Offseason Conditioning Leads to In-Season Success

The regular season and the playoffs are the most tangible markers of success and failure in the world of sports. They give us wins and losses, statistics and, quite often, a number of people in the stands who provide a solid indication of the good and the bad.

That said, the wins don’t usually happen by accident or even because of premier genetics. Instead, they tend to happen in the offseason. The most dedicated athletes typically understand this, but the knowledge isn’t universal. Some athletes show up for the game and, win or lose, continue a routine of the bare minimum. This is where coaches come in. Through discussions in practice, guidance during a game or tutorials on a sports team website, coaches can teach young athletes about the importance of the offseason.

Hockey season lasts 12 months

Even the world’s greatest hockey players believe in some rest here and there. However, during the NHL offseason, Matt Nichol, one of the league’s most renowned physical trainers, believes players should keep a proper diet at all times, according to ESPN.

“Nothing is as effective as eating real food,” Nichol told the news source. “I’m not advocating for kids at home drinking shakes.”

ESPN reported that protein shakes and juice blends have become a common part of the diets of NHL players. They’re portable, easy to drink and pack nutrients that can match any full meal.

Golfers also work out in the offseason

Chris Clendenen, the strength and conditioning coach for The Iowa State Cyclones golf team, has his athletes working out like football players, according to Iowa State Daily. Once a foreign concept to the world of golf, strength training has recently become a key part of the sport’s offseason. If you ever considered golf to be a lazy game, just consider Iowa State’s workout regimen.

“It’s going to be hamstrings, glutes, lower back and then you’re going to see over-active muscles - their hip flexors, deficiencies in their core,” Clendenen told the publication. “Getting their core stronger is going to be a big component of it, as well. I guess the three things I look for is their mobility, their general strength and then their core strength.”

While a number of athletes immediately understand the significance of offseason conditioning, this concept isn’t evident to all athletes. Coaches can do their part with team meetings and sports software so that their players use the offseason as the first step to greatness, rather than the first step to a slump.