Preparing for Preseason Training: A Guide to Getting Back on the Field Safely

It won’t be long before crisp weather, falling leaves and cheers from the stadium are upon us. Autumn is fast approaching, which means that preseason training for the season’s traditional sports—such as football and soccer—is just around the corner.

The question is: After spending the summer relaxing, how do you properly prepare for preseason to avoid being injured before everything officially kicks off?

The answer: adequate preparation.

That said, here are some tips to help you gear up for the brisk but brutal preseason training awaiting you:

Go for a physical

Having a physical before preseason starts ensures that you’re healthy and ready to play. If something hurts, have it checked out by a physician. Failure to do so could result in serious injury later on during the season.

Get your body moving

Master the art of fundamental moving patterns, such as squatting, jumping and kicking. This creates a solid foundation for your body to build upon. Agility, flexibility and strength do not develop overnight. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results. For example, try alternating intervals of hard sprints with light jogging. This will teach your body proper balance and endurance for running longer distances (which will come in handy when you have to motor down the field).

If you’re not sure where to begin, talk to your physician or coach to learn suitable training techniques.

Take care of your body

Eat well, sleep well and keep consistently hydrated before, during and after preseason training. Pack on the fruits, veggies and lean meats. Make sure you get eight to 10 hours of solid shut-eye. Keep water on you—and in you—at all times to avoid dehydration.

Remember: A well-balanced body is a well-performing body.

Assess, assess, assess

Get assessed by a trained professional—such as a strength/conditioning coach or physical therapist—to ensure your body is balanced with functional movement. If imbalance or dysfunction occurs, a professional can give you the proper techniques you need to correct the problem before it leads to injury.

On a similar note, make sure that all sports equipment fits well (including footwear); ill-fitted equipment can result in accidental injury during the season.

By following these tips, you’re sure to kick start a safe and fantastic season, on and off the field.

 

Come to the Sports Specialists 

At Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (NEOSM), our team of orthopedic physicians specializes in all aspects of sports medicine, including comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and preventive care of sports-related injuries. As a practice, we are committed to utilizing the latest advancements to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care possible.