strong
Strength is an essential component of any athletic performance. To maintain strength through the season, athletes are encouraged to train at least once per week. Those who stop training will experience a gradual loss of strength, making it more difficult to perform at their best during games and competitions. By continuing to train during the season, you can maintain your strength and stay at the top of your game.
Stay Fast
Speed is a crucial aspect of many sports, and it is essential to maintain all aspects of speed during the season. This means continuing to train with exercises that focus on speed, agility, and quickness. It is recommended that athletes maintain an in-season training regimen of once per week to ensure they are at their fastest during competitions.
Stay Conditioned
Cardiovascular endurance is another key component of athletic performance, and it can diminish by as much as 25% in the first three weeks of discontinued training. By continuing to train during the season, you can maintain your cardiovascular endurance and stay in top physical condition. This will help you to perform at your best during games and competitions, and avoid fatigue and injury.
Stay Explosive
Explosiveness and power are crucial for many sports, as they allow athletes to jump high and move fast. These qualities are often essential for success in sports such as basketball, football, and track and field. However, athletes who stop training in-season demonstrate a loss in explosiveness and power, making it more difficult for them to perform at their best during games and competitions. By continuing to train during the season with exercises that focus on explosiveness and power, such as plyometrics, medicine ball throws, and strength training, you can maintain these qualities and perform at your best.
Stay Injury Free
Finally, it’s important to remember that in-season training can help you stay injury-free. Athletes who continue training while in-season have been found to reduce their risk of injury by as much as 50%. By continuing to train, you can keep your body in top condition, reduce your risk of injury, and ensure you are always ready to perform at your best.
In-season training is essential for youth athletes who want to stay at the top of their game. By continuing to train during the season, you can maintain your strength, speed, cardiovascular endurance, explosiveness, and reduce your risk of injury. So, keep up your training regimen, stay dedicated, and you’ll see the results on the field, court, or track.
Phil Padilla is the Director of Athletic Development for Redline Athletics. Phil can be reached at phil@redlineathletics.com