Summer Preparation for Football
Subscribe to our NewsletterSummer Preparation for Football:
Summer Preparation for Football:
There is no doubt that the hardest part of CCJAA football is the first two weeks known as “Hell Week.” Coaches can quickly spot those who stayed active over the summer and those that did not. We strongly feel that if a parent follows this guide, their child will be physically prepared for the task ahead.
Q: How exactly will this help?
Football is arguably the most physically demanding sport in which your child will participate. If asked, parents of children who have been through the program would no doubt agree. During the first week of practice, coaches are going to look for the players that can handle each position and assess their abilities and strengths. It is hard to concentrate, learn and compete at your best, all while you are catching your breath and lagging behind with 20 extra pounds of equipment strapped on your body.
Q: Who should do the exercise?
Parents must realize that the best lessons are taught by example. Join in on the exercise and show that it is not only fun, but also rewarding when goals are met. Let your child encourage you as well. We can all benefit from a little quality time together and the exercise doesn’t hurt either. Remember, you’re not competing, you are not the coach or trainer, and you’re a team. Be positive and go at their pace.
Q: What exercise should we do?
Endurance walking/jogging is a good way to get started. Start with 10-15 minutes (non-stop) the first 2 weeks and gradually increase 2-5 minutes a week during the summer, to a goal of 30 minutes. Parents can speed walk at about the pace of the player’s jog, but not stopping rather than speed is the goal. 5 to 10 (40 yard) sprints should be added to the regiment after 4 weeks. Pushups and sit-ups (15 to 20) should be included with the stretching before and after walking/running.
Q: When should we exercise?
Avoid the heat of the day, between 11:00 A.M. & 5:00P.M exercising can be dangerous. Choosing a time after 5:00 P.M. or before 11:00 A.M. should offer the best relief while getting acclimated to the heat. ALWAYS DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!!! Drink water throughout the day, with breakfast, lunch and dinner and avoid high sugar drinks such as cool aid, sodas and sport drinks. When a child realizes that he/she is thirsty, they have already dehydrated.
Confidence will come with the success of being able to handle the conditioning. More importantly, teaching our children to embrace exercise is a great way of promoting a permanent healthy lifestyle.
