As your competitive season ends either during the fall or spring semester, the off-season begins right away. Accessing motivation during this period can be tough for college athletes, as there are very few competitive games to look forward to. In addition, coaches add tiresome loads of cardio into practices, heavy lifting sessions, plus, schoolwork still needs to be done. I'm here to talk about the importance of the off-season and to provide a few tips on how you can stay motivated throughout it.
1. Now is the Time to Improve
Yes, the off-season can be brutal. But now is the time to improve on all aspects of your game to be a better player once the competitive season starts. Improving on physical aspects of your game now, such as your speed, strength, and endurance, can make all the difference when the real season begins – remember, the smallest margins can determine winners and losers!
2. Watch, Analyze, Implement
A top tip I can vouch for is to look back on your performances during the past season. Analyze where you can improve, and begin to put them into place on the practice field and during the scrimmages that are ahead. Using video analysis is a great form of understanding where you can improve from a positional, tactical, technical, and decision-making aspect – so it's worth the time! Even asking for a second opinion on certain video clips, from coaches and teammates, can add other views and standpoints to help you understand where you can get better as a player and as a teammate on the field.
3. For the Love of the Game
It can be tough to turn up every day and try to push yourself as hard as possible with no competitions or games to look forward to. However, remember why you're playing your sport in the first place – because you (hopefully) love it! Getting to play the sport you love everyday is an amazing position to be in that other college students may not ever get to experience. Therefore, cherish it, be grateful, and have a positive mindset. The real season comes around quick, so focusing on it and working hard to be in the best possible shape when it does arrive is some strong motivation.
4. Enjoy the Little Things
Taking the time to unwind and relax outside the sport environment is also important during the off-season. Players tirelessly work each week, which makes it physically and mentally demanding. So, getting the chance to hang out with friends, going out to dinner with teammates, getting involved in fun activities, and having the chance to immerse yourself in the college experience are all great things to do while you have the time. As soon as the real season comes around, it will consist of traveling to away games and having weeks filled with practices and games – so make the most of having spare time now and enjoy the little things!
I hope this advice was useful and provides some perspective for athletes having to split their yearly seasons into two. Remember to stay hungry and motivated for what's ahead. I wish everyone well in their off-season journey, good luck!
