To build strength during the off-season, athletes push themselves in off-season training without having the competitive pressure of the normal season hanging over them.
According to strength and conditioning coach Joe O’Hara, many athletes train “much harder” and “build up the strength, muscle and conditioning” aspects of their skills during the off-season.
“During the off season [athletes] don’t have to worry as much about competing and they can be able to focus more on game and strength, pushing themselves harder in the weight room,” O’Hara said.
The athletes that exercise in the off-season are less prone to injury during the season because “stronger athletes are less likely to get injured.”
“[Off-season training] will give a lot of health benefits, reduce injuries and just make them a stronger, better athlete,” O’Hara said.
Weightlifting in the offseason builds muscle and makes stronger athletes.
“Weightlifting has been scientifically proven to decrease injury rate,” senior Mckenna Schroding said. “Performance is also affected by weight training in a positive way because you build muscle and get stronger, improving your performance.”
According to Schroding, the athletes’ work in the offseason impacts their performance in the regular season.
“Off-season training is the most important part because whatever you do in the offseason directly impacts your season,” Schroding said. “Lifting and practicing will set you up for success.”
Schroding said constant off-season training is important because “training in the off-season sets you up for success in season.”
Consistent training benefits athletes.
“Going to practice consistently and doing drills that will benefit your game is definitely effective,” freshman Hannah Beckett said.
Off-season team training also helps teams to bond and improve.
“Training as a team is really important to prepare for the upcoming season and it also gives you a chance to better yourself, which makes the team better as well,” Beckett said.
The training in the off-season keeps the team familiar with each other.
“Off-season training helps to keep your team together and to just practice together and keep the dynamic going in the off season is good,” Beckett said.
The offseason training also affects the athletes’ performance.
“I think it affects your performance because the consistency really builds up and it can really make you a better player,” senior Nathan Woodbury said.
Training does not only help improve physical fitness.
Training also helps to improve the athletes’ mindset.
“I think it helps with the mindset to keep working even when you aren’t doing the sport,” freshman Lena Magill said.