Train Smart!

I was recently watching a youth football game and noticed several areas that the coaching staff could improve upon to help their players maximize their performance and minimize the risk of injury. The very first thing I noticed, was the kids were not taken through a proper warm-up prior to the game. Basically, the players performed a few calisthenics and static type stretches and it was onto the game.  It is difficult or players to achieve a state of game readiness without engaging in a more comprehensive warm-up. A proper warm –up should include; an active warm-up, dynamic mobility, movement drills, and football specific drills.

Another area where improvements could be made is having the players remove their helmets while standing on the sideline. On the particular day I watched the game, the on field temperature was approximately  105 degrees and yet the players were instructed that they could not remove their helmets. Wow, I am not a Doctor but I can tell you that based on research removing one’s helmet helps the body cool itself off which in turn allows the player to safely perform at a higher level.  Have you ever noticed that NFL players remove their helmets while on the sideline?

Lastly, when the game was finished the kids walked across the field and shook hands with the other team, which is certainly the right thing to do. After they displayed good sportsmanship, the coach gathered his team together and proceed to talk to them for 20 mins. The coach missed out on a wonderful opportunity to have his players static stretch while he was talking to them to help restore the normal length of the muscle tissues after a massive athletic effort which helps the body to properly recover. In addition, the coach could have handed out some type of sports drink to help the kids replace their glycogen stores which helps refuel their bodies.

Train Smart!!