Pre-season fitness training priorities

## Introduction

As excitement brews for a new field hockey season, laying the groundwork with effective pre-season fitness training is essential. This preparatory phase is crucial for avoiding injuries and ensuring a strong, successful season. Every stakeholder—players, coaches, and parents—plays a vital role during this period. This guide offers tailored insights for each group, providing a comprehensive resource for pre-season triumph.

## For Players

**Fuel Your Passion with Fitness**

The pre-season period is your opportunity to establish a solid fitness foundation. Here’s how you can gear up for an outstanding season:

- **Cardiovascular Conditioning:** To maintain peak performance for the full duration of a match, focus on building endurance through interval training, combining sprints and extended running sessions to boost stamina.

- **Strength Training:** Engage in bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, and push-ups to enhance core and lower body strength, crucial for power and agility on the field.

- **Flexibility and Recovery:** Prioritise stretching routines and yoga to improve flexibility and prevent injuries. These practices also support quicker recovery post-training.

## For Coaches

**Crafting a Cohesive Pre-Season Plan**

Your responsibility as a coach is to develop a training regime that balances team needs with individual player development:

- **Balanced Workouts:** Organise sessions that blend strength, endurance, and skills training. Use game-simulating drills to keep players engaged and translatable skills fresh.

- **Injury Prevention Focus:** Integrate dynamic warm-ups and static stretching in cool-downs. Educate players on their importance for long-term health and injury prevention.

- **Team Building Activities:** Strengthen team dynamics with activities beyond typical training, such as strategy meetings or casual team-building exercises and retreats.

## For Parents

**Supporting Your Young Athlete**

Parents are instrumental in their child's pre-season preparation. Here’s how to assist effectively:

- **Nutrition and Hydration:** Ensure your child’s meals are balanced with sufficient proteins and carbohydrates to fuel their training, and encourage continuous hydration, especially after workouts.

- **Encouragement and Balance:** Aid your child in setting achievable fitness goals. Celebrate progress, however incremental, and reinforce the importance of downtime to prevent burnout.

- **Gear Up Right:** Ensure they have the necessary and supportive training gear. Collaborating with Inside Hockey can provide insights into acquiring quality equipment.

## Conclusion

Pre-season fitness isn't merely about physical preparation—it’s a comprehensive approach, encompassing mental strength and teamwork. Focusing on these elements helps everyone involved gear up for a prosperous season. For more detailed exercises and drills, browse our related content on Inside Hockey.

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## FAQ

**Q: How soon before the season should pre-season training begin?**  
A: Initiating pre-season training six to eight weeks before the season’s start is advisable.

**Q: What is the most crucial element of pre-season training?**  
A: Implementing a balanced regime encompassing cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training is paramount.