In-Season Training for Football Players at Hardbody Athlete

Why In-Season Training Matters During the off-season, it’s common to see football players hitting the gym hard. However, once the season starts, the weight room often becomes underutilized. At Hardbody Athlete, we challenge this norm because maintaining strength and muscle mass throughout the season is crucial. Without continued training, athletes can lose the gains they worked so hard for by mid-season.

The Edge of Continuous Training In-season training isn’t just about maintaining strength; it’s a strategic advantage. Training consistently three times a week allows youth athletes to achieve around 150 sessions per year. Over the span from ages 10 to 14, that can amount to 208-312 more training sessions than competitors who skip in-season workouts. This significant advantage in physical preparation and training maturity can set our athletes apart.

Optimal Training Frequency During the Season At Hardbody Athlete, we recommend two comprehensive body training sessions per week during the season. This frequency ensures consistency and balances well with sports practice schedules. For more experienced athletes, we also suggest incorporating two additional micro-sessions strategically throughout the week to maximize gains without causing burnout.

Training Experience and Program Design Our approach varies depending on the athlete’s experience level:

  • Novice: Athletes in 7th or 8th grade, or those new to the weight room, benefit from two full-body training sessions per week. This foundational work is crucial for developing coordination and motor control without overloading young athletes.
  • Beginner: Athletes with basic training experience but lacking size and strength for high school competition might train more frequently if their game play is minimal. For those getting considerable playtime, we focus on maintaining strength and mass with two targeted sessions per week.
  • Intermediate: More seasoned athletes will engage in a wave-loading program to optimize strength. The first session of the week focuses on gradually increasing intensity, while the second session emphasizes power output through advanced techniques like using chains and bands.

Tailoring Our Approach Each athlete at Hardbody Athlete receives a customized in-season training plan, reflecting their developmental stage, competitive schedule, and individual needs. By understanding each athlete’s unique situation, we can structure training sessions that lead to optimal performance without risking overtraining.

Conclusion In-season training is crucial for football players looking to maintain and build upon their off-season gains. At Hardbody Athlete, we prioritize year-round development to ensure our athletes are always at their best, ready to outperform the competition.