Expert advice on how sportsmen can wisely utilise off-season period 

Why is off-season important to athletes? 

For every sport, race and competition, the season has an ending. However, the period outside a competitive duration is considered off-season, a period when every player should reflect on how the league  was, the achievements they made and the challenges they faced. 

It is also the time that players should plan for the next season, factoring in their fitness level and injury prevention 

Here are some ways that sports people can utilise their off-season maximally  

Rest and recovery 

Once the season is over, it’s time for some well-deserved rest since the body needs time to heal. Any athlete who pushed too hard throughout the year will almost assuredly see physical harm.  

Rest is important, you may not feel it but you need to recover physically and psychologically. 

You should start a new season hungry and eager, especially when trying to push to the next level. Sleep will not kill you but will make you stronger 

Reflect 

This is the time to look back on the season and write what worked, what did not work and what went well and why. 

Analyse yourself 

It is the time to watch if you’re still fit from your season, the time to do your analysis on fitness and performance. If you are in form with good fitness and you can start working on the necessary adjustments before the main season starts 

Friends 

Remember your friends from the hood, the school buddies or maybe even family members and relatives you’ve stayed away from to train over the season.  These people are important part of your support system.

(The writer is a Sports Physiotherapist )

Off season is a great time to reconnect.