Importance of Preseason Training

It may seem hard to get the motivation to practice and condition before the start of the season but the importance of it isn't stressed enough. It doesn't matter the sport, age or your skill level it is crucial to get out there to strength and condition months before the season. This practice or preseason training not only builds up your skill and knowledge of the game but also prevents injuries from happening. Training of 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the season will allow the body to adapt to their demanding sports.

The skipping of preseason could really set you up for a bad season ahead of you. The main reason coaches emphasize to condition before the season is to make sure you are in "match shape" when starting back up. This will allow you to get right back on the field feeling great instead of always being tight. This time will help give you an advantage on the field with strength and power. It not only gives you time to get in shape but also gives you time to improve your skills and weaknesses. Not taking advantage of preseason is silly because you start behind everyone. This is an important time but you have to find a happy medium of how much your body can handle before being fried fro the real season. Over training can effect performance and health; increasing intensity too fast can slow down aerobic activity but some is needed. You need to allow time for recovery while conditioning.  Most teams tend to focus on core, balance and endurance then rotate into their sport specific workouts. Why start from scratch?

Preseason is a huge help in preventing injuries at the start of the season. Entering the season on a stiff body increases the chance of injury. Going from doing no physical activity to aggressive workouts right away will demand a lot from your body. Most injuries during the start of the season is from a poor preseason which could have been prevented. Those who didn't participate in a preseason training put a huge strain on their body when entering the season which explains tendinitis and muscles strains. These happen from a weak body trying to apply itself too thin when its not in the condition to do so.You may be an athletic person but still have to work to be in the proper shape from your sport whether its a contact or non-contact one to perform your best and prevent injuries.

Sample Off Season Training Phase

Off Season Training Schedule
MON	Functional strength, core training, stability exercises.Swimming 20 mins
TUE	Rest
WED	Badminton, tennis, squash etc. 30-60 mins
THU	Rest
FRI	Functional strength, core training, stability exercises. Cross trainer 20 mins
SAT	Rest
SUN	Rest