What a year 2020 has been already! With so much uncertainty, finally, there is now some light appearing at the end of the tunnel for local footy players. With Victoria allowing teams to return to training in smaller groups, it’s no better time to give my insight on how to get through this tricky short training block.
Here are my top tips to tackle preseason 2.0!
- Listen to your body
This is the big one. Just like any preseason, each player will enter with varying levels of fitness. It’s important to not overtrain as it can lead to an overuse injury which can quickly put an end to your 2020 campaign. Listen to your body and address those niggles before they snowball into something bigger!
- Don’t forget your strength program
While some clubs will put a large emphasis on increasing the running load during this training block, it’s important not to turn our backs on our strength programs. Without the strength component, we run the risk of some of our key muscle groups not being able to cope with the running loads, inevitably leading to an overload injury. Don’t have a strength plan in place? The Podiatrists at Pro Feet Podiatry can get you on the right track!
- Let’s talk about footwear
Is it time to replace your old runners? Do your footy boots need an update? Footwear is a crucial element of any preseason. While it may be wet underfoot, I would still encourage all players to complete their running sessions in runners and keep the boots for the skills components of training. How do you know what boots or runners are right for me? Head into Active Feet in Ocean Grove, with a broad range and expert insight, they’ll be sure to find the right fit for you!
- Recovery is key
With a shortened season, each game will be critical to having finals success. So it’s never been so important to ensure you can stay out on the park. As they say, ‘the best ability is availability!’ So what can you do to stay on top of recovery? Spending more time on the foam roller, focusing on hydration (a few less beers after training), and doing some beach recovery the day after with teammates (while practising safe socially distancing, obviously!) Feeling a niggle coming on? Book in with one of the team at Pro Feet to get you back on track.
With still so much uncertainty ahead, hopefully, games aren’t too much further away. If you have any question or are after some more information, shoot me an email at [email protected] or book an appointment online!
Podiatrist