Off Season training tips for high school athletes from the #SportsSafety twitter

Posted on: January 17th, 2014 by Ortho Illinois

Once a month, on Wednesdays, @SportsSafety hosts a #SportsSafety Twitter chat, and it’s always a fruitful discussion (Hint: this is your invitation to participate on February 12th). January’s topic covered off-season training for young athletes, and it did not disappoint. So here are a few takeaways from the discussion.

1. Mix it up during the off season

Many people in the discussion pointed to a trend for young athletes to specialize. They’re always training for their one sport, which can lead to increased injuries.
https://twitter.com/MVP_ATC/statuses/423636975120162816
https://twitter.com/PirateATC/statuses/423637184323665920

A1: Cardiovascular exercise, strength & flexibility training, & injury prevention programs are all important in the offseason. #SportsSafety

— Dr. David Geier (@DrDavidGeier) January 16, 2014

2. Improve the core; make it fun 🙂

One of the points some of the athletic trainers and physicians pointed out is that too many athletes ignore the importance of core strength.

Also, young athletes are still, well, young, and they need time to refresh and recharge. Work hard, sure, but encourage them to enjoy themselves in the off-season and not allow training and staying active to stress them out.

@MVP_ATC So true. Fun is critical in the offseason for the kids to refresh mentally. #SportsSafety

— Dr. David Geier (@DrDavidGeier) January 16, 2014

https://twitter.com/hjluks/status/423645486029893632

#SportsSafety A3 They are kids!

Particularly below about 15 chill a bit and make it fun.

— Alasdair Dempsey (@ARDempsey) January 16, 2014

3. Always be safe

It just makes sense that a #SportsSafety chat would cover–you know–sports safety. Reminders about safety are always relevant and current because far too often we overdo it on the field, in the gym, or around the house.

A3: Coaches and athletes MUST recognize the boundary between safe activity and danger. Understand your body. #SportsSafety

— Adam Bitterman, DO, FAAOS (@DrAdamBitterman) January 16, 2014

Thinking of specific programs for Q3: What are your important safety tips when it comes to training and conditioning? #SportsSafety

— STOP Sports Injuries (@AOSSM_STOP) January 16, 2014

@SportsSafety A3 Proper technique, instruction, supervision, & spotters in the weight room can prevent many training injuries. #SportsSafety

— Dr. David Geier (@DrDavidGeier) January 16, 2014

4. Finally, 3 tips for athletes braving the cold

https://twitter.com/MVP_ATC/statuses/423648468167430145

Growing kids & Wt. Training- slow controlled/good form. There to build strength, NOT demonstrate it. Especially boys! #SportsSafety

— Nicholas DiNubile MD (@drnickUSA) January 16, 2014

https://twitter.com/PirateATC/statuses/423648806870077440