The Great Indoors: Avoiding Dangerous Weather

In hail, thunderstorms and other adverse weather conditions, getting in a good workout can be a tall order. Sometimes the game goes on - football, soccer and cross-country are notorious for competing in troublesome weather. But once thunder and lightning is heard or seen, or hail starts to affect exposed skin, it is time to go inside. Sports team websites are great resources for facilities that kids can use to get in a practice when the weather doesn’t allow outdoor games.

In other cases, coaches have to improvise. Unfortunately, games must be delayed or canceled. But practices can be diverted indoors. Here are a few ways to get in a good practice when the conditions outside won’t permit it.

Use the school…

…with permission, of course. Once classes are over, hallways and gyms are empty, allowing for activity inside the building. This could actually be a blessing in disguise, as players will likely respond well to the change of pace and inclusion of some cross-training. Soccer teams can set up cones in a gym and create an indoor court, football teams can run short routes on the basketball court - track teams have even used school hallways to run sprints. Any sport can use a gym for conditioning drills like weightlifting, push ups and sit ups, and exercise bikes.

Hold a practice…

…mentally. When you cannot use indoor facilities to hold an actual practice, go to a classroom and conduct a visualization session. Athletes at all levels - even the pros - can benefit from visualizing a game or event, according to The Telegraph. Dr. Richard Suinn, sports psychologist, found that picturing an activity in an athlete’s head can cause the neurons that control those muscles to fire as though the athlete is actually playing. Not only that, but it allows the athlete to consider how he or she will react to specific situations and plays. In this way, visualization is an excellent form of mental preparation.

Watch film…

…even if it’s a movie. While game footage might actually be worthwhile to review, many youth sports teams are not quite at that level yet. So instead, go for a movie like Hoosiers or Remember The Titans. It’s a great way to build team chemistry and the kids will enjoy the surprise reprieve.

Cold, tough weather is on the way, but that doesn’t mean the practice has to stop. Using these starting points, post a backup plan on your team websites to beat the weather.